HEV Seroprevalence Research Articles

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (Hepeviridae: Orthohepevirus: Orthohepevirus A) among pregnant women in the highly endemic region of Kyrgyzstan

Hepatitis E (HE) is an important public health problem worldwide and is especially significant for pregnant women, among whom the associated mortality rate reaches 25%. The distribution of HE serological markers in this cohort in the endemic regions of Central Asia is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of HEV among pregnant women in the region of Kyrgyzstan where an increased incidence of HE is reported. Blood serum of pregnant women, obtained from medical institutions in Bishkek, city of Osh and Osh region in the period from September 2016 to October 2019, and the control group of clinically healthy women were tested using the test systems "DS-IFA-ANTI-HEV-G" and "DS-IFA-ANTI-HEV-M" (NPO "Diagnostic Systems", Russia). IgG antibodies to HEV were detected in 87 (5.9%) of 1472 examined pregnant women, IgM antibodies -in 64 (4.8%) of 1378, while 5 (0.34%) samples were simultaneously positive for IgG and IgM antibodies. The rates of detection of antibodies to HEV in women of three age categories from 17 to 36 years old in the studied and control groups were similar. The analysis of the seasonal dynamics of HEV seroprevalence in pregnant women in the period from February to September 2019 showed a tendency towards an increase in the values of the positivity coefficient of specific IgM antibodies by the beginning of the autumn. Antibodies to HEV were detected with highest frequency in women from Osh region. A high risk of HEV infection for pregnant women in the surveyed region had been shown.

Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis E virus in pigs in Vietnam

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic disease and has been reported around the world. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of HEV in Vietnam. Pig blood and fecal pooled samples were collected to assess the prevalence of HEV. We assessed the true prevalence (TP) of HEV from apparent prevalence (AP) by taking into account the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests using a Bayesian approach. For phylogenetic analysis, the data compared with worldwide HEV reference strains including all eight genotypes (G1-G8) which were identified in previous study.ResultsA total of 475 sera and 250 fecal pooled samples were collected at slaughterhouses and pig farms from five provinces, in Viet Nam. Overall, the sero-AP of HEV was 58.53% (95% confidence interval: 53.95–62.70) while the sero-TP was slightly higher (65.43, 95% credible interval: 47.19–84.70). In terms of pooled samples, overall, the RNA-AP was 6.80% (95% confidence interval: 4.01–10.66). One strain in Hanoi, two strains in Dak Lak, seven strains in An Giang, four strains in Son La and two strains in Nghe An were isolated. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that 19 Vietnamese strains were clustered into HEV 3 and 4.ConclusionsThis study provided evidence that HEV is circulating in domestic pigs in Vietnam. From a public health perspective, it is very important to raise public awareness for high-risk groups (e.g. slaughterhouse workers, pig traders, farmers and market sellers) who have more opportunities to come in contact with pig and contaminated meats.

Co-infection of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Viruses among the Acute Viral Hepatitis Cases in Tertiary Care Hospital –A Four Years Retrospective Study

Acute viral hepatitis(AVH) is caused by Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis E(HEV). It is major health burden in India. Both the viruses HAV and HEV are primarily transmitted via the faeco-oral course. Study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HAV, HEV and rate of co-infection in AVH patients attending rural tertiary care centre. A retrospective laboratory record based study was carried out in rural tertiary health care center located in Western Maharashtra. Laboratory and Medical records of suspected acute viral infection patients were analyzed during study. Study period was June 2014 to July 2018. Commercially available ELISA kits of IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEV were used to analyze serum samples of suspected study participants. Tests were carried out as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A total of 778 acute viral hepatitis cases were included in the study from July 2014 to July 2018 among which 85/778 (10.9 %) detected positive for HAV and 121/778 (15.6%) detected positive for HEV. Co-infection was identified in 6/778(0.8 %). Jaundice, fever fatigue and hepatomegaly were common clinical presentation in HAV, HEV and confection with both viruses in acute viral hepatitis patients. Study indicated low exposure to HAV in childhood bellow 16 years. Co-infection rate was detected high in 16-25 years age group. Vaccination policy against HAV in adolescent age group needed as there is change epidemiological shift of HAV which has been observed in the current study. These data will helps for planning future vaccination strategies, better implementation sanitation program, and safe water supply in this geographic area.

