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Published on: June 26, 2020
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Hepatitis E seroprevalence in pregnancy
Meghna Singh1, Amit Goel2, Manju Lata Verma3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226 003, India.
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is prevalent in pregnant women in northern India, with nearly half testing positive for IgG antibodies. This high seroprevalence highlights the need for vaccination guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection poses significant risks to maternal and neonatal health.
- Estimates of HEV exposure among pregnant women in northern India are limited.
- HEV detection involves anti-HEV antibodies (IgG, IgM) or RNA tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pregnant females in northern India.
- To assess the exposure rates of HEV among a pregnant population.
- To provide data for potential HEV vaccination strategies in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted over one year.
- Blood samples were collected and analyzed for IgG antibodies to HEV using ELISA kits.
- Data on age, location (rural/urban), and BMI were collected.
Main Results:
- Out of 602 pregnant patients, 47.7% tested positive for IgG HEV antibodies.
- Seropositivity increased with age, was higher in rural populations (51.3%) than urban (45.3%), and was associated with lower BMI.
Conclusions:
- The seroprevalence of hepatitis E in pregnant women in northern India is notably high.
- Findings suggest the need for formulating guidelines for HEV vaccination in this demographic.
- This study provides crucial epidemiological data for public health interventions.
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