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Epidemiology of viral hepatitis E
KOPAL, Jiří
To write this thesis, I chose a topic related to viral hepatitis E. In my opinion, this topic is clearly highly topical and the issue of VHE will be increasingly discussed in the future. Viral hepatitis are in general frequent diseases in developed countries, as well as in the Czech Republic. Nowadays there are known 5 types of hepatitis that to a greater or lesser extent occur in the population. In the Current Status section I will acquaint the reader with the basic anatomical and physiological patterns of functions and structures of the liver tissue, because viral hepatitis - as the name suggests - affects hepatocytes, thus the liver cells. Furthermore, I described from the literature all types of viral hepatitis and introduced differences which occur between them. In particular, I focused intensely on hepatitis E. Before writing this thesis I have identified several hypotheses and objectives. H1: The overall morbidity of VHE for the period 2000-2010 in the Czech Republic is comparable with morbidity in other European countries during the same period. H2: In the Czech Republic, the case of an infection of VHE is more of an occupational disease. From the available literature it was determined that the incidence of VHE in Europe is increasing. The literature also introduced several known cases of occupational disease of VHE for professionals working with pork or pigs and veterinarians, but these cases are rather sporadic. Thus, hypothesis 2 was not confirmed. In my thesis I have also determined a few objectives. Objective 1: To provide an overview of the prevalence of VHE for the period of 2000-2010 in Europe and in the Czech Republic and to determine whether the patterns of the spread of VHE differ in the Czech Republic and in Europe. Objective 2: To determine whether the case of viral hepatitis E in the Czech Republic is a greater occurrence as an occupational illness or a disease with a traveling history. Objective 3: To evaluate the efficacy of preventive and anti-epidemic measures which are applied as a protection against the infection with hepatitis E. The overview of the incidence of infection is presented in tables and graphs in the chapter Results, part of it is listed in the chapter Attachments. Scientific researches of VHE are still basically in the world and in Europe at their beginning. From the literature, I found that not only in Czech Republic but also in other European countries, the VHE is more abundant. Currently it is not known much unambiguous information that would lead to improved effectiveness transmission prevention of VHE in developed countries. Increase in incidence of VHE is here attributed to more frequent examinations of chronic liver disease, thorough diagnosis of drug-induced liver failure and other diseases whose cause has not been definitely clarified. Until recently, the idea of VHE infection amongst patients with no history of traveling was almost taboo. Only further research in this area may help us to better understand the disease and to ensure the prevention, diagnosis and specific treatment. In the meantime, we should follow the precautionary principle.
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