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Short report: hepatitis E infection in the Brazilian Amazon
L Pang1, F E Alencar, C Cerutti
1U.S. Army Medical Research Unit-Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection was detected in Brazilian gold miners. This study found serologic evidence of HEV in six of 97 miners in the Amazon, indicating potential transmission risks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute hepatitis globally.
- Limited data exists on HEV prevalence in South America, particularly in remote communities.
- Poor sanitation in mining camps presents a high risk for fecal-oral disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first serologic evidence of hepatitis E infection in Brazil.
- To investigate the presence of HEV antibodies among gold miners in the Amazon region.
- To assess the potential for HEV transmission in areas with inadequate sanitation.
Main Methods:
- Community-based serologic survey of healthy individuals.
- Analysis of antibodies to hepatitis E virus in serum samples.
- Assessment of sanitation conditions in mining camps.
Main Results:
- Antibodies to HEV were detected in 6 out of 97 (approximately 6.2%) gold miners surveyed.
- The study population resided in mining camps with poor sanitation, suggesting a potential transmission route.
- This represents the first documented serologic evidence of HEV infection in Brazil.
Conclusions:
- HEV infection is present in the Amazon region of Brazil, specifically among gold miners.
- Poor sanitation in mining camps likely facilitates fecal-oral transmission of HEV.
- Further studies are needed to determine the incidence of HEV seroconversion and transmission intensity.