The typical age of individuals infected with Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) varies significantly depending on whether the infection occurs in developing or developed countries.
Age of Hepatitis E Virus Infection
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection shows distinct epidemiological patterns concerning the age groups it primarily affects worldwide. In developing countries, HEV commonly impacts younger adults, typically within a specific age range. In contrast, in developed countries, the infection is more frequently observed in older individuals.
This difference in age distribution underscores the varying transmission routes and exposure risks in different global settings. For example, in many developing regions, where access to safe drinking water may be limited and the virus is often waterborne, younger adults are more susceptible. In developed nations, where foodborne transmission from infected animals (zoonotic transmission) is a more prevalent route, older adults tend to be disproportionately affected.
The following table summarizes the typical age at infection based on global region:
| Feature | HEV in Developing Countries | HEV in Developed Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Age at Infection (years) | 15–30 | >50 |
Beyond age, other factors like sex ratios also differ, with a male/female ratio of 2:1 in developing countries and over 3:1 in developed countries. Despite these demographic differences, the clinical course of HEV infection is generally characterized by self-limiting hepatitis in most cases, regardless of the region.
