Low Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) antibodies among pregnant women in Ogbomoso Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV)is referred to as an emerging infectious agent, it is well-established as a major cause of acute viral hepatitis (AVH) worldwide. The mortality rate is significantly higher for pregnant women, particularly in cases where the infection progresses to fulminant hepatitis, especially in the second and third trimesters, putting pregnant women at increased risk of acute liver failure, fetal loss, and most times death This study focused on the prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus among pregnant women in Ogbomoso. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two Primary Health Centers in Ogbomoso, Ogbomoso North Local Government and Ogbomoso South Local Government between January 2024 to July 2024. A total of 208 consenting pregnant women were enrolled in the study. HEV IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using ELISA, inferential statistics, such as chi-square were used. Risk factors and the prevalence of HEV were analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: The HEV IgG antibodies positivity rate was 3.8% (8/208) 96.2% tested negative, all 208 participants tested negative for HEV IgM antibodies. The distribution across gestational periods shows that 35.1% are in the first trimester, 44.7% in the second trimester, and 20.2% in the third trimester. Conclusion: The study reveals a low seroprevalence of HEV among the pregnant women is the study area. However, few of the women had evidence of past exposure to HEV indicating the need for continuous surveillance and more efficacy on personal hygiene among this cohort. There is therefore the need for awareness campaign on the prevention and control of HEV among pregnant women in Ogbomoso.