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Prevalence of hepatitis E antibodies in immigrants from developing countries
Tarrago D1, R López-Vélez, C Turrientes
1Microbiology Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody prevalence was higher in sub-Saharan African immigrants (5.5%) compared to Spanish blood donors (2.9%). However, immigrants do not pose a significant HEV transmission risk to the Spanish population.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding HEV transmission dynamics is crucial for prevention strategies.
- Immigration patterns may influence the epidemiology of infectious diseases in host populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in Spanish blood donors and immigrants from developing countries.
- To assess the risk of HEV transmission from immigrants to the native Spanish population.
Main Methods:
- Seroprevalence study conducted on 90 asymptomatic immigrants (primarily from sub-Saharan Africa) and 863 Spanish blood donors.
- HEV antibody testing performed on all participants.
- Prevalence rates and confidence intervals were calculated.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of HEV antibodies was 5.5% in immigrants and 2.9% in Spanish blood donors.
- HEV antibody prevalence was 1.9 times higher in the immigrant group compared to the Spanish blood donor group.
- Despite higher prevalence, the overall number of immigrants suggests a low risk of HEV transmission.
Conclusions:
- Sub-Saharan African immigrants in Spain have a higher seroprevalence of HEV antibodies than the indigenous Spanish population.
- Current data suggests that immigrants do not represent a major source of HEV transmission to the broader Spanish population.
- Further research may be warranted to monitor HEV epidemiology in diverse populations.