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Acute sporadic hepatitis E in an Egyptian pediatric population
D M el-Zimaity1, K C Hyams, I Z Imam
1Microbiology Department, Benha University, Egypt.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute hepatitis in children in Egypt, particularly in those without access to safe water. This study highlights HEV as a common etiological agent in pediatric hepatitis cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute hepatitis in children presents a significant public health challenge, with diverse viral etiologies.
- Understanding the specific causes of hepatitis in different geographic regions is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the etiological agents responsible for acute hepatitis in a cohort of 261 children in Cairo, Egypt.
- To investigate the prevalence of various hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, Delta, E) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pediatric hepatitis cases.
- To identify risk factors associated with specific hepatitis infections, particularly hepatitis E.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive etiological investigation was performed on 261 children aged 1-11 years presenting with acute hepatitis.
- Sera were tested using enzyme immunoassay for hepatitis A, B, C, Delta, and CMV IgM antibodies, as well as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection was diagnosed using a novel Western blot technique for anti-HEV IgM in non-A, non-B hepatitis cases. Demographic and risk factor data were collected via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis A was the most common cause, diagnosed in 32.6% of cases, followed by hepatitis E in 22.2%.
- Hepatitis E infection was significantly associated with living in homes lacking a municipal water supply, indicating a risk factor.
- Other identified causes included hepatitis B (7.3%), delta hepatitis (1.1%), and CMV infection (0.4%), with a notable proportion of unknown non-A, non-B hepatitis (19.5%).
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis E virus is a prevalent cause of acute sporadic hepatitis among children in Egypt.
- Lack of access to safe water sources is a significant risk factor for hepatitis E infection in this population.
- These findings underscore the importance of public health interventions, including improved water sanitation, to reduce the burden of hepatitis E in children.