Related Experiment Videos
[Markers of hepatitis C and E virus in Burundi (central Africa)]
P Aubry1, B Larouze, T Niyongabo
1Faculté de médecine, Université d'Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies were highly prevalent (27.1%) in adults in Bujumbura, Burundi. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies were less common (4%), possibly due to better water quality.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Central Africa, specifically Bujumbura, Burundi, faces significant public health challenges.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to be hyperendemic in this region.
- Understanding the prevalence of viral hepatitis is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose:
- To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in adults in Bujumbura, Burundi.
- To compare the prevalence of anti-HCV and anti-HEV with existing data and other hepatitis viruses.
- To explore potential factors influencing the observed prevalence rates, such as water quality.
Summary:
- A study in 129 adults in Bujumbura, Burundi, found a high prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies (27.1%), consistent with regional hyperendemicity.
- The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies was significantly lower (4%), contrasting with high anti-HAV rates (97.7%).
- No association was found between serological markers of HBV or HIV and the presence of anti-HCV or anti-HEV.
Impact:
- The high HCV antibody prevalence highlights the urgent need for prevention and control strategies in this Central African population.
- The lower HEV antibody prevalence suggests potential protective factors, possibly related to improved drinking water access, warranting further investigation.
- Findings contribute to the epidemiological understanding of viral hepatitis in under-resourced settings and inform public health policy.
Abstract:
The prevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) was measured in a group of 129 adults (mean +/- SD age 44.7 +/- 13.5 years) from Bujumbura, Burundi, Central Africa. Sera were tested using a second generation ELISA and LIA for antibodies to HCV (antiHCV), and ELISA for antibodies to HEV (antiHEV). The prevalence of antiHCV was 27.1%, very high, in agreement which data from other countries of Central Africa, hyperendemic area for HVC. The prevalence of antiHEV was 4%, much lower than that of antiHAV (97.7%). In addition to the lability of antibodies to HEV, this difference might be explained by the extensive availability of good-quality of drinking-water in the city. The presence of serological markers of HBV and HIV was not associated with that of antiHCV or that of antiHEV.