Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among primary school children


Cevahir N., Demir M., Bozkurt A. İ., Ergin A., Kaleli I.

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, vol.29, no.2, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.12669/pjms.292.2821
  • Journal Name: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Anti-HEV ab, Rural area, School children, Seroprevalence, Urban area
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus antibody among primary school children in the two different areas of Denizli, Turkey. Methodology: Anti-HEV antibodies were investigated in 185 primary school children (91 from rural areas and 94 from urban areas of Denizli). The children were divided into two age groups as seven-year old group and fourteen-year old group. Samples were tested for anti-HEV Ab by an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: A total of 23 primary school children were anti-HEV Ab positive, giving a prevalence of 12.4%. The seroprevalence rate was 13.1% in rural areas and 11.7% in urban areas. The difference in the seropositive rates was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Among 185 primary school children, Anti-HEV antibodies were positive 17 (18.1%) in seven-year old group, and 6 (6.6%) in fourteen-year old group. The difference in the seropositive rates was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There was no association between the anti-HEV Ab and gender, socioeconomic level, parental educational level, rural or urban areas. Anti-HEV Ab seroprevalence was higher in seven-year old children than fourteen-year old children.