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Research Article

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Pregnant Women in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Oni, Omowumi Oluwarantimi Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

    akinsadeayombo97@gmail.com

  • Adebolu, Tokunbo Tinuola Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, an emerging viral disease, can lead to a high rate of fulminant hepatitis, liver failure, and an increased risk of mortality for pregnant women and fetus. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of HEV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at selected Government Hospitals in Akure city, Ondo State, in order to provide a comprehensive information of the infection on this particular group of people in the city. A questionnaire was administered to the participants who indicated their consent to participate in the study to generate socio-demographical data of the participants and the level of awareness of the infection. A total of 199 blood samples was collected from the recruited  apparently healthy pregnant women with no history of immunosuppressive diseases. Plasma of the collected blood was subjected to the analysis of Hepatitis E virus IgM antibody using capture and colloidal gold immunochromatographic double antibody assay and the positive samples were subjected to assessment of liver enzymes using standard assays. The study revealed a prevalence rate of 3.5% of Hepatitis E virus infection among the pregnant women in the study area. Out of the 3.5% that were positive for HEV, the highest percentage frequency of occurrence of the infection (12.50%) was found in the age group > 45 years while the least percentage frequency of occurrence of HEV infection (7.14%) was observed in age group 15-19 years.  Washing of hands without soap and water after toilet use, drinking of untreated well water, and eating of left-over foods were found to be risk factors that predisposed the pregnant women to HEV infection. The high level of AST and ALT in the pregnant women is an indication of liver stress. This study showed the prevalence rate of HEV among pregnant women in Akure metropolis, the level of awareness of the infection among recruited pregnant women and factors that can predispose pregnant women to the infection. There is therefore the need for appropriate health authorities to educate the public and especially pregnant women on HEV infection and factors that can predispose them to the infection.

Keywords:

HEV Infection Ondo State Pregnant Women Seroprevalence

Article information

Journal

Journal of Medical Science, Biology, and Chemistry

Volume (Issue)

2(1), (2025)

Pages

1-7

Published

18-01-2025

How to Cite

Oni, O. O., & Adebolu, T. T. (2025). Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Pregnant Women in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Journal of Medical Science, Biology, and Chemistry, 2(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.69739/jmsbc.v2i1.200

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