Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Blood Donors seen at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Keywords:
blood donors, seroprevalence, IgM, IgG, Hepatitis E virusAbstract
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a single stranded RNA virus belonging to the Hepeviridae family usually causes a mild self-limiting infection. Most patients infected with HEV spontaneously clear the virus, whilst in a few cases, chronic hepatitis E infection may develop. Transmission is usually via the faeco-oral route, though emerging evidence indicate that transmission via transfusion of blood and blood products is possible. Presently in Nigeria, the screening of blood for transfusion transmittable infections does not include HEV. Very few studies are available on the prevalence of HEV infection among the Nigerian population and most studies have been conducted amongst specific populations such as, pregnant women.
Aim: To determine seroprevalence rates of anti HEV IgG and IgM amongst apparently healthy blood donors attending the donor clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
Materials and Methods: Sera from 104 blood donors were screened for anti-HEV IgM and IgG using ELISA. Data were expressed as mean + standard deviation and significant level set at P <0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of anti HEV antibodies was 4.8% with a prevalence rate of 1.9% for anti HEV IgM and 2.9% for anti HEV IgG. All the seropositive participants were male and a higher prevalence was found in participants between 20-40 years. No significant association was seen (P > 0.05) between seropositivity and known risk factors associated with the transmission of HEV.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence rates of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies are low, there is a risk of HEV infection transmission via blood and blood products.
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