A systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis E seroprevalence in Southeast Asia: a comprehensive assessment of epidemiological patterns
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Southeast Asian countries. The authors analyzed 66 publications covering over 44,000 participants from nine countries in the region (excluding Brunei and Timor-Leste) from 1987 to 2023.
Key results:
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Overall seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG amounted to 21.03%, the highest was recorded in Myanmar (33.46%), the lowest - in Malaysia (5.93%).
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Anti-HEV IgM were detected in 3,49% cases; the highest frequency was in Indonesia (12,43%).
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Among high risk groups (agricultural workers, patients with chronic diseases) IgG: 28.9%, IgM: 4.42%; in low risk group (general population, donors, pregnant women) IgG: 17.86%, IgM: 3.15%.
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Serovariation increased over time, especially in the last decade (2011–2023): IgG — 29.17%, IgM — 5.27%.
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Considered separately epidemic outbreaks, with an overall seroprevalence of 61.6%.
The study highlights the increasing burden of HEV in the region, the need for targeted interventions, improved water supply, sanitation and diagnostic access. The work fills gaps in the epidemiological picture of HEV and forms the basis for health policies in SEA countries.
Article Details
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Name: Systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis E seroprevalence in Southeast Asia: a comprehensive assessment of epidemiological patterns
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Authors: Ulugbek Mirzaev, Serge Ouoba, Ko Ko, Zayar Phyo, Chanroth Chhoung, Akuffo Golda Ataa, Aya Sugiyama, Tomoyuki Akita, Junko Tanaka
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Magazine: BMC Infectious Diseases, 2024, Volume 24, Article No. 525
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Publication date: April 2024
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License: Open Access, CC BY 4.0
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Financing: Project of the Center for Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis (Hiroshima University)
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Organizations: Hiroshima University (Japan), Research Institute of Virology (Uzbekistan), Institute of Research and Sciences of La Santé (Burkina Faso)
