Hepatitis E is likely to cause serious consequences in which population group?

Hepatitis E is likely to cause serious consequences in which population group?

• A. Pregnant women
• B. Children
• C. Travelers in Third World countries
• D. Older people

Answer: (A)

Pregnant women are at markedly higher risk for severe hepatitis E. While infection is usually self-limited and mild in most people, outbreaks in endemic areas show a notable jump in severity among pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, where fulminant hepatitis can occur and maternal mortality rates are higher. Hormonal and immune changes during pregnancy likely contribute to this vulnerability, and adverse pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage or stillbirth can accompany the illness. In contrast, children and healthy travelers often have milder disease, so the standout group for serious consequences is pregnant women.

Pregnant women are at markedly higher risk for severe hepatitis E. While infection is usually self-limited and mild in most people, outbreaks in endemic areas show a notable jump in severity among pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, where fulminant hepatitis can occur and maternal mortality rates are higher. Hormonal and immune changes during pregnancy likely contribute to this vulnerability, and adverse pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage or stillbirth can accompany the illness. In contrast, children and healthy travelers often have milder disease, so the standout group for serious consequences is pregnant women.