Seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis E virus infection in the Romanian adult population: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital

Abstract Background: The primary goal was to estimate the seroprevalence of autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in adult Romanian population. Additionally, we aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the HEV seropositive status. Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2016, 201 adult patients were tested for antiHEV-IgG. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine for factors associated with a positive HEV-IgG test. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: The final analysis included 175 patients who followed the study protocol. Forty-sex (26.3%) had positive, 121 (69.1%) had negative, and 8 (4.6%) had indeterminate antiHEV-IgG results. Patients with positive anti-HEV-IgG were older [median age: 54.5 years (IQR 43-65)] compared to patients with negative anti-HEV-IgG [median age: 37.5 years (IQR 28-57.5)], p <0.001. A positive HEV-IgG was more common in patients with history of blood transfusions [n=10 (22.7%) versus (vs) n=11 (9.4%), p=0.025], in those with immunosuppressive conditions [n=18 (40.9%) vs n=27 (23.1%), p=0.025] and in patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) [n=14 (31.1%) vs n=10 (10.3%), p=0.002]. Conclusions: In conclusion, we found that autochthonous HEV seropositivity is common in our study population, especially in older patients, previous blood transfusions, presence of immunosuppressive conditions, and positive HBsAg.

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Hepatitis E Virus in People Who Use Crack-Cocaine: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Remote Region of Northern Brazil

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13050926 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 926

Author(s):

Raquel Silva do Nascimento ◽

Karen Lorena N. Baia ◽

Samara Borges de Souza ◽

Guilherme Martins G. Fontoura ◽

Patrícia Ferreira Nunes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Crack Cocaine ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Northern Brazil

People who use crack-cocaine (PWUCC) have numerous vulnerabilities and pose a challenge to health and social assistance services. The exposure to pathogens and risk situations occur differently according to each individual, region and social group. This study identified the presence, genotypes and factors associated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) exposure among a community-recruited cohort of 437 PWUCC in northern Brazil. Epidemiological information was collected through community-based assessments and interviews. Thereafter, blood and fecal samples were collected and tested for HEV using an immunoenzymatic assay, and the genotype was identified by PCR. Logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors independently associated with exposure to HEV. In total, 79 (18.1%) PWUCC were exposed to HEV: 73 (16.7%) for IgG and six for IgG + IgM. HEV RNA was detected in six fecal samples and in two blood samples from PWUCC with IgM + IgG. Subtype 3c was identified in all of the samples. The factors associated with exposure to HEV were low monthly income, unstable housing (e.g., homelessness), crack-cocaine use ≥40 months, and the shared use of crack-cocaine equipment. The current study provides unique initial insights into HEV status and risk factors among PWUCC in a remote area in Brazil, with diverse implications for urgently improved diagnosis, prevention, and treatment intervention needs.

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Seroprevalence Study of Anti-HEV IgG among Different Adult Populations in Corsica, France, 2019

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms7100460 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. 460 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Capai ◽

Masse ◽

Gallian ◽

Souty ◽

Isnard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

General Practice ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Adult Population ◽

Strong Association ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Antibody Detection ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. In France, hyperendemic areas including Corsica have an anti-HEV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) prevalence higher than 50%. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG in three adult populations in Corsica and the risk factors associated with antibody detection. Between 2017 and 2019, a total of 930 individuals, including 467 blood donors, 393 students or university staff members and 70 patients from general practice, were tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG using the Wantai HEV IgG enzyme immunoassay kit and filled a questionnaire. The association between seropositivity and potential risk factors was tested with univariate and multivariate analyses. Out of the 930 samples, 52.3% (486/930) were seropositive—54.4% (254/467) among blood donors, 47.6% (187/393) among university students and 64.3% (45/70) among patients of general practice. Three main risk factors were identified: (i) skinning and butchering (Adjusted Odds Ratio aOR = 2.76, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [1.51–5.37]; p-value < 10−3), (ii) consumption of a local pork live raw sausage (fittonu) (aOR = 1.95 95% CI [1.45–2.64]; p-value = 10−5), and (iii) increasing age (p-value = 0.003). Seropositivity rates between the different populations were homogeneous after age stratification. This cross-sectional study indicates a high anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in the Corsican adult population, not significantly different between women and men and increasing with age. This serosurvey also showed homogeneity regarding the exposure to HEV among three different types of populations. Finally, we confirmed the endemicity of Corsica with respect to HEV and identified a strong association between consumption of figatellu/fittonu and the practice of skinning and butchering with the detection of anti-HEV IgG.

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Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients at a North American Transplant Center

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofw006 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Paul K. Sue ◽

Nora Pisanic ◽

Christopher D. Heaney ◽

Michael Forman ◽

Alexandra Valsamakis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

North America ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Organ Transplant ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Solid Organ Transplant ◽

Solid Organ ◽

Transplant Recipients ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract Background. Autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been reported in over 200 solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients since 2006, yet little is known about the burden of HEV among SOT recipients in North America. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with HEV infection among SOT recipients at our institution. Methods. Children and adults (n = 311) who received allografts between 1988 and 2012 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital were assessed for evidence of HEV infection by testing posttransplantation serum samples for HEV antibody by enzyme immunoassay and HEV RNA by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Individuals with evidence of posttransplant HEV infection (presence of anti-HEV immunoglobulin [Ig]M antibody, anti-HEV IgG seroconversion, or HEV RNA) were compared with individuals without evidence of infection and assessed for risk factors associated with infection. Results. Twelve individuals (4%) developed posttransplant HEV infection. Posttransplant HEV infection was associated with an increased risk for graft rejection (odds ratio, 14.2; P = .03). No individuals developed chronic infection. Conclusions. Solid organ transplant recipients in the United States are at risk for posttransplant HEV infection. Further studies are needed to characterize environmental risk factors and the risk of HEV infection after SOT in North America.

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Cirrhosis, Liver Transplantation and HIV Infection Are Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis E Virus Infection

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0103028 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e103028 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Mar Riveiro-Barciela ◽

María Buti ◽

María Homs ◽

Isabel Campos-Varela ◽

Carmen Cantarell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Liver Transplantation ◽

Virus Infection ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Factors Associated

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Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety in the Adult Population of Qatar in the First Year of the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from an Online Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-729213/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Salma M. Khaled ◽

Iman Amro ◽

Lina Bader ◽

Peter Woodruff ◽

Majid A Alabdulla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Adult Population ◽

Prior History ◽

First Year ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

History Of

Abstract Background: There is limited data from Arabic-speaking countries on risk factors for depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Country-specific data is necessary given differences in culture, demographics, COVID-19 infection and mortality rates.Aim: To identify factors associated with symptoms of depression-anxiety in the adult population of Qatar during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Qatar between July and December 2020 after the first COVID-19 wave and before the beginning of the second wave. Depression-anxiety was defined as a cut-off of 20 or higher on the PHQ-ADS scale. Results: Of 1138 participants, 71.05% were female, 69.0% Arabs, and 70.0% Non-Qataris. 77% were < 40 years (the median age in Qatar is 32 years). In a fully-adjusted model, six variables were significantly associated with PHQ-ADS; Arab ethnicity (OR=1.67, p=0.026), never married (OR=2.04, p < 0.001 (versus married), prior history of psychiatric disorder (versus no history) (OR=1.76, p=0.039), increased worries due to social media use for COVID-related news/updates (OR=1.72, p=0.003), those with a history of COVID-19 (OR=1.76, p=0.039), loneliness (OR=1.91, p < 0.001), and lower levels of religiosity (OR=0.96, p=0.039). These associations also pertained in the reduced model, with exception of religiosity which was only marginally statistically significant (OR=0.97, p=0.055).Conclusions: The potential risk factors identified may assist with anxiety and depression prevention in future COVID-19 waves, and similar crises, and assist with early intervention to treat sufferers.

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Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Three Species of Pet Birds in Northwest China

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2014/296285 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Wei Cong ◽

Qing-Feng Meng ◽

Xiao-Feng Shan ◽

Wu-Wen Sun ◽

Si-Yuan Qin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Virus Infection ◽

Enzyme Immunoassay ◽

Causative Agent ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Northwest China ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Pet Birds

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, has been reported in a wide variety of animals, including birds, but little is known of HEV infection in pet birds in northwest China. The objective of the present investigation was to examine HEV seroprevalence in three species of pet birds, namely, Eurasian siskin, Oriental skylark, and black-tailed grosbeak from Gansu. Serum samples collected from 685 pet birds from August 2011 to September 2012 were examined independently for the presence of antibodies against HEV. A total of 59 (8.31%) pet birds were tested positive for HEV antibodies by the commercially available enzyme immunoassay kits. Of these, the seroprevalence was diverse in different species pet birds; the most frequent level was 10.83% (39/360) in Eurasian siskin, followed by 6.57% (19/289) in Oriental skylark, and 2.29% (1/36) in black-tailed grosbeak. Age and collecting region of pet birds were the main risk factors associated with HEV infection. The present study firstly revealed the seroprevalence of HEV infection in three species of pet birds in northwest China, which provided the baseline data for taking comprehensive countermeasures and measures for effectively preventing and controlling HEV infection in birds.

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Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors in high-risk groups: A cross-sectional study from Turkey

10.1101/2021.01.25.21250429 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

H. Yasemin Balaban ◽

Abdullah Tarık Aslan ◽

Fatma Nur Akdoğan Kittana ◽

Alpaslan Alp ◽

Osman Dağ ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Transplant Recipients ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Independent Risk Factors ◽

Undercooked Meat

AbstractBackgroundThe renal transplant recipients (RT), allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (allo-HSCT), patients with acute hepatitis (AH), and chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC) are at risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. However, seroepidemiology, risk factors to HEV exposure, and the prevalence of HEV viremia has not yet been investigated among these patients in Turkey.Materials&MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 292 consecutive serum samples were tested for HEV immunoglobulin IgG/IgM and HEV RNA using commercial ELISA and in-house nested PCR with Sanger sequencing, respectively. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory data, and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire and hospital database. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors for anti-HEV seropositivity.ResultsAmong all patients (n=292) tested for HEV RNA reactivity, only 2 patients (one RT recipient and one patient with AH) were identified as having HEV3 viremia. HEV viremia rate was 0.6% in whole group. These patients had shown no signs of chronic HEV infection for 6 months and was found to spontaneously seroconverted 6 months after enrollment. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 29 patients yielding an HEV seroprevalence of 9.9%. Older age (aOR:1.03, 95% CI, 1.00-1.06; p:0.022) and eating undercooked meat (aOR:3.11, 95% CI, 1.08-8.92; p:0.034) were independent risk factors to anti-HEV seropositivity in all patients. Similarly, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (aOR:1.03, 95% CI, 0.99-1.07, p:0.058) and eating undercooked meat (aOR:5.77, 95% CI, 1.49-22.25, p:0.011) were independent risk factors for anti-HEV IgG positivity in the non-immunosuppressive subgroup consisting of AH and CHC patients.ConclusionThe HEV seroprevalence rate was high (9.9%), despite low viremia rate (0.6%) in high-risk patients. The emergence of HEV3 might indicate a serious problem for these patients. Future investigations are needed to elucidate foodborne transmission routes of HEV in Turkey.

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