Clinical characteristics and risk factors of Hepatitis E virus infection in Zhejiang Province: a multicenter case-control study.
Front Public Health
; 12: 1417556, 2024.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39035188
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Hepatitis E (HE), caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV), is a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis globally and a major public health concern, particularly in specific high-prevalence areas in China, which have diverse transmission routes and regional differences. Identifying the primary risk factors for HE transmission is essential to develop targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.Methods:
This study employed a 11 matched case-control methodology, using a standardized questionnaire complemented by medical records for data validation.Results:
Among the 442 HE cases and 428 healthy controls, the case group had a higher prevalence of fatigue (46.21%) and loss of appetite (43.84%) compared to the control group. Furthermore, liver function indicators were significantly higher in the case group, with an average alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of 621.94 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level of 411.53 U/L. Severe HE patients were predominantly male, with significantly increased ALT and AST levels reaching 1443.81 U/L and 862.31 U/L respectively, along with a higher incidence of fatigue (90%) and loss of appetite (75%). Multifactorial analysis indicated that frequent dining out (OR = 2.553, 95%CI1.686-3.868), poor hygiene conditions (OR = 3.889, 95%CI1.399-10.807), and comorbid chronic illnesses (OR = 2.275, 95%CI1.616-3.202) were risk factors for HE infection; conversely, good hygiene practices were protective factors against HE infection (OR = 0.698, 95%CI0.521-0.934).Conclusion:
In conclusion, HE infection in Zhejiang Province is closely associated with dietary habits and environmental hygiene, and individuals with chronic diseases or co-infections are at increased risk. This highlights the need for targeted health education to reduce the incidence of HE among these populations.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Hepatitis E
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Front Public Health
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
China
Country of publication:
Switzerland