Viral hepatitis E

The thesis contains basic information regarding Viral hepatitis E, particularly the causative agents, human and animal strains, the clinical picture and occurrence in the Czech Republic as well as abroad. The practical part is focused on analysis of trends of occurrence of the viral hepatitis E in the Czech Republic from the very earliest, up until the present time. The research further looks at morbidity in the different regions of the Czech Republic, which is compared to the morbidity in Plzen region. The practical part further focuses on the specific source, route of transmission and possible preventive measures against viral hepatitis E. In this work, both quantitative and qualitative types of research were used. In quantitative research, secondary analysis of data was used from various sources like EPIDAT. In the qualitative research, semi standardised interviews with doc. MUDr. Petr Pazdiora CSc, and with MVDR. Vaclav Polacek. Based on the interviews, an educational material in form of a leaflet was created. From the year 1996 to the year 2012, a total of 894 cases of HEV where recorded. In 1996, there was only one case of Viral hepatitis E which was recorded. From 1997 to 2005, the occurrence was sporadic and negligible. From 2006, there was a linear increase in viral hepatitis E. The incidence significantly increased in the year 2009 and 2011. In the Czech Republic, Viral Hepatitis E has an upward trend of occurrence. Viral hepatitis E cannot be prevented by active immunization, possibility of a vaccine is still being investigated. Basic preventive measures include maintaining principles of hygiene like avoiding drinking water from unknown sources, food should be prepared using drinking water and fruit should be properly washed and then peeled before consumption. It is important to find out about the occurrence of viral hepatitis E, before travelling to any foreign country. During meat processing, it is important to avoid cross contamination between clean and unclean operations. Before consuming foods like black pudding, sausages, steaks and pies, it is important to ensure that this food is properly cooked using adequate heat and for a period of time. From the research, it can be concluded that, there is need to devote adequate attention to viral hepatitis E. It may seem that the incidence in the Czech Republic is not serious, but it is important to focus on public awareness of this disease, especially the preventive measures so as to stop it from spreading