Seroprevalence of hepatitis E and Helicobacter pylori in a low socioeconomic area of a metropolitan city in a developing country

Abstract

This study aims to determine the prevalence of coinfection of H. pylori and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the paediatric age group in an urban slum area of Karachi and identify risk factors associated with co-infection. Five hundred and forty children aged one to 15 years were investigated. Blood samples were collected and questionnaires completed on socio-demographic characteristics. Anti-H. pylori, HEV IgG and IgM antibodies were analysed by enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). The seroprevalence of H. pylori antibody was 47.2%, while that of HEV IgG and IgM was 14.4% and 2.4%, respectively. 12.4% exhibited seroprevalence for both H. pylori and HEV (IgG). In 67 (26%) cases positive for H. pylori IgG, HEV IgG positivity was also seen (P<0.001). Only 13 (5%) positive for H. pylori were also positive for HEV IgM (P<0.001). Only 11 (4%) HEV IgG-positive cases were H. pylori antibody-negative (P<0.001). Hepatitis E virus was common in children who had access to municipal piped water (P=0.025). H. pylori was common in children who used a non-flush toilet system (P<0.001). Children exposed to H. pylori infection were also exposed to the risk of HEV.