Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Blood Donors seen at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

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.