scholarly journals Hepatitis E Virus among Animal Handlers and Non-Animal Handlers in Osun State, Nigeria

Author(s):  
I. R. Gidado ◽  
F. A. Osundare ◽  
I. O. Okonko ◽  
O. O. Opaleye

Aim: Increase in the epidemiological information is important for effective control of hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HEV among butchers, pig handlers and non-animal handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Biology Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Isale Osun, Osogbo, Nigeria, between June 2015 and July 2019. Methods: A total of 180 blood samples were obtained and screened for HEV from cohorts of 90 animal handlers (69 butchers and 21 pig handlers) and 90 non-animal handlers. Questionnaires on HEV were administered to obtain a demographic characteristic of the participants. Anti-hepatitis E viruses were also screened using HEV ELISA kit. Results: Results showed an overall prevalence of HEV to be 21.7%. The rate of anti-HEV IgG/IgM antibodies was higher among butchers (27.5%), followed by non-animal handlers (18.9%) and was least among the pig handlers (14.3%) while the two IgM positive persons were butchers and non-animal handlers. However, 39(21.7%) of the 180 samples were positive for either anti-HEV IgG antibodies (37/180, 20.6%) or anti-HEV IgM (2/180, 1.1%). Also, the rate of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was higher among butchers (26.1%), followed by non-animal handlers (17.8%) and the pig handlers (14.3%) had the least. The two IgM positive persons were butchers (1.4%), non-animal handlers (1.1%) and pig handlers had a zero prevalence. There was no statistical significance in the prevalence of HEV IgG and HEV IgM in animal handlers as compared to non-animal handlers (P > 0.05). One (1.4%) of the butchers and 1 (1.1%) of non-animal handlers showed evidence of recent HEV infection by being positive to HEV IgM. Sources of drinking water were the only HEV predisposition factor for HEV (P =0.023). Conclusion: This study reported an acute HEV infection in a butcher and a non-animal handler in Osun State, Nigeria. No prevalence rates of acute HEV infection was observed among pig handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. The study also showed a low prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies among these study populations. Proper hygiene is recommended for further reduction in HEV transmission in Nigeria. Aim: Increase in the epidemiological information is important for effective control of hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HEV among butchers, pig handlers and non-animal handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Biology Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Isale Osun, Osogbo, Nigeria, between June 2015 and July 2019. Methods: A total of 180 blood samples were obtained and screened for HEV from cohorts of 90 animal handlers (69 butchers and 21 pig handlers) and 90 non-animal handlers. Questionnaires on HEV were administered to obtain a demographic characteristic of the participants. Anti-hepatitis E viruses were also screened using HEV ELISA kit. Results: Results showed an overall prevalence of HEV to be 21.7%. The rate of anti-HEV IgG/IgM antibodies was higher among butchers (27.5%), followed by non-animal handlers (18.9%) and was least among the pig handlers (14.3%) while the two IgM positive persons were butchers and non-animal handlers. However, 39(21.7%) of the 180 samples were positive for either anti-HEV IgG antibodies (37/180, 20.6%) or anti-HEV IgM (2/180, 1.1%). Also, the rate of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was higher among butchers (26.1%), followed by non-animal handlers (17.8%) and the pig handlers (14.3%) had the least. The two IgM positive persons were butchers (1.4%), non-animal handlers (1.1%) and pig handlers had a zero prevalence. There was no statistical significance in the prevalence of HEV IgG and HEV IgM in animal handlers as compared to non-animal handlers (P > 0.05). One (1.4%) of the butchers and 1 (1.1%) of non-animal handlers showed evidence of recent HEV infection by being positive to HEV IgM. Sources of drinking water were the only HEV predisposition factor for HEV (P =0.023). Conclusion: This study reported an acute HEV infection in a butcher and a non-animal handler in Osun State, Nigeria. No prevalence rates of acute HEV infection was observed among pig handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. The study also showed a low prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies among these study populations. Proper hygiene is recommended for further reduction in HEV transmission in Nigeria.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Boff Costa ◽  
Michele Soares Gomes Gouvêa ◽  
Samira Chuffi ◽  
Gustavo Hirata Dellavia ◽  
Felipe Ornel ◽  
...  

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.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1113
Author(s):  
Iwona Kozyra ◽  
Artur Jabłoński ◽  
Ewelina Bigoraj ◽  
Artur Rzeżutka

The most important wildlife species in the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are wild boars, which are also the main reservoir of the virus in a sylvatic environment. The aim of the study was a serological and molecular assessment of the prevalence of HEV infections in wild boars in Poland. In total, 470 pairs of samples (wild boar blood and livers) and 433 samples of faeces were tested. An ELISA (ID.vet, France) was used for serological analysis. For the detection of HEV RNA, real-time (RT)-qPCR was employed. The presence of specific anti-HEV IgG antibodies was found in 232 (49.4%; 95%CI: 44.7–54%) sera, with regional differences observed in the seroprevalence of infections. HEV RNA was detected in 57 (12.1%, 95%CI: 9.3–15.4%) livers and in 27 (6.2%, 95%CI: 4.1–8.9%) faecal samples, with the viral load ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 × 1011 G.C./g and 38 to 9.3 × 107 G.C./mL, respectively. A correlation between serological and molecular results of testing of wild boars infected with HEV was shown. HEV infections in wild boars appeared to be common in Poland.


2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-39
Author(s):  
W Nargis ◽  
BU Ahamed ◽  
S Zabeen ◽  
F Alam ◽  
MA Wahab ◽  
...  

Introduction: Nephropathies, as one of the multiple extrahepatic features of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, can occur in clinically improved HEV hepatitis patients which in majority of the cases remain clinically silent for a long period. By the time these are reported, patients have already developed renal insufficiency which may even lead to renal replacement therapy. Proteinuria, a simple test in practice, can be a useful tool for early detection of the underlying renal impairment. Objective: The aim of this study was to detect the presence of proteinuria and to evaluate the degree of proteinuria in HEV- hepatitis patients during post-icteric state. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 50 diagnosed patients of clinically improved HEV-hepatitis at the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) with active cooperation of the Department of Hepatology, BSMMU, between July 2006 and June 2007. Cases were chosen carefully, to exclude the acute state of illness and the patients of HEV were selected during their third or fourth follow-up, in their post-icteric phase. The study subjects were grouped according to equal age ranges in group-I (18-26 year) and group-II (27-35 year). Depending on the level of spot urinary protein (mg/dl) the subjects were also categorized as having trace, mild and moderate proteinuria. Results: The mean age of HEV infected subjects was 24.72±2.59 years. The mean spot urinary protein in age group-II patients was raised compared to age group-I and the difference was highly significant (p<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) of spot urinary protein of male and female. Majority of HEV patients (42%) presented with mild proteinuria and mostly (53.3%) was of age group-I. Conclusion: Spot urinary protein concentration should be checked in every HEV- hepatitis patient to detect the presence and level of proteinuria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10395 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 37-39


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1710
Author(s):  
Ravi Shah ◽  
Parshv Shah ◽  
Hemant Shah ◽  
Nilesh Doctor

Background: the aim of the study was to find and understand the relation between electrolytes and viral hepatitis E. To study electrolyte abnormality in patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV).Methods: This study is a single centre cross sectional study on the patients with HEV infection. Consecutive cases affected with HEV-at department of medicine, SMIMER (Surat Municipal institute of medical education and research) hospital, Surat during the period of 1 year (July-2019 to June-2020) are taken up for the study.Results: Abnormal electrolytes are associated with higher mortality in patients infected with HEV.Conclusions: A higher mean serum creatinine, total bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT; lower total protein, albumin, and abnormal electrolytes in body fluid (Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca++) values are associated with higher mortality in patients infected with HEV.


Author(s):  
Shaima O. Althobaiti ◽  
Ghaida O. Alhumaidi ◽  
Waad M. Alwagdani ◽  
Kawther M. Almaroani ◽  
Batool S. Altowairqi ◽  
...  

