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[Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E in the State of Hidalgo]
R Bernal Reyes1, J E Licona Solís
1Hospital General, IMSS.
Background:
In Mexico two epidemics of hepatitis E have been reported; however, we unknown the prevalence of the infection in general population.
Aims:
To investigate the presence of AcVHE(IgG) in a sample of State of Hidalgo, Mexico residents, and to know its epidemiologic characteristics.
Methods:
With the enzymatic immunoassay (HEV EIA, Abbott laboratories) we investigated the presence of AcVHE (IgG) in 363 volunteers, and their socioeconomic level and pathologic antecedents were determined.
Results:
We found 23 seropositives (6.3 per cent) with frank predominance of males, older than 50 years, and low socioeconomic level (p = 0.013) (OR = 5). Only three (13 per cent) had past history of acute hepatitis many years ago; and seven (30.4 per cent) were concentrated in the Tulancingo Valley.
Conclusions:
The hepatitis E is present in the state of Hidalgo, and of course in Mexico; the prevalence is medium, and it predominates in males older than 50 years. The low socioeconomic level is a risk factor. In most cases the acute hepatitis E episode wasn't identified; and we have a zone of high endemicity in the Tulancingo Valley.