Evidence of hepatitis E virus infections among persons who use crack cocaine from the Midwest region of Brazil

J Med Virol. 2019 Jan;91(1):151-154. doi: 10.1002/jmv.25288. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

Abstract

The current study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among persons who use crack from Midwest region of Brazil. Sera samples from 698 users of crack, collected from November 2013 to July 2015 were tested for anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) markers. Of the 698 serum samples, 99 (14.2%) were positive for anti-HEV IgG. Two samples were positive for anti-HEV IgM but both were negative for HEV RNA. The variables independently associated with anti-HEV positivity were increasing age and absence of stable partnership. This study showed high prevalence of past hepatitis E virus infection among persons who use crack.

Keywords: Brazil; crack cocaine; hepatitis E virus; seroprevalence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Crack Cocaine / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis E / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis E virus / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Crack Cocaine
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • RNA, Viral