Hepatitis E

Causes & Risk Factors

Hepatitis E, like hepatitis A, is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route:

•  Consumption of contaminated water — a common source, particularly in areas with inadequate water treatment.

•  Consumption of contaminated food, including undercooked meat in some regions.

•  Poor sanitation conditions.

•  Travel to or residence in areas with higher hepatitis E prevalence.

•  Pregnancy is associated with increased risk of severe disease if infection occurs, rather than increased risk of infection itself.

Symptoms & When to Test

Hepatitis E symptoms are generally similar to other forms of acute viral hepatitis.

•  Fever

•  Fatigue

•  Loss of appetite

•  Nausea

•  Abdominal discomfort

•  Dark urine

•  Jaundice

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing may be considered in patients with acute hepatitis, jaundice, unexplained elevation of liver enzymes, relevant travel or exposure history, suspected food- or water-associated infection, or acute hepatitis when other common viral causes have been excluded.

Why Tests Are Combined

Anti-HEV IgM helps evaluate recent or acute infection, serving a similar diagnostic role to Anti-HAV IgM in hepatitis A, while Anti-HEV IgG may provide evidence of previous exposure in selected clinical situations.

Because hepatitis E symptoms overlap substantially with hepatitis A and other causes of acute hepatitis, testing is often considered as part of a broader acute hepatitis work-up rather than in isolation, particularly when more common causes have been excluded.

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, ALP, GGT, albumin) assess the degree of liver involvement and help monitor the course of acute illness, which is particularly important in higher-risk patients such as pregnant women.

Tests Available at NPL

Preparation requirements vary by specific test — please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL for the tests ordered.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Hepatitis E blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO 15189:2022 laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Acute hepatitis symptoms with relevant travel or exposure history

•  Jaundice or unexplained elevated liver enzymes

•  Pregnant women with any symptoms of acute hepatitis — evaluate promptly given higher risk of severe disease

•  Suspected food- or water-associated infection