Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is disproportionately severe in which population, with case fatality rates of up to 20–25%?
- A Immunocompromised patients with HIV
- B Pregnant women (especially in third trimester) ✓
- C Elderly males above 70 years
- D Infants below 1 year
Correct answer: B. Pregnant women (especially in third trimester)
Explanation
HEV infection during pregnancy — particularly in the third trimester — carries a CFR of 15–25% due to fulminant hepatic failure, compared to 0.5–4% in the general population. Proposed mechanisms include altered immune tolerance, increased viral replication, and hormonal factors. HEV genotype 1 (prevalent in South Asia, including India) is responsible for epidemic waterborne outbreaks with this high maternal mortality.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.