Assessment of collective immunity to enteric hepatitis viruses in the Kyrgyz population

Le résumé fourni par la source

The problem of viral hepatitis A (HA) and E (HE), has remained relevant for many decades. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, millions of people are exposed annually to the risk of infection with these hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses. Because HA and HE can be asymptomatic, their true prevalence is very difficult to estimate. The aim was to assess seroprevalence of HAV and HEV infections in the Kyrgyz Republic, taking into account the infectious and vaccination status and socio-demographic characteristics of volunteers. Materials and methods. The cohort under examination comprised 6610 apparently healthy individuals (volunteers) aged from 1 to 70+ years residing in the Kyrgyz Republic. The questionnaire included the collection of personal data, information on chronic diseases, blood transfusions, and surgical interventions, as well as specific information on each type of infection considered in the study, including data on past cases of hepatitis A and E, and vaccination against hepatitis A. ELISA analysis for HA and HE marker presence involved anti-HAV IgG, and anti-HEV IgG qualitative determination (test-systems by Vector-Best, and Diagnostic Systems RPC). Results. During the study, anti-HAV IgG antibodies were detected for 76.8% of cases, and anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected for 5.6% of cases. The seroprevalence rate for HAV and HEV was higher among women than among men. A direct correlation was shown between the occurrence of anti-HAV IgG and anti-HAV IgG with the age of the volunteers. Anti-HAV IgG was found in 75.4% of individuals denying hepatitis A history, while anti-HEV IgG was detected in 5.6% of those denying hepatitis E history. The share of vaccinated against HAV individuals was 5.9%. During the study, an assessment of the prevalence of markers for HA and HE in the population per 100 000 inhabitants was conducted, which resulted in 76.030 cases per 100 000 for HA, and 5567 cases per 100 000 for HE. Conclusion. The need is obvious continuing nationwide vaccination initiatives against hepatitis A, expanding mandatory vaccination coverage for vulnerable groups, conducting additional evaluations of existing preventive measures, launching educational campaigns focused on HA and HE prevention strategies.

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