Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Pregnant Women in an Urban Setting

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 13, No. 3, March 2023 | pp. 17–24

DOI: 10.46882/2023/IJMMS/130017

Original Research Article

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Pregnant Women in an Urban Setting

Patrick O. Diallo¹, Cynthia U. Nwachukwu², Jean-Pierre B. Diop¹*

¹Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal.

²Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection during pregnancy is associated with a high risk of fulminant hepatic failure and adverse perinatal outcomes. This cross-sectional epidemiological study investigated the seroprevalence and underlying socio-demographic risk factors for HEV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in an urban setting. Blood samples from 450 pregnant women were screened for anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies using a third-generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on water supply sources, sanitation practices, and dietary habits. The overall seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 11.1% (50/450), while active or recent infection (anti-HEV IgM positivity) was confirmed in 2.2% (10/450) of the participants. HEV exposure was significantly higher among third-trimester pregnant women (15.6%) than first-trimester participants (6.4%, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several independent risk factors associated with HEV seropositivity: using untreated well water as the primary drinking source (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.8–6.5, p < 0.01), lacking pour-flush toilet facilities at home (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3–5.8, p < 0.01), and a history of consuming raw street food (OR = 2.1, p < 0.05). HEV seroprevalence is high among urban pregnant women and is closely linked to poor water quality and sanitation infrastructure. Routine screening for HEV during pregnancy and public education on water hygiene are essential to lower maternal mortality risks.

Keywords: Hepatitis E Virus, Pregnancy, Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, Water Hygiene, Public Health

Manuscript Timeline: Received: December 05, 2022; Revised: January 14, 2023; Accepted: February 08, 2023; Published: March 14, 2023.

Citation: Diallo PO, Nwachukwu CU, Diop JPB. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Pregnant Women in an Urban Setting. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2023, 13(3): 17–24. DOI: 10.46882/2023/IJMMS/130017

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