Global data, including those from Saudi Arabia, that examined public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward hepatitis E virus (HEV) are limited. This study examined KAP levels of the general population in Saudi Arabia toward HEV. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 768 participants. An Arabic electronic questionnaire that contained demographic data and had 35 questions was used to measure KAP of the participants concerning HEV. Collected data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. A total of 768 individuals participated in the study, of whom 16.3% (N = 125) were males and 83.7% (N = 643) were females. Study subjects were 18 years and above. Most of the participants were Saudi citizens (95.6%; N = 734), and from Western Saudi Arabia (76.4%; N = 587). Thirty-four percent (N = 261) of the participants had not heard of HEV, and 48% were aware that yellowish skin or eyes are the most important sign of hepatitis. The level of participants’ knowledge about HEV was low (39.5%). However, positive attitudes and practices were apparent and tended to aim at how to avoid becoming infected with HEV. In conclusion, the level of HEV-related knowledge among the participants was low, and their practices and attitudes were aimed at avoiding HEV infection. Awareness campaigns are required to increase the public’s HEV-related knowledge.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ornella Anne Demi Sibiro ◽  
Alexandre Manirakiza ◽  
Narcisse Patrice Komas

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a waterborne virus that causes acute hepatitis in immunocompromised patients and those who are immunocompetent. Few cases of chronic HEV have been described in industrialized countries. The Central African Republic is 1 of the few countries in the world that is endemic for both HIV and HEV. The prevalence of HIV infection is estimated to be 4.9% among adults aged 15–49 years, and hepatitis E is epidemo-endemic. The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of HEV infection in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Bangui. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and September 2015 based on answers to a questionnaire, and blood samples were collected for determination of immunological markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and molecular tests. Results Of the 200 PLHIV included, 15 (7.5%) had the IgM that characterizes acute HEV infection; 8.9% were women, and 2.2% were men. The overall seroprevalence of IgG was 68% (48% women and 70.4% men), indicating that men are statistically significantly more exposed to HEV than women. HEV infection had no effect on transaminase or T-CD4+ lymphocyte cell levels. The origin of infection could not be identified. Conclusions The seroprevalence of HEV is very high among PLHIV and in the general population of Bangui. This must be taken into account in studies of the risk factors of PLHIV infected with HEV.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdolreza Sotoodeh Jahromi ◽  
Abbas Ahmadi-vasmehjani ◽  
Hassan Zabetian ◽  
Hossein Hakimelahi ◽  
Alireza Yusefi ◽  
...  

<p>Hepatitis E virus (HEV) could be cause of viral hepatitis in the developing countries and cause severe epidemics. According to other studies, blood transfusion as a probable route of HEV infection has been suggested. An infection with hepatitis agents such as HEV causes active liver failure in multi-transfusion patients in particular thalassemia. The purpose of this study determines the seropositivity of anti-HEV antibodies in thalassemia individuals in Jahrom. In a cross-sectional study, sera from 110 thalassemia were collected between 2013 and 2014. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was performed to detection of anti-HEV antibodies. Individuals’ data were collected such as, demographic and clinical, for statistical analysis. Our results show that 10% and 1.8% of the enrolled patients were HEV Ig-G and Ig-M positive antibodies respectively. In addition, there was statiscally significant difference in age groups for prevalence of anti-HEV Ig-G (P = 0.01). Also the serum levels of liver enzymes such as ALT and AST in the HEV Ig-G and Ig-M positive samples were significantly higher than anti-HEV negative samples. But there were no significant difference between sex and splenectomy with anti-HEV positive samples. The results indicate more study are needed to assess HEV screening of blood products to these patients that those have a probably risk of exposure to HEV especially in higher years old. </p>


2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 698-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soawapak Hinjoy ◽  
Kenrad E. Nelson ◽  
Robert V. Gibbons ◽  
Richard G. Jarman ◽  
Piyawan Chinnawirotpisan ◽  
...  

Viruses ◽  
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 ◽  
...  

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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