Seroprevalence and related risk factors of Hepatitis E virus infection among pregnant women attendees at Adeoye Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major public health problem in developing countries and often fatal among pregnant women. This study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors of HEV infection in pregnant patients at Adeoyo General Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. The cross-sectional study was carried out from January 15, 2022 to September 30, 2022. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to assess the levels of anti- HEV IgM and IgG in 210 blood samples from pregnant women who gave their consent and joined the study. Utilizing structured questionnaires, the risk variables and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed. Out of the 210 pregnant women sampled, anti-HEV IgM/IgG seroprevalence of (1.9%/2.9%) were recorded respectively. The seroprevalence was greater (4.0%/8.0%) in the age group of 35 to 39 years and zero  in age ranges 15 – 19, and >40 years. The highest prevalence for anti-HEV IgM was recorded among primary school subject (12.5%), followed by secondary (1.9%), and 4.1% among tertiary subject for anti-HEV IgG. After logistic regression, marital status, and occupation were found not to be significant risk factors for active HEV infection (p>0.05). This study found a considerably low level of anti-HEV IgM seropositivity among pregnant women in the study group, which is indicative of emerging and non-active HEV infection. This is based on the 10.8% pooled national prevalence of HEV infection in Nigeria.