Standardising surveillance of hepatitis E virus infection in the EU/EEA: A review of national practices and suggestions for the way forward.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is not notifiable at EU/EEA level, therefore surveillance relies on national policies only. Between 2005 and 2015, more than 20,000 cases were reported in EU/EEA countries. HEV testing is established in 26 countries and 19 countries sequence HEV viruses.

Objective and study design

WHO's European Action plan for viral hepatitis recommends harmonised surveillance objectives and case definitions. ECDC's HEV expert group developed minimal and optimal criteria for national hepatitis E surveillance to support EU/EEA countries in enhancing their capacity and to harmonise methods.

Results

The experts agreed that the primary objectives of national surveillance for HEV infections should focus on the basic epidemiology of the disease:

SUBMITTER: Adlhoch C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6899520 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature