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Acute sporadic hepatitis E in Sudanese children: analysis based on a new western blot assay
1Infectious Disease Department, US Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.
Insights
Hepatitis E is the most common cause of acute hepatitis in children in Sudan, identified using a new Western blot assay. This finding highlights the importance of diagnosing Hepatitis E in pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis globally, particularly in developing countries.
- Accurate diagnosis of acute hepatitis is crucial for appropriate patient management and public health interventions.
- Previous diagnostic methods for HEV in pediatric populations in Sudan were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a newly developed Western blot assay for detecting antibodies to Hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV).
- To determine the prevalence and etiological agents of acute hepatitis in children in Khartoum, Sudan.
- To assess the association of acute hepatitis E with epidemiological factors.
Main Methods:
- A newly developed Western blot assay was used to detect IgM anti-HEV.
- 39 cases of acute pediatric hepatitis and 39 controls in Khartoum, Sudan were evaluated.
- Standard assays were used to diagnose hepatitis A (IgM anti-HAV) and hepatitis B (IgM anti-HBc).
Main Results:
- Hepatitis E (IgM anti-HEV positive) was diagnosed in 23 (59%) of the 39 pediatric hepatitis cases.
- Hepatitis A was diagnosed in 13 cases (33%), and hepatitis B in 1 case (3%).
- Acute hepatitis E was associated with recent contact with individuals with jaundice and the presence of indoor plumbing.
Conclusions:
- The newly developed Western blot assay is specific for diagnosing acute icteric non-A, non-B hepatitis.
- Hepatitis E is the most common cause of acute sporadic hepatitis in children in urban Africa.
- This study underscores the public health importance of Hepatitis E in pediatric populations in Sudan.
Abstract:
A newly developed Western blot assay for antibody to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) was used to evaluate 39 cases of acute pediatric hepatitis and 39 control patients in Khartoum, Sudan. The mean age of cases was 6.5 years (range, 2-14); 64% were male. Acute hepatitis A (IgM anti-HAV-positive) was diagnosed in 13 cases, acute hepatitis B (IgM anti-HBc-positive) in 1, and acute hepatitis E (positive for IgM anti-HEV) in 23 (59%). None of the cases with IgM anti-HAV or IgM anti-HBc had IgM anti-HEV; 3 controls had IgM anti-HEV. Acute hepatitis E was associated with recent contact with a family member or acquaintance with jaundice and the presence of indoor plumbing. The newly developed hepatitis E assay appeared to be specific for the diagnosis of acute icteric non-A, non-B hepatitis. Hepatitis E was found to be the most common cause of acute sporadic hepatitis in children living in an urban area of Africa.