Which flavivirus causes hepatitis in human ?
**Core Concept**: Flaviviruses are a group of viruses that include several pathogens causing human diseases. Hepatitis is a liver inflammation, which can be classified into five types: A, B, C, D, and E.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**: The correct answer, Hepatitis E virus (HEV), is responsible for causing hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is an acute, self-limiting viral infection transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route. It is prevalent in developing countries and is a major cause of acute hepatitis outbreaks.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**:
A. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is responsible for hepatitis A, an acute infection transmitted through contaminated food or water. HAV is not related to the correct answer.
B. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or mother-to-child transmission. HBV is unrelated to hepatitis E.
C. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hepatitis C, transmitted through blood or blood products. HCV is unrelated to hepatitis E.
D. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a co-infection with HBV that exacerbates the disease severity. HDV is not the cause of hepatitis E.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**: Hepatitis E is a significant public health issue, particularly in Asia and Africa, where it contributes to causing millions of cases of acute hepatitis each year. In pregnant women, hepatitis E can lead to severe complications, including fetal death, premature birth, and intrauterine growth restriction.
**Correct Answer**: D. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis E. HEV is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route and is a major cause of acute hepatitis outbreaks, particularly in developing countries.