Hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy is associated with a particularly high case fatality rate especially in the third trimester. The approximate case fatality rate in pregnant women is:
- A 5–10%
- B 15–25% ✓
- C 30–40%
- D 50–60%
Correct answer: B. 15–25%
Explanation
Hepatitis E has a case fatality rate of about 1–3% in the general population but rises dramatically to 15–25% in pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, due to immune modulation of pregnancy leading to fulminant hepatic failure. The exact mechanism involves hormonal alterations in T-cell immunity. This is a defining epidemiological feature distinguishing HEV from HAV.
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.