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Article
Seroprevalence of hepatitis E and Helicobacter pylori in a low socioeconomic area of a metropolitan city in a developing country
British Journal of Biomedical Science
  • Wasim Jafri, Aga Khan University
  • Javed Yakoob, Aga Khan University
  • Shahab Abid, Aga Khan University
  • Saifa Awan, Aga Khan University
  • Shaheer Siddiqui, Aga Khan University
  • Fatima Jafri, Aga Khan Univesity
  • Saeed Hamid, Aga Khan University
  • S Q Nizami, Aga Khan University
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Document Type
Article
Abstract

This study aims to determine the prevalence of coinfection of H. pylori and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the paediatric age group in an urban slum area of Karachi and identify risk factors associated with co-infection. Five hundred and forty children aged one to 15 years were investigated. Blood samples were collected and questionnaires completed on socio-demographic characteristics. Anti-H. pylori, HEV IgG and IgM antibodies were analysed by enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Theseroprevalence of H. pylori antibody was 47.2%, while that of HEV IgG and IgM was 14.4% and 2.4%, respectively. 12.4% exhibited seroprevalence for both H. pylori and HEV (IgG). In 67 (26%) cases positive for H. pylori IgG, HEV IgG positivity was also seen (P<0.001). Only 13 (5%) positive for H. pylori were also positive for HEV IgM (P<0.001). Only 11 (4%) HEV IgG-positive cases were H. pylori antibody-negative (P<0.001). Hepatitis E virus was common in children who had access to municipal piped water (P=0.025). H. pylori was common in children who used a non-flush toilet system (P<0.001). Children exposed to H. pylori infection were also exposed to the risk of HEV.

Citation Information
Wasim Jafri, Javed Yakoob, Shahab Abid, Saifa Awan, et al.. "Seroprevalence of hepatitis E and Helicobacter pylori in a low socioeconomic area of a metropolitan city in a developing country" British Journal of Biomedical Science Vol. 70 Iss. i (2013) p. 27 - 30
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/javedyakoob/24/