Use

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major etiologic agent of enterically transmitted non‑A, non‑B hepatitis worldwide and has a high case‑fatality rate in pregnant women. Both IgM and IgG antibody to HEV (anti‑HEV) are produced following infection. The titer of IgM anti‑HEV declines rapidly during early convalescence; IgG anti‑HEV persists and appears to provide at least short‑term protection against disease. Both HEV IgM and IgG are typically detected within one month after infection; IgM persists for about two months, whereas IgG levels persist for months to years after recovery. Approximately 20% of the U.S. population is positive for HEV IgG, indicating that HEV exposure is more common than previously thought.