Burden of hepatitis E virus infection in pregnancy and maternofoetal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThere is still a dearth of knowledge on the burden of HEV infection in the global population of pregnant women. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global burden of HEV infection in pregnancy.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Global Index Medicus to identify articles published until January 26, 2020. We considered cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies reporting the immunoglobulins M HEV seroprevalence in asymptomatic and symptomatic (jaundice or elevated transaminases) pregnant women or investigating the association between HEV infection and maternofoetal outcomes. We used a random-effects model to pool studies. This review was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018093820.ResultsFor HEV prevalence estimates, we included 52 studies (11,663 pregnant women). The seroprevalence was 3.5% (95% confidence interval: 1.4–6.4) in asymptomatic women (most of whom from high endemic areas). The prevalence in symptomatic women was 49.6% (42.6–56.7) with data only from HEV high endemic countries. In the multivariable meta-regression model, the prevalence was higher in symptomatic women compared to asymptomatic (adjusted prevalence odds ratio [aPOR]: 1.76; 95%CI: 1.61–1.91) and decreased with increasing year of publication (by 10-year) (aPOR: 0.90; 95%CI: 0.84–0.96). The proportion of HEV vertical transmission was 36.9% (13.3–64.2). Risk of bias was low, moderate and high respectively in 12 (23%), 37 (70%), and 4 studies (7%) addressing HEV prevalence estimation. HEV infection was associated with maternal deaths (pooled OR 7.17; 3.32–15.47), low birth weight (OR: 3.23; 1.71–6.10), small for gestational age (OR: 3.63; 1.25–10.49), preterm < 32 weeks (OR: 4.18; 1.23–14.20), and preterm < 37 weeks (OR: 3.45; 2.32–5.13), stillbirth (OR: 2.61; 1.64–4.14), intrauterine deaths (OR: 3.07; 2.13–4.43), and not with miscarriage (OR: 1.74; 0.77–3.90). All studies which assessed the association between HEV infection and maternofoetal outcomes had a moderate risk of bias.ConclusionsFindings from this study are suggestive of a high burden of HEV infection in pregnancy in high endemic countries, its association with poor maternofoetal outcomes, and a high rate of vertical transmission. This study supports the need for specific strategies to prevent exposure of pregnant women to HEV infection, especially in high endemic areas.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E in pigs and wild boars in the region of the city Belgrade

Hepatitis E is considered an emerging human viral disease with many evidences of zoonotic nature of disease, and swine are the main reservoir of HEV. The aim of this study was to determine HEV seroprevalence in commercial pig farms, backyard pigs, slaughtered pigs and wild boars in the region of the city Belgrade. A total of 405 sera samples: 150 samples from 3 commercial pig farms, 70 samples from backyard pigs, 119 samples from slaughtered pigs and 66 samples from wild boars of the region of the city Belgrade, Serbia were analysed by commercial ELISA test. The overall HEV seroprevalence in 3 commercial pig farms was 55.33% (83/150). All tested farms (farm A, B and C) were positive on the presence of anti-HEV antibodies, respectively 58% (29/50), 54% (27/50) and 54% (27/50). From 70 tested backyard pigs, 75.71% (53/70) were tested seropositive. In total, 26 backyard pig holidngs were confirmed as positive to anti-HEV antibodies (81.25%). At slaughterhouse, 25% (8/32) weaned piglets and 20.69% (18/87) fattening pigs were tested positive on anti-HEV antibodies. Overall HEV seroprevalence in tested wild boar population was 52.25% (36/66). Detected very high seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies indicated an active circulation of HEV, being enzootic in the swine population, and wild boars, as well, in the region of the city Belgrade.

