Dudman Susanne, Zerja Arjana, Hasanoğlu İmran, Ruta Simona, van Welzen Berend, Nicolini Laura Ambra, Yonga Paul, Øverbø Joakim, Rawat Sumit, Habibovic Selma, Kim Tan Bou, Rivero-Juarez Antonio
Department of Microbiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital University Center "Mother Teresa," Tirana, Albania.
Clin Microbiol Infect. 2025 Feb;31(2):201-210. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.11.016. Epub 2024 Nov 15.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant global health issue, impacting both low- and middle-income countries and industrialized nations. HEV genotypes 1 and 2, primarily transmitted through contaminated water, are endemic in low- and middle-income countries, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotically transmitted in industrialized regions. Acute HEV infection poses severe risks, particularly to pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, whereas chronic HEV infection leads to serious complications in those with pre-existing liver disease and transplant recipients. The development of an HEV vaccine offers new prevention opportunities, though its availability and integration into global immunization programmes remain limited.
This position paper was developed by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Viral Hepatitis Study Group through an extensive review of clinical data, safety profiles, efficacy, and immunogenicity of HEV vaccines. The study group focused particularly on high-risk and special populations, synthesizing global health insights and incorporating recommendations from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts to formulate strategies for wider HEV vaccination use.
The position paper evaluates the efficacy and safety of HEV vaccines in both general and special populations. It identifies key barriers to the integration of HEV vaccines into routine immunization programmes, including infrastructure limitations, costs, and vaccine accessibility. The paper also proposes strategies to overcome these challenges and improve vaccine distribution. Furthermore, it addresses ways to enhance public awareness and international cooperation to promote HEV vaccination efforts globally.
European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Viral Hepatitis Study Group recommends HEV vaccination for high-risk groups, including women of childbearing age, patients with chronic liver diseases, and immunosuppressed individuals. Prioritizing investments in vaccine logistics, integrating diagnostics, and educational outreach can enhance uptake.
戊型肝炎病毒（HEV）是一个重大的全球健康问题，影响着低收入和中等收入国家以及工业化国家。HEV 基因型 1 和 2 主要通过受污染的水传播，在低收入和中等收入国家呈地方性流行，而基因型 3 和 4 在工业化地区通过人畜共患病传播。急性 HEV 感染带来严重风险，尤其是对孕妇和免疫功能低下的个体，而慢性 HEV 感染会在已有肝病患者和移植受者中导致严重并发症。HEV 疫苗的研发提供了新的预防机会，但其可及性以及纳入全球免疫规划的程度仍然有限。
本立场文件由欧洲临床微生物学和传染病学会病毒性肝炎研究小组通过广泛审查 HEV 疫苗的临床数据、安全性概况、疗效和免疫原性而制定。研究小组特别关注高危和特殊人群，综合全球健康见解并纳入专家战略咨询小组的建议，以制定更广泛使用 HEV 疫苗的策略。
该立场文件评估了 HEV 疫苗在一般人群和特殊人群中的疗效和安全性。它确定了将 HEV 疫苗纳入常规免疫规划的关键障碍，包括基础设施限制、成本和疫苗可及性。该文件还提出了克服这些挑战并改善疫苗分发的策略。此外，它探讨了提高公众意识和加强国际合作以在全球推动 HEV 疫苗接种工作的方法。
欧洲临床微生物学和传染病学会病毒性肝炎研究小组建议为高危人群接种 HEV 疫苗，包括育龄妇女、慢性肝病患者和免疫抑制个体。优先投资疫苗物流、整合诊断和开展教育推广可以提高疫苗接种率。
