Hepatitis E Virus: The Alarming Impact on Nerve Cells Explained

Hepatitis E and Its Effects on Nerve Cells

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) primarily causes liver infections. It can also infect other organs and lead to neurological disorders. Research from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, explores how HEV affects nerve cells. The study, led by Michelle Jagst and Professor Eike Steinmann, reveals that HEV can directly infect these cells without triggering an immune response.

Infection of Nerve Cells

The research team created a cell model from human kidney cells, which were transformed into nerve cells. They found that HEV directly infects these primary neurons. Additionally, the nerve cells show a low immune response to the virus, making them vulnerable to infection.

Impact on Nerve Cell Structure

The findings suggest that HEV’s neurological effects may arise from its direct impact on nerve cells. The virus causes changes in the nerve cells’ projections, a sign of damage similar to that seen in other viral infections.

Further Research

Researchers aim to understand the relationship between HEV and neurons better. They plan to compare nerve cells from healthy individuals and those infected with HEV.

Understanding Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis, resulting in approximately 70,000 deaths annually. The virus can lead to chronic infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients or people with HIV. Pregnant women face higher risks. Currently, no vaccine or specific treatment exists for HEV.