[Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E in the State of Hidalgo].

BACKGROUND

In Mexico two epidemics of hepatitis E have been reported; however, we unknown the prevalence of the infection in general population.

AIMS: To investigate the presence of AcVHE(IgG) in a sample of State of Hidalgo, Mexico residents, and to know its epidemiologic characteristics.

METHODS

With the enzymatic immunoassay (HEV EIA, Abbott laboratories) we investigated the presence of AcVHE (IgG) in 363 volunteers, and their socioeconomic level and pathologic antecedents were determined.

RESULTS

We found 23 seropositives (6.3 per cent) with frank predominance of males, older than 50 years, and low socioeconomic level (p = 0.013) (OR = 5). Only three (13 per cent) had past history of acute hepatitis many years ago; and seven (30.4 per cent) were concentrated in the Tulancingo Valley.

CONCLUSIONS

The hepatitis E is present in the state of Hidalgo, and of course in Mexico; the prevalence is medium, and it predominates in males older than 50 years. The low socioeconomic level is a risk factor. In most cases the acute hepatitis E episode wasn't identified; and we have a zone of high endemicity in the Tulancingo Valley.