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Published on: June 26, 2020
HEV prevalence and potential risk factors in a large multi-ethnic youth cohort in China
Huixia Li1, Yinxia Zhang1, Zhongren Ma1
1Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China.
Insights
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection prevalence was studied in Chinese youth. Higher HEV IgG rates were found in females and specific ethnic groups, indicating ethnicity and location are key risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding HEV prevalence in diverse populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
- China's multi-ethnic landscape necessitates region-specific HEV epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HEV infection in a large, multi-ethnic youth cohort in China.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with HEV infection within this cohort.
- To provide comprehensive epidemiological data on HEV in Chinese youth.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 6269 participants.
- Serum samples analyzed for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM antibodies using enzyme immunoassay kits.
- Statistical analysis to assess prevalence and risk factors, including ethnicity and geographic location.
Main Results:
- Overall HEV IgG and IgM prevalence rates were 4.78% and 0.14%, respectively.
- Significantly higher HEV IgG prevalence observed in females (5.27%) compared to males (4.14%).
- Prevalence varied significantly across ethnic groups (e.g., Dong, Miao, Yi) and provinces (e.g., Guizhou, Sichuan).
- Ethnicity and provincial background were significantly associated with HEV infection.
Conclusions:
- This study offers valuable insights into HEV prevalence among multi-ethnic youth in China.
- Findings highlight the importance of ethnicity and geographic origin as risk factors for HEV infection.
- Further research is recommended to explore HEV prevalence in other age groups and populations.
Background:
This cohort study was designed to investigate the prevalence of and potential risk factors of HEV infection in a large multi-ethnic youth cohort in China.
Methods:
Blood samples were collected from participants (n = 6269) and serum was isolated. All serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM antibodies using commercial enzyme immunoassay kits (Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, Beijing, China).
Results:
The overall rate of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM prevalence was 4.78% and 0.14%, 0.03% were positive for both anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM antibodies. Anti-HEV IgG positivity is significantly higher in females (5.27%) compared to males (4.14%) (P = 0.028). Anti-HEV IgG prevalence is significantly (P = 0.0001) higher in Dong (17.57%), Miao (12.23%), Yi (11.04%), Gelao (9.76%), and Bai (10.00%) compared to other ethnic groups. It is significantly higher in Guizhou (11.4%), Sichuan (10.1%), Yunnan (9.3%), and Guangxi (6.9%) than that other province. We found that ethnicity and provincial background are significantly associated with HEV infection in this cohort.
Conclusion:
This study provides comprehensive information on HEV prevalence in multi-ethnic populations in China. However, our study only focused on a youth population from different provinces of China. Future studies are recommended to investigate HEV prevalence in other age groups of the ethnic populations.
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