Individual animal and herd level seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis E in ruminants in Jordan

ObjectivesHepatitis E virus (HEV) is zoonotic and endemic in several countries. There are no data on the farm level-prevalence and risk factors of HEV in ruminant farms in Jordan or elsewhere. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of HEV in ruminant farms in all regions of Jordan. Material and methodsA total of 460 apparently healthy ruminants from 115 (31 cow, 51 sheep and 33 goat) farms were tested for HEV antibodies using a double antigen sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent test. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on animal health and husbandry practices. ResultsThe results showed that 37.4% of the dairy farms under study (51.6%, 37.2% and 24.2% of dairy cow, sheep and goat farms; respectively) had at least one HEV seropositive animal. At the individual animal level, 12.1% of the tested animals were HEV positive; 14.5% (n = 18), 12.7% (n = 26) and 8.3% (n = 11) of cows, sheep and goats; respectively. Infrequent cleaning of feeders was associated with a significantly greater odds of HEV seropositivity in both large and small dairy ruminant farms (AOR = 16.0, p-val = 0.03, AOR = 3.4, p-val = 0.02, respectively). Farms which reported that small ruminants (sheep and goats) were mixed together had a greater odds of farm-level HEV seroprevalence (AOR = 3.1, p-val = 0.04). ConclusionsThis study shows widespread and high farm-level HEV seroprevalence in dairy farms in Jordan. Husbandry practices and off-abattoir carcass processing in Jordan could amplify emergence and transmission of zoonotic HEV. Future studies should include HEV genotyping in ruminants, their products and humans to better understand HEV epidemiology in Jordan.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among blood donors on Corsica, France, 2017.

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen and an important cause of acute viral hepatitis in European countries. Corsica Island has been previously identified as a hyperendemic area for HEV.AimOur aim was to characterise the prevalence and titres of IgG antibodies to HEV among blood donors on Corsica and establish a model of the annual force of infection.MethodsBetween September 2017 and January 2018, 2,705 blood donations were tested for anti-HEV IgG using the Wantai HEV IgG enzyme immunoassay.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence was 56.1%. In multivariate analysis, seroprevalence was higher in men than in women (60.0% vs 52.2%; p < 0.01), increased with age and was significantly higher among donors born on Corsica (60.6% vs 53.2%; p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed between the five districts of the island. IgG anti-HEV titres were mostly low (70% of positive donors had titres < 3 IU/mL). In Corsican natives, increasing seroprevalence by age could be explained by models capturing a loss of immunity (annual probability of infection: 4.5%; duration of immunity: 55 years) or by age-specific probabilities of infection (3.8% for children, 1.3% for adults).ConclusionWe confirmed the high HEV seroprevalence on Corsica and identified three aspects that should be further explored: (i) the epidemiology in those younger than 18 years, (ii) common sources of contamination, in particular drinking water, that may explain the wide exposure of the population, and (iii) the actual protection afforded by the low IgG titres observed and the potential susceptibility to secondary HEV infection.

Prevalence of hepatitis E virus in thalassemia patients with hepatitis C in Tehran, Iran

HEV infection is predominantly spread via the fecal-oral route; however, due to the presence of HEV RNA in the serum of healthy blood donors, there is a possibility of the transmissibility of HEV infection through blood. Multi-transfused thalassemia patients are one of the high risk groups for blood borne viruses. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of HEV antibodies and HEV-RNA in thalassemia patients with HCV infection. 120 anti-HCV positive thalassemia patient serum samples from Tehran province during April-June 2019 were assessed for the presence of total anti-HEV antibodies using of HEV Ab ELISA kit. All serum samples were assayed by Nested RT-PCR to detect HEV-RNA. The results of ELISA test showed that 2 out of 120 (1.67%) samples were positive for anti-HEV Ab. There was no statistically significant difference between anti-HEV antibody prevalence rate and sex, age and other risk factors. None of 120 (0.00%) samples were positive for HEV-RNA by Nested RT-PCR. Seroprevalence of HEV in our study group was 1.67% which is less than HEV seroprevalence rate in Iranian general population. Therefore, it can be conclude that transmission of HEV infection via blood transfusion seems to be uncommon in Iran and the fecal-oral route can be the predominant mode of transmission in Iran; however, more studies are required to confirm this issue.

