VIRUSES | Hepatitis Viruses Transmitted by Food, Water, and Environment

Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) potentially are transmitted by contaminated food or water. HAV and HEV belong to the families of Picornaviridae and Hepeviridae, respectively, and are nonenveloped viruses with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. HAV is highly resistant to environmental stresses. The most common risk factor for hepatitis A is personal contact with infected individuals. Foodborne hepatitis A cases in the United States have been caused by contaminated water, raw shellfish, fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. HEV infection recently has been associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked meats.