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Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis E virus infection in Thai troops deployed with U.N. peacekeeping forces
Khin Saw Aye Myint1, Pochaman Duripunt, Mammen P Mammen
1Department of Virology, U.S. Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Military Medicine
|December 8, 2007
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroconversion was studied in Thai soldiers deployed to endemic regions. Annualized seroconversion rates varied by deployment location, with Afghanistan and Burundi showing the highest rates.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic globally, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
- HEV poses a significant health risk in military settings.
- Previous reports indicate HEV presence in various military environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroconversion rates of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Thai soldiers deployed to HEV-endemic regions.
- To assess the risk of HEV infection during multinational force deployments.
Main Methods:
- Thai soldiers deployed to East Timor, Afghanistan, and Iraq were monitored.
- Seroconversion was defined as a 4-fold increase in HEV antibody titers.
- Annualized seroconversion rates were calculated based on deployment duration.
Main Results:
- Annualized HEV seroconversion rates were 1.9% for East Timor, 4.6% for Afghanistan, 4.6% for Burundi, and 3.9% for Iraq.
- The average deployment duration was 6.4 months.
- Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and Burundi exhibited the highest seroconversion rates.
Conclusions:
- Military deployments to HEV-endemic areas are associated with significant seroconversion rates.
- HEV infection is a relevant health concern for military personnel in deployed settings.
- Sanitary conditions and HEV prevalence in deployment zones influence infection risk.
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