Risk analysis and seroprevalence of HEV in people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil

Abstract

Acute Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) can lead to fulminant hepatic failure, cirrhosis and death. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies within this group varies according to the geographical area. However, in South America, studies concerning the detection of HEV in PLHA are rare. Here, we investigated the presence of HEV by serological and molecular detection and evaluated the risk factors associated with infection in PLHA in Pernambuco state, Brazilian Northeast. Serological and molecular detection of HEV was performed in 366 samples of PLHA by ELISA for anti-HEV IgG and RT-PCR, respectively. Anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 4.1% (15/366) and no HEV RNA was detected. Concerning the risk factors, we evaluated, in multivariable analysis, age, years of school, sexual orientation, oral-anal sex, use of injectable drugs and piped water. Among them, only piped water availability could be associated with the HEV infection in PLHA (OR: 0.08; CI 95%: 0.01-0.66; p = 0.0182). This study showed for the first time the association of piped water as protection factor for HEV infection in PLHA. Finally, this is also the first report of HEV seroprevalence in PLHA in the Northeast Brazil.

Keywords: Hepatitis E; People living with HIV/AIDS; Piped water; Risk factors; Seroprevalence.