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Application of Hepatitis E Virus-Related Markers on Samples from a Developing Country
Clinical Laboratory
|March 15, 2019
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in Nepal. Immunoassay diagnostic kits, particularly HEV antigen tests, show promise for HEV detection in developing regions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nepal is an area endemic for hepatitis E virus (HEV) epidemics.
- Research on viral hepatitis in Nepal is limited, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and etiological agents of acute hepatitis in Nepal.
- To evaluate the utility of immunoassay diagnostic kits for hepatitis E detection.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 170 hepatitis patients in Nepal were tested for HEV RNA, HEV antigen, and antibodies (IgM, IgG).
- Other viral hepatitis markers including HBV, HAV, and HCV were also assessed using serological tests.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis E was the predominant cause of acute hepatitis (59.2%), with 16 confirmed cases.
- HEV antigen and anti-HEV IgM were positive in most confirmed HE cases, while HEV RNA detection was lower.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis A virus (HAV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) were also identified as causes of hepatitis.
Conclusions:
- HEV is a significant cause of acute hepatitis in developing countries.
- Immunoassay diagnostic kits, especially HEV antigen tests, are valuable tools for HEV detection in resource-limited settings.
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