Frequency of Recent Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Pregnant Women in Red Sea State

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important enteric human pathogen worldwide. It can cause sporadic cases as well as large epidemic of acute hepatitis. Many studies proved that hepatitis infection during pregnancy and in the third trimester especially with genotype 1, is associated with more severe infection and might lead to fulminant hepatic failure and maternal death. The current study aimed to determine the frequency of HEV among pregnant women attending in Port Sudan Maternity Hospital in Red Sea State during the period from April to July 2017. A total of 93 pregnant women were selected to participate in this study. Socio- demographic data including age, gestational age, history of previous abortion, and history of jaundice were collected by structured questionnaire. Five milliliter of blood specimen was collected from each participant on EDTA container. Plasma was separated by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes. The plasma were transported to the Research Laboratory in ice bag then were stored at -70℃ until used. Analyze of all specimens was carried out for anti HEV IgM by ELISA technique. The results of socio-demographic data revealed that age range of pregnant women was between 15 and 45 years. The majority 48(51.6%) of study population were at age between 26-35 years. Regarding the gestational age, 19(20%) were at first trimester, 37(40%) were at second trimester and 37(40%) were at third trimester, the history of abortion was found in 12 (13%), While the history of jaundice was found in 18 (19%).Investigation of plasma by ELISA technique revealed that all specimens were non-reactive and were considered free of HEV. Further studies with large sample size and advanced technique are required to validate the results of the present study.