Seroprevalence of subclinical HEV infection in pregnant women from north India: A hospital based study.
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-135947
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives:
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major public health problem in the developing countries. HEV infection in pregnant women is more common and fatal in the third trimester. The mortality rate due to HEV-induced hepatitis is as high as 15-20 per cent. The present study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of subclinical HEV infection in pregnant primigravidae women.Methods:
A total of 300 asymptomatic healthy primigravidae (gestational age 16-24 wk) with no history of jaundice were included in the study. Prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies was determined by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.Results:
The overall prevalence of seropositive HEV IgG was 33.67 per cent among the pregnant women. The seropositivity of HEV IgG was significantly high in urban population (P<0.05), and related with the period of settlement (P<0.05) and source of water (P=0.05). Low socio-economic status of the pregnant women appeared to be the only risk factor (OR=1.96, CI=1.17-3.28) associated with HEV IgG antibody. Interpretation &conclusions:
In the present study, exposure to HEV during pregnancy was higher in urban (slum areas) than rural population. Socio-economic status was a risk factor for anti-HEV IgG in pregnant women. Early preventive measures if taken, may decrease the maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity of HEV infection.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
/
Socioeconomic Factors
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Immunoglobulin G
/
Pregnancy
/
Hepatitis Antibodies
/
Seroepidemiologic Studies
/
Risk Factors
/
Adolescent
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Risk factors
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
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