Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings.Hepatitis E virues (HEV) causes an acute, usually self-limited infection. This small, nonenveloped virus is spread by the fecal-oral route. HEV is endemic in SE and Central Asia, with several outbreaks observed in the Middle East, northern and western parts of Africa, and Mexico. In developed countries, HEV infection occurs mainly in persons who have traveled to disease-endemic areas.
Not detected results do not necessarily exclude the presence of acute or recent HEV infection ( <2 month duration). Repeat testing in 1 month or testing for anti-HEV IgM may be necessary for diagnosis.