Hepatitis E seroprevalence and associated factors in rural settlers in Central Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017 Sep-Oct;50(5):675-679. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0105-2017.

Abstract

Introduction: Prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and associated factors were investigated in rural settlements in Central Brazil.

Methods: A total of 464 settlers were interviewed, and serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG/IgM. Positive samples were tested for HEV RNA.

Results: Sixteen participants (3.4%; 95% CI 2.0-5.7) were positive for anti-HEV IgG. None was positive for anti-HEV IgM. HEV RNA was not detected. Dwelling in a rural settlement for >5 years was associated with HEV seropositivity.

Conclusions: The results revealed the absence of acute infection and a low prevalence of previous exposure to HEV.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis E / blood
  • Hepatitis E / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Distribution
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M