Hepatitis caused by herpes viruses: A review

Abstract

Herpes virus hepatitis varies in presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to acute liver failure, in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Hepatitis caused by the Herpesviridae family is uncommon and usually results in mild disease. It is also often self-limiting, although in certain populations especially immunosuppressed patients, it can cause severe infections, leading to acute to fulminant hepatic failure. In addition, some isolated cases of fulminant disease in immunocompetent individuals have been reported. As the presentation is frequently non-specific, it is important to maintain a high level of suspicion for these viral etiologies and start empiric therapy with antiviral agents as soon as possible. Liver transplantation is the last resort. Mortality remains high in fulminant hepatic failure caused by Herpesviridae without liver transplantation. Here we review the literatures on hepatitis caused by three members of the Herpesviridae family, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus to discuss the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, clinical features and current management, and also to determine which aspects need to be investigated in further detail. Herpesviridae-mediated acute liver failure is rare but is associated with a poor prognosis, even after early treatment.

Research Progresses of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

“…Cytomegalovirus (CMV), also known as human herpesvirus type 5, is widely prevalent both in developed and developing countries, with a high global seroprevalance (60%~100%) [2] . In our country, the serological positive rate of CMV-IgG in pregnant women is 94%~98%, and the prevalence rate of neonatal infection is about 0.7% [3,4] .…”

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Toxicity in Children: A Potential and Current Toxicological Event in the Differential Diagnosis With Virus-Triggered Fulminant Hepatic Failure

“…As with HBV, the same setting may be valid for the hepatitis G virus (HGV). This virus has been found in chronic HCV infected patients (Sergi et al, 1998;Summerfield, 2000;Noor et al, 2018). Other uncommon viral etiologic factors that should be considered are cytomegalovirus (CMV) and parvovirus B19 (PVB19).…”

“…Hepatotoxicity is life-threatening and has been associated with certain dosing conditions. Tea (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) is a favorite beverage and consumed by over two-thirds of the world population, particularly in China, India, Japan, and countries of the Commonwealth (Noor et al, 2018). The tea market is dominated by black tea, which is the kind of tea most largely traded worldwide (about 80%).…”

Acute Liver Failure

“…25 Currently, hepatitis A and B contribute to 10% of ALF in the United States followed by hepatitis E and then rare cases of cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Epstein-Barr's virus. [26][27][28] Viral hepatitis is one of the few causes of dramatic elevation of liver function tests (LFTs). 2, 26 The pattern of liver enzyme abnormalities is often the initial clue to determining the etiology of ALF.…”