Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in Turkey.
The seroprevalence and risk factors for infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) were analysed in five regions of Turkey, where one-third of acute hepatitis cases are non-A, non-B. Antibodies to HEV (anti-HEV) were found in 80 (5.9%) of 1350 subjects. Independent predictors of anti-HEV were age over 25 years, less than elementary education, antibodies to hepatitis C virus, and residence in the warmest region (Adana). Whereas none of 105 subjects in the second decade of life were HEV seropositive, 17 (3.7%) of 464 and 28 (9.1%) of 308 of those in the third and fourth decades of life, respectively, had anti-HEV (p < 0.001). These data demonstrate that in Turkey HEV is more prevalent in warmer regions and in adults, beginning in the third decade of life.
Thomas
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Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
Mahley
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RW
Badur
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Palaoglu
K E
KE
Quinn
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TC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002980:Climate; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016752:Hepatitis E virus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies