The hepatitis E virus can also damage the kidney

The key to this are viral proteins that infected liver cells secrete in large numbers during a chronic infection. These form into empty viral envelopes that the body's immune system recognises. As a result, antibodies attach themselves to the viral envelopes. These can accumulate in the filter structures of the kidneys, the so-called glomeruli. If these are not broken down quickly enough, glomerulonephritis can develop, which can lead to kidney failure.

The researchers' results will help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients and raise awareness of hepatitis E. This is because hepatitis E is often not diagnosed, as the infection is generally regarded as a travel illness and usually also remains an acute infection with mild symptoms. However, even in our part of the world, infections occur repeatedly, primarily via raw meat products containing pork liver. For people with a weakened immune system or liver disease and pregnant women, infection with the hepatitis E virus can be dangerous and lead to liver failure or miscarriages.