Hepatitis E in South Africa: evidence for sporadic spread and increased seroprevalence in rural areas.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis in developing countries. Factors influencing sporadic spread of hepatitis E are unclear. We examined anti-HEV seroprevalence and demographic data from 407 urban and 360 rural black South African adults living in formal housing, squatter camps, or mud huts. Anti-HEV sero-prevalence ranged from 5.8% to 19.1% (mean 10.7%) in the different regions. Mean urban and rural rates were 6.6% and 15.3%, respectively (P = 0.0001). Rural mud hut dwellers, using unchlorinated river water, were at greater risk (17.4%) than rural villagers (5.3%; P = 0.008). A linear relation was found between seroprevalence and age, suggesting sporadic spread. The high prevalence in mud hut dwellers suggests that contaminated water plays a major role in HEV spread in South Africa. Routine chlorination or boiling of river drinking water before consumption may reduce HEV infection.
Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
T J
TJ
Tucker
R E
RE
Kirsch
S J
SJ
Louw
S
S
Isaacs
J
J
Kannemeyer
S C
SC
Robson
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D016752:Hepatitis E virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D012424:Rural Population; D013019:South Africa
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies