Sporadic acute hepatitis E in the United Kingdom: an underdiagnosed phenomenon?

Background-Hepatitis E (HEV) is the primary cause of enterically transmitted non-A non-B hepatitis worldwide. Case reports of HEV in individuals in the United Kingdom relate to travel to endemic areas or contact with individuals who have visited these areas. Case reports-Four individuals presented with acute hepatitis to a hepatology clinic in a teaching hospital. Serology confirmed acute hepatitis E in all four. Investigation by the Communicable Disease Control Department established no links between the cases, no travel to an endemic area, and no contacts. Conclusion-Contrary to current belief, community acquired hepatitis E virus infection occurs sporadically in the United Kingdom and should be considered as a cause of seronegative hepatitis.