Sero-detection of Acute Hepatitis E Virus among Children in Khartoum State

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to determine the presence of acute hepatitis E virus infection among children in Khartoum State using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The study was carried out during the period from October 2013 to January 2014. Ninety one children with signs and symptoms of jaundice attended to Alboluk Pediatrics Hospital were enrolled in this study. Three (3.3%) were positive for anti-HEV IgM while 88 (96.7%) were negative for anti-HEV IgM. 52 (57.1%) were males while 39 (42.9%) were females. Out of 3 IgM positive of children it was found that 2 males (2.2%) and one female (1.1%) were anti- HEV IgM positive. 41(45.1%) were localized in rural area while 50 (54.9%) were localized in urban area. It was found that 2 from rural area (2.2%) and one from urban area (1.1%) were anti-HEV IgM positive. According to age group 33 (36.3%) were between 2-5 years, 36 (39.6%) were between 6-10 years while 22 (24.2%) were between 11 to 14 years. It was found that all positive anti-HEV IgM were in the group aged between 11- 14.The gender of the children had no significant effect ( p > 0.05) on prevalence of anti-HEV IgM among children examined. The geographic area of the children had no significant effect on prevalence of anti-HEV IgM ( p > 0.05). The age group had a significant effect on prevalence of anti- HEV IgM (p < 0.05). This study concluded that acute HEV has low frequency among children. This study recommend to enhance the testing for Hepatitis E virus in all acute hepatitis cases, especially for those negative for Hepatitis B and C. HEV vaccine is recommended for risk groups.