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Emerging viral pathogens in long-term expatriates (I): Hepatitis E virus
T Jänisch1, W Preiser, A Berger
1Institut für Medizinische Virologie, Zentrum der Hygiene, Klinikum der J. W. Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|October 7, 1997
Summary
Long-term expatriates face a risk of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, with seroprevalence rates around 5-6%. Most infections were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, indicating a low clinical impact.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging viral pathogen with increasing recognition.
- Understanding HEV infection risk is crucial for individuals in endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the risk of HEV infection in individuals with long-term stays in HEV-endemic countries.
- To determine HEV seroprevalence among expatriates and their families.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 500 expatriates and family members with an average stay of 9 years were analyzed.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Immunoblot were used to detect anti-HEV antibodies.
- Data were analyzed based on gender, region of upbringing, duration of stay, and geographical region of expatriation.
Main Results:
- Overall HEV seroprevalence was 5-6%, with no significant differences by gender or upbringing.
- Seroprevalence did not correlate with the number of stays or expatriate years.
- The Indian subcontinent had the highest seropositive rate (10%), followed by Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America (around 7%).
- Arab countries and the Middle East showed a lower seroprevalence (2.1%).
- No HEV antibodies were detected in 77 children and adolescents.
Conclusions:
- Long-term expatriates have a definite risk of acquiring HEV infection.
- Most HEV infections in this cohort were non- or oligo-symptomatic.
- The study highlights the importance of considering HEV in expatriate health, even with mild symptoms.