Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among HIV-infected Patients in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis, including Hepatitis E virus (HEV), causes liver related illnesses. HEV infection, primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, poses a risk to public health, particularly in developing countries. Herein, we report the seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 155 HIV-infected patients aged between 20 and 75 years were recruited into this hospital-based, cross-sectional study from the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) Clinic at the State Hospital Saki. Serological testing for HEV IgM antibodies was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while the CD4⁺ T cell count was done using flow cytometry.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of HEV IgM antibody among the study participants was 1.9% (3 out of 155). Higher prevalence was observed in males (9.5%) compared to the females (0.7%). A significant association was observed between HEV seroprevalence and gender.

Conclusion: There is low prevalence of HEV infection among HIV-infected patients in Saki area of Oyo State. This finding does not, however, undermine the importance of routine surveillance for HEV co-infection with HIV, particularly in regions with limited access to safe drinking water and poor sanitation.