Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence among the general population in a livestock-dense area in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional population-based serological survey

SUMMARYHepatitis E virus (HEV) is ubiquitous in pigs worldwide and may be zoonotic. Previous HEV seroprevalence estimates for groups of people working with swine were higher than for control groups. However, discordance among results of anti-HEV assays means that true seroprevalence estimates, i.e. seroprevalence due to previous exposure to HEV, depends on choice of seroassay. We tested blood samples from three subpopulations (49 swine veterinarians, 153 non-swine veterinarians and 644 randomly selected individuals from the general population) with one IgM and two IgG ELISAs, and subsets with IgG and/or IgM Western blots. A Bayesian stochastical model was used to combine results of all assays. The model accounted for imperfection of each assay by estimating sensitivity and specificity, and accounted for dependence between serological assays. As expected, discordance among assay results occurred. Applying the model yielded seroprevalence estimates of ~11% for swine veterinarians, ~6% for non-swine veterinarians and ~2% for the general population. By combining the results of five serological assays in a Bayesian stochastical model we confirmed that exposure to swine or their environment was associated with elevated HEV seroprevalence.

Download Full-text

Usage of purchased self-tests for HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: results of population-based and serial cross-sectional studies among the general population and sexual risk groups

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016609 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. e016609 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Janneke P Bil ◽

Maria Prins ◽

Ineke G Stolte ◽

Henriëtte Dijkshoorn ◽

Titia Heijman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Sexual Risk ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Self Test ◽

Test Usage ◽

Over Time

ObjectivesThere are limited data on the usage of commercially bought self-tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, we studied HIV/STI self-test usage and its determinants among the general population and sexual risk groups between 2007 and 2015 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.SettingData were collected in four different studies among the general population (S1–2) and sexual risk groups (S3–4).ParticipantsS1–Amsterdam residents participating in representative population-based surveys (2008 and 2012; n=6044) drawn from the municipality register; S2–Participants of a population-based study stratified by ethnicity drawn from the municipality register of Amsterdam (2011–2015; n=17 603); S3–Men having sex with men (MSM) participating in an HIV observational cohort study (2008 and 2013; n=597) and S4–STI clinic clients participating in a cross-sectional survey (2007–2012; n=5655).Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence of HIV/STI self-test usage and its determinants.ResultsThe prevalence of HIV/STI self-test usage in the preceding 6–12 months varied between 1% and 2% across studies. Chlamydia self-tests were most commonly used, except among MSM in S3. Chlamydia and syphilis self-test usage increased over time among the representative sample of Amsterdam residents (S1) and chlamydia self-test usage increased over time among STI clinic clients (S4). Self-test usage was associated with African Surinamese or Ghanaian ethnic origin (S2), being woman or MSM (S1 and 4) and having had a higher number of sexual partners (S1–2). Among those in the general population who tested for HIV/STI in the preceding 12 months, 5–9% used a self-test.ConclusionsDespite low HIV/STI self-test usage, we observed increases over time in chlamydia and syphilis self-test usage. Furthermore, self-test usage was higher among high-risk individuals in the general population. It is important to continue monitoring self-test usage and informing the public about the unknown quality of available self-tests in the Netherlands and about the pros and cons of self-testing.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus differs in Dutch and first generation migrant populations in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-016-2007-z ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

S. Sadik ◽

G. G. C. van Rijckevorsel ◽

M. S. van Rooijen ◽

G. J. B. Sonder ◽

S. M. Bruisten

Keyword(s):

The Netherlands ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

First Generation ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Migrant Populations ◽

Generation Migrant

Download Full-text

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Seroprevalence in the general population of the Republic of Korea in 2007–2009: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/1471-2334-14-517 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Youngsil Yoon ◽

Hye Sook Jeong ◽

Haesun Yun ◽

Hyeokjin Lee ◽

Yoo-Sung Hwang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Republic Of Korea ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Republic

Download Full-text

Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02749-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji ◽

Jean Joel Bigna ◽

Sebastien Kenmoe ◽

Fredy Brice N. Simo ◽

Marie A. Amougou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Resource Limited ◽

Study Selection ◽

Language Restriction

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684. Results Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0–37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1–28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2–4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9–65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats). Conclusions We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in risk populations and blood donors in a referral hospital in the south of Brazil

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85365-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marisa Boff Costa ◽

Michele Soares Gomes Gouvêa ◽

Samira Chuffi ◽

Gustavo Hirata Dellavia ◽

Felipe Ornel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Total Sample ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Confirmatory Test ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Populations At Risk

AbstractThe prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies has a high heterogeneity worldwide. South American data are still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HEV in populations at risk in comparison to blood donors (BD). A cross-sectional study was carried out in adults of different risk populations including crack users (CK), residents in a low income area (LIA), cirrhotic (CIR) and liver transplant patients (LT) compared with BD. The WANTAI HEV ELISA test was used and real-time PCR (in-house for screening and ALTONA as confirmatory test) for HEV RNA screening. A total of 400 participants were included. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 19.5% of the total sample, reaching the highest rate in the CIR group, 22.5%, followed by CK, LT, and LIA (20%, 18.7%, and 17.5%, respectively). The prevalence found in BD individuals was of 18.7% (p = NS). Anti-HEV IgM was positive in only 1.5% of the sample (6/400). No blood or stools samples were positive for HEV RNA. The seroprevalence reported is among the highest rates ever found in Brazil. Considering the intense diagnostic investigation, data show that HEV circulation is more common that might be expected in our country.

Download Full-text

Exposure of Petrol Station Attendants and Auto Mechanics to Premium Motor Sprit Fumes in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2009/281876 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2009 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

N. E. Udonwa ◽

E. K. Uko ◽

B. M. Ikpeme ◽

I. A. Ibanga ◽

B. O. Okon

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Petrol Station ◽

Risk Of Exposure ◽

Structured Questionnaire

A population-based-cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the potential risk of exposure to premium motor spirit (PMS) fumes in Calabar, Nigeria, among Automobile Mechanics (AM), Petrol Station Attendants (PSA) and the general population. Structured questionnaire was administered on the randomly chosen subjects to elicit information on their exposure to PMS. Duration of exposure was taken as the length of work in their various occupations. Venous blood was taken for methaemoglobin (MetHb) and packed cells volume (PCV). Mean MetHb value was higher in AM (7.3%) and PSA (5.8%) than in the subjects from the general population (2.7%). PCV was lower in PSA (30.8%), than AM (33.3%) and the subjects from the general population (40.8%). MetHb level was directly proportional, and PCV inversely related, to the duration of exposure. The study suggested increased exposure to petrol fumes among AM, PSA, and MetHb as a useful biomarker in determining the level of exposure to benzene in petrol vapour.

Download Full-text