Seroepidemiological Study of Hepatitis E Virus in Drug Addicts in Ahvaz, Southern Iran: 2005-2006

authors:

avatar Seyed Mohammad Alavi 1 , * , avatar Fatameh Ahmadi