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🧪 Anti-Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) – IgM Antibody Test

Parameter	Details
Full Name	Anti-Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) – IgM Antibodies
Sample Type	Blood (Serum)
Fasting Required	❌ No
Method	ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) / CLIA

🔬 What Is It?

The Anti-HEV IgM test detects IgM class antibodies produced early in response to infection with the Hepatitis E virus.

IgM antibodies appear within 1 to 4 weeks of infection and indicate a recent or active infection.
The Hepatitis E virus is a self-limited RNA virus transmitted via the fecal-oral route, especially through contaminated water.

🧠 Organs Involved

Organ	Role
Liver	Primary site of HEV replication; leads to liver inflammation
Immune System	Produces IgM antibodies as a defense mechanism

🎯 Why Is This Test Done?

Purpose	Clinical Use
🦠 Detect active or recent HEV infection	Especially in patients with acute hepatitis symptoms
👩‍⚕️ Evaluate unexplained liver enzyme elevation	Distinguish from Hepatitis A/B/C
👶 Screen pregnant women in endemic areas	HEV can cause fulminant hepatitis during pregnancy
🌍 Useful in outbreak settings	Track recent HEV exposure in contaminated water zones

📊 Interpretation

Result	Meaning
Positive	Current or recent HEV infection (usually within past 3–6 months)
Negative	No recent HEV infection or too early for detection

⚠️ A positive Anti-HEV IgM usually precedes or accompanies symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort.

⏱️ Timing of Antibodies

Antibody	When It Appears	How Long It Lasts
IgM	1–4 weeks post-infection	Persists for ~3–6 months
IgG	~4–6 weeks post-infection	May last years (suggests immunity)

🧪 Recommended Additional Tests

Test	Why
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)	Assesses extent of liver damage (ALT, AST, Bilirubin)
Anti-HEV IgG	Helps identify stage of infection or prior immunity
HEV RNA (PCR)	Confirms acute HEV infection, especially in immunocompromised
Hepatitis A, B, C serology	Rule out co-infection or alternate hepatitis cause

⚠️ Special Clinical Notes

HEV infection during pregnancy, especially in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, can be severe or life-threatening.
In organ transplant recipients and immunocompromised patients, HEV can lead to chronic hepatitis (rare, but documented).

✅ Summary Table

Test	Anti-HEV IgM
Purpose	Diagnose recent or current Hepatitis E infection
Result Meaning	Positive = Active/recent infection
Fasting Required	❌ No
Sample Type	Serum (blood)
Next Step if Positive	Monitor LFTs, consider PCR if symptoms persist

Anti Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) - IgM