Abstract
The number of detected hepatitis E (HE) infections has been increasing in the Czech Republic probably due to better knowledge of HE and introduction of new analytical methods. In most cases the sources have remained unconfirmed or entirely unclear.
The causative agent, the hepatitis E virus (HEV), belongs to the Hepeviridae family. Recently, many isolates from mammals, birds and fish have been identified.
HEV is widespread among domestic pigs all over the word and both domestic pigs and wild boars serve as HEV reservoirs. Consumption of undercooked meat or offal originating from the reservoirs animals is considered to be unsafe due to zoonotic transmission of HEV.
The aim of present article is to summarize recent findings regarding HEV.