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Introduction and Objectives: Hepatitis E is a neglected disease in Brazil. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic illness in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and prevalence of HEV infection in different populations: HIV carriers, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. Participants were recruited from the HIV/AIDS and hepatology outpatient clinic and from the hepatology ward of the University Complex Hospital Professor Edgar Santos (HUPES, UFBA). The proposed sample size was 150 HIV carriers, 100 IBD patients and 50 cirrhotic patients (data and samples collection are in progress). Data were collected through interviews and a review of medical records, and a blood sample was collected for the investigation of anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies (Wantai), measurement of serum transaminases AST and ALT (Wiener lab) and detection of HEV -RNA (RealStar® HEV RT-PCR Kit 2.0, Altona). Results: To date, 214 volunteers have been recruited, 143 of whom have HIV, 38 have IBD and 33 have cirrhosis. Serological tests were performed on a subgroup of 156 samples, 14 of which were reactive for anti-HEV-IgG (Prev. 9.0%; 95% CI: 5.0-14.6%) and none for anti-HEV-IgM (Prev. 0%). In addition, most participants had ALT and AST liver transaminases within the reference range, 88% and 84%, respectively. The seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG varied according to the group: 14.3% in cirrhotic patients, 8% in IBD patients and 8.5% in HIV patients. The variables with the greatest positive association (PR greater than 2.00) were: being male and eating pork. Conclusions: Although the data are preliminary, all groups studied were already exposed to HEV. However, no case of current infection was detected. Keywords: hepatitis E, prevalence, HIV, inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhotics. Funding Agencies: Laboratory fee from the Laboratory of Pathology and Molecular Biology (LPBM). |