Study of Hepatitis E Virus in Blood Donors

Introduction: Hepatitis E (HEV) is a major health problem affecting around one third of the world population. The prevalence of antibodies to HEV among blood donors have been documented in several countries in Europe and Asia. Objectives: The aims of the study are to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E antibodies among healthy blood donors and to explore the factors associated with positive HEV antibodies among healthy blood donors. Moreover, to detect HEV viremia by real time polymerase chain reaction among seropositive blood donors for HEV. Methods: The study included 200 apparent healthy blood donors from Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Blood samples were collected from the blood donors for serological determination for specific hepatitis E virus immunoglobulin G (anti-HEV IgG) and specific hepatitis E virus immunoglobulin M (anti- HEV IgM). Positive samples for anti-HEV IgM were further subjected for determination of HEV-RNA by real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Anti-HEV-IgG was positive in 50 donor (25%) anti-HEV-IgM was positive in 10 donors (5%) and HEV-RNA was positive in 6 donors (3%). Results and Discussion: The comparison between blood donors positive for anti-HEV-IgG and negative blood donors negative reveals significant association between anti-HEV-IgG and donors with older age (42.0 ± 9.7,P = 0.001),rural residence (76%, P = 0.001), workers in agricultural works (92%, P = 0.035) and elevated AST (31.28±14.28, P = 0.04). Regarding viral markers, there was significant prevalance between positive anti-HCV-IgG and positive anti-HEV-IgG (P = 0.003). Univariate analysis for risk factors associated with positive anti-HEV IgG reveals significant prevalence with older age (P = 0.001), rural residence (P &lt; 0.001), positive anti-HCV- IgG (P = 0.004) and increase in AST (P = 0.045). However, on Multivariate analysis HEV infection was independently prevalent with older age (P &lt; 0.001) and rural residence (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The present study highlights that HEV seroprevalence in blood donors is common finding. Further finding is the statistically significant correlation between antibodies to HCV and serological markers for HEV and even HEV viremia. Longitudinal studies may be needed to explore the clinical significance and cost effectiveness of screening of the blood donors for hepatitis E virus by serological tests and/or detection of viremia by Molecular testing.

Integrated value-chain and risk assessment of Pig-Related Zoonoses in Ghana.

The marked increase in the pig-trade in Ghana has raised concerns about increased transmission of related zoonotic diseases. A study on pig-related zoonoses along the pork value-chain was conducted in Greater Accra and Upper East Regions of Ghana. Results showed significant taenia (60%) and trichinella (8%) seroprevalence in pigs in Upper East with little evidence of transmission to humans. Sero-prevalence of HEV was high in both pigs (85%) and humans (37%). Sero-prevalence rates were significantly higher in Upper East than Greater Accra. Pig handlers in Accra had significantly higher sero-prevalence rates (58%) than other community members (18%) but there was no such association in the Upper East. Given the high rates of mortality, miscarriage and stillbirth associated with HEV in pregnancy, it is a cause for concern that 31% women of child-bearing age tested sero-positive for HEV.

