Abstract
The faeco-orally transmitted hepatotropic viruses – hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses- are endemic in Africa. While transmission has reduced remarkbly in Europe and North America in the past decades, it has remained unchanged in Africa with hepatitis A prevalence remaining at above 50% and hepatitis E more than 7%. Much of this transmission occurs during childhood with the important drivers/predictors being poor water supply, poor sewage disposal facilities, low socioeconomic class, crowding, and poor social conditions arising from conflict. Initial clinical features in children are difficult to distinguish from malaria which is also endemic in the region. Commercially available ELISA kits present the best option for laboratory diagnosis of both viruses in Africa. While effective vaccines suitable for the African situation have been developed recently, improved water supply and sanitation are sine qua non for the prevention of transmission of both viruses among African children. Interventional studies are needed in the region.
Highlights
Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem with significant contribution to morbidity and mortality.[1]
Initial clinical features in children are difficult to distinguish from malaria which is endemic in the region
This review examines the epidemiology, morbidity and modalities of prevention of hepatitis A and E viruses in African children
Summary
Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem with significant contribution to morbidity and mortality.[1] The faeco-orally transmitted viruses-hepatitis A and E are endemic in many developing countries where, unlike their developed counterparts, environmental and socio-economic conditions favour nearly universal exposure in early childhood.[2,3] Recent changes in the epidemiology of both viruses and the availability of effective vaccines have rekindled interest in them.[4] This review examines the epidemiology, morbidity and modalities of prevention of hepatitis A and E viruses in African children
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