Objective: To study the prevalent characteristics and risk factors of viral hepatitis E in Yantai and the relative for strategy on viral hepatitis E control in the area.
Methods: Data on viral hepatitis E incidence reported by the Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System in 2005-2009 was analyzed. 2028 persons were chosen for hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody detection by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. RT-nPCR method was applied to obtain the sequence of HEV in HEV cases. A case-control study was used to identify the risk factors of HEV infection.
Results: The distribution of HEV cases was sporadic in Yantai, and the annual incidence rate was 5.70/100 000, with spring as the prevalent season. Farmers were the main population involved and with those over the age of 40. Regional distribution was mainly along the coastline. Data from the sequential analysis showed that gene type of local patients was type 4 and healthy person whose HEV-IgM was positive was type l. Finding from the case-control study suggested that eating seafoods, living condition in the households and unhealthy habits played important roles in the infection of HEV. Results from multiple logistic regression showed that eating seafood, with eat-out history, drinking alcohol and un-boiled water were the main risk factors in the infection of HEV.
Conclusion: The level of HE in Yantai will maintain in a high level, but there is no chance of epidemic outbreak of HE in large range. Population of incidence mainly concentrates on farmers.