Detection and characterization of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in HIV-infected patients and blood donors from southern Brazil

BackgroundHepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) infection usually causes self-limited acute hepatitis. In immunosuppressed patients, HEV-3 infection can rapidly progress to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. In southern Brazil, data on HEV seroprevalence are scarce. MethodsTesting for HEV RNA and antibodies (anti-HEV) was performed for 320 HIV-infected patients followed at the HIV/AIDS Service of the Federal University of Rio Grande between 2012 and 2013, as well as 281 blood donor samples obtained in 2015. Variables associated with anti-HEV positivity were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. ResultsHIV and blood donor groups showed similar HEV seroprevalence (6.7% and 7.1%, respectively). Risk factors associated with anti-HEV detection were older age, marital status, a higher number of sexual partners, poor sanitation, and alcohol use (HIV group), and living in a rural area (blood donors). HEV RNA was detected in eight serum samples from HIV-infected patients and in one blood donor, who was also positive for anti-HEV IgM and IgG. ConclusionsThe prevalence rates of HEV infection were comparable between HIV-seropositive patients who were not severely immunocompromised and blood donors. The blood donor’s HEV isolate showed high similarity with swine HEV strains from Brazilian herds in the same region, thus indicating a potential risk of foodborne and parenteral transmission via blood transfusion.

Hepatitis E virus infection among pregnant women in Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThere have been a number of studies about seroprevalence of HEV among pregnant women in Africa. However, the finding of seroprevalence of HEV infection among pregnant women is variable and inconsistent. Therefore; this systematic review intended to provide the pooled seroprevalence of HEV among pregnant women in Africa.MethodsWe searched, Pub Med, Science direct, African online journals and Google scholar electronic data bases and all available references until August 30, 2018. We included cross sectional studies and cohort studies. The search was further limited studies done in African pregnant women. Statistical analysis done by using Stata (version 11) software. The overall pooled prevalence of HEV presented by using the forest plot with 95% CI. The methodological qualities of included studies were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instruments.ResultThe pooled seroprevalence of HEV among pregnant women in Africa was 29.13% (95% CI 14.63–43.63). The highest seroprevalence was 84.3% in Egypt and the lowest 6.6% reported in Gabon. There was highest heterogeneity level where I2 = 99.7%; P < 0.0001.The observed heterogeneity attributed to geographic location/ region, country, assay method used in each study and year of study published. Moreover, HEV seroprevalence varies between countries and within countries. The HEV infection among African pregnant women seems to have a decreasing trend over time.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HEV among pregnant women in Africa is high. The seroprevalence of HEV among pregnant women differ with geographic location and assay method. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct further research on commercial ELISA kit sensitivity and specificity, molecular tests, incidence, morbidity and mortality and vertical transmission of HEV from mother to infant in Africa.Trial registrationCRD42018084963.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in the general population across non-endemic countries.

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) has commonly been associated with large waterborne outbreaks of human jaundice in endemic areas but it has been increasingly recognised as a cause of sporadic human cases of jaundice in non-endemic areas, in individuals with no history of travel. Zoonotic exposure is widely hypothesized to be an important potential transmission route in these sporadic human cases. Serosurveys conducted to determine the frequency of HEV human exposure report wide ranges in prevalence across studies and locations. Our study objective was to compute meta-analysis summary estimates of human seroprevalence of HEV IgG within countries considered HEV non-endemic, where possible, and to determine whether this varied significantly across these countries, as well as investigating the role of potential HEV seroprevalence predictors such as population age structure.Materials and methodsA broad literature search was conducted in six electronic databases. Citations were appraised, and relevant data extracted using forms designed and pre-tested a priori. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted in R, with HEV IgG seroprevalence in blood donors or the general population being the outcome of interest, and country, assay, population age and sex structure, and chronological time investigated as predictors of the outcome.ResultsFrom 4163 unique citations initially captured, data were extracted from 135 studies investigating HEV serology in blood donors or the general population, of 31 countries among those categorised as ‘very high human development’ by the United Nations. Country of sampling and assay employed were consistently significant predictors of HEV IgG seroprevalence with chronological time being a non-significant predictor in the dataset of captured studies.ConclusionsWhile country of sampling and assay employed were significant predictors of HEV seroprevalence, comparison of HEV seroprevalence across non-endemic countries is hampered by the lack of a gold standard assay and uncertainty regarding residual bias across studies, as well as regional differences within some countries.

Prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus immunoglobulin G in HIV-infected individuals over three decades

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is endemic in Europe, and the infection is mostly subclinical or acute and self-limiting. However, persistent infection is described among HIV-infected individuals. The prevalence of antibodies against HEV (anti-HEV) among HIV-infected persons varies geographically and is unknown in Denmark. Rates of co-infection with HEV among HIV-infected individuals in Denmark over three decades, from the early 1980s to 2013, were investigated. MethodsA total of 2506 HIV-infected persons were investigated from two cohorts followed at Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark. Blood samples were tested retrospectively for anti-HEV, including samples from 2216 persons who were enrolled in a prospective clinical cohort and followed between 1995 and 2013, as well as samples from 290 persons from a historical cohort followed between 1980 and 1994. For anti-HEV seroconverting individuals, serial samples were tested for HEV RNA. Factors associated with anti-HEV status were explored using multivariable logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe overall HEV seroprevalence rates were stable during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000–2013 (23.1%, 22.9%, and 23.7%, respectively). In all decades, rates of anti-HEV increased with older age, and anti-HEV seropositivity was associated with older generations, HIV risk group, and geographic origin. Persistent HEV infection was not detected in any of 57 individuals with anti-HEV seroconversion. ConclusionsHEV seroprevalence rates were stable in HIV-infected individuals from the early 1980s to 2013. Rates increased with age. No evidence of persistent HEV infection was detected. Infection with HEV is frequent, but persistent HEV infection is rare among HIV-infected individuals.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in dromedary camels, Bedouins, Muslim Arabs and Jews in Israel, 2009-2017.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. Recently, HEV-7 has been shown to infect camels and humans. We studied HEV seroprevalence in dromedary camels and among Bedouins, Arabs (Muslims, none-Bedouins) and Jews and assessed factors associated with anti-HEV seropositivity. Serum samples from dromedary camels (n = 86) were used to determine camel anti-HEV IgG and HEV RNA positivity. Human samples collected between 2009 and 2016 from &gt;20 years old Bedouins (n = 305), non-Bedouin Arabs (n = 320) and Jews (n = 195), were randomly selected using an age-stratified sampling design. Human HEV IgG levels were determined using Wantai IgG ELISA assay. Of the samples obtained from camels, 68.6% were anti-HEV positive. Among the human populations, Bedouins and non-Bedouin Arabs had a significantly higher prevalence of HEV antibodies (21.6% and 15.0%, respectively) compared with the Jewish population (3.1%). Seropositivity increased significantly with age in all human populations, reaching 47.6% and 34.8% among ⩾40 years old, in Bedouins and non-Bedouin Arabs, respectively. The high seropositivity in camels and in ⩾40 years old Bedouins and non-Bedouin Arabs suggests that HEV is endemic in Israel. The low HEV seroprevalence in Jews could be attributed to higher socio-economic status.

Sero-Prevalence of HBV, HCV and HEV among the Egyptian Pregnant Females

Background: Viral hepatitis in pregnant women can be caused by multiple types of hepatitis viruses and can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications, ranging from asymptomatic infection to maternal and fetal deaths. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence and the associated factors of viral hepatitis B (HBV), viral hepatitis C (HCV) and viral hepatitis E (HEV) among the Egyptian pregnant females. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from January to July 2017 in two selected antenatal clinics; El-shat by maternity university hospital at Alexandria city and El-Behera health insurance antenatal clinic at Damanhur city on 261 apparently healthy gravid women. Eligible women were evaluated by a questionnaire about socio-demographic data and viral serological tests were done at El-shat by maternity University Hospital Laboratory. Results: The overall HBs-Ag sero-prevalence in the pregnant women included in this study was 7 cases (2.7%) and HCV-RNA PCR was 4 cases (1.5%). Of the total study participants, none of them (0%) were anti-HEV IgM positive and 48 cases (18.4%) were anti-HEV IgG positive. According to our results, neither age of the woman, place of residence, past family history of hepatitis virus infection nor having a pet animal had any strong association to be considered as an associated factor for acquiring HEV infection. Conclusion: Although it seems that there are many improvements in the prevalence of different hepatitis viruses in the country, hepatitis viral infections are still high enough to continue their preventive programs and health education, to protect the mothers and their fetuses from the hazardous effects of these serious infections.

Hepatitis E prevalence in French Polynesian blood donors.

The HEV seroprevalence in mainland France is elevated (22.4%). In contrast, anti-HEV seroprevalence appears to be lower in Oceania. However, none is available for French Polynesia. We assessed the anti-HEV IgG and IgM prevalence on samples from 300 consecutive blood donors living on Tahiti and Moorea islands. Epidemiological information was collected using a specific questionnaire. Overall IgM seroprevalence was 0.6% and overall IgG seroprevalence was 7.7%. The presence of anti-HEV IgG was associated with increasing age (p = 0.01), eating chicken offal (p = 0.01) and cooked rabbit (p = 0.02). Conversely, eating fafaru—traditional Polynesian condiment—was associated with a lower rate of anti-HEV IgG (p<0.01).). All donors who surfed or practiced va’a (traditional outrigger canoë) were HEV seronegative. The Polynesian lifestyle and the particular food consumption patterns—especially the very well cooked pork—may be the key to understand the low HEV seroprevalence in French Polynesia.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among People Living With HIV in the Central African Republic.

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a waterborne virus that causes acute hepatitis in immunocompromised patients and those who are immunocompetent. Few cases of chronic HEV have been described in industrialized countries. The Central African Republic is 1 of the few countries in the world that is endemic for both HIV and HEV. The prevalence of HIV infection is estimated to be 4.9% among adults aged 15–49 years, and hepatitis E is epidemo-endemic. The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of HEV infection in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Bangui.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between April and September 2015 based on answers to a questionnaire, and blood samples were collected for determination of immunological markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and molecular tests.ResultsOf the 200 PLHIV included, 15 (7.5%) had the IgM that characterizes acute HEV infection; 8.9% were women, and 2.2% were men. The overall seroprevalence of IgG was 68% (48% women and 70.4% men), indicating that men are statistically significantly more exposed to HEV than women. HEV infection had no effect on transaminase or T-CD4+ lymphocyte cell levels. The origin of infection could not be identified.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of HEV is very high among PLHIV and in the general population of Bangui. This must be taken into account in studies of the risk factors of PLHIV infected with HEV.

Autoimmune liver disease serology in acute hepatitis E virus infection

Introduction: Existing data show an increased seroprevalence of HEV among AIH patients, raising the question as to whether HEV as a role as a potential AIH trigger. Our aim was to investigate whether acute HEV infection is associated with the presence of AIH-relevant autoantibodies.

Hepatitis E Virus infection seroprevalence and the associated risk factors in animals raised in Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACTHepatitis E (HE) is an important viral hepatitis of global public and livestock health, and food security significance due to the ubiquitous distribution, multiple transmission route and zoonotic potentials. HE is also endemic in most developing countries including Nigeria. This study therefore investigates the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of HEV infection in pigs raised in Ibadan, Nigeria. Taking an analytical cross-sectional study design, 176 animals (comprising 120 pigs, 26 goats, and 30 cattle) were randomly sampled at the Bodija Municipal abattoir, Ibadan. Serum samples and demographic information were collected for HEV antibody detection (using a commercial recombinant genotype-3 antigen ELISA kit) and risk factors, respectively. A 57.5% (69/120) HEV seroprevalence was reported in the pigs while 0% prevalence was reported in the goats and cattle. In the pigs, a significant age-based HEV seropositivity difference (χ2 = 5.30; OR = 0.20–0.89; p = 0.02) with a higher seroprevalence in the < 6 months (68.42%; 39/57) compared to the > 6 months age group (47.62%; 20/63) was reported. No significant sex, breed and husbandry system effect on HEV seroprevalence was detected in the pigs. This study therefore underscores the high HEV seroprevalence and age-based odds of HEV-exposure in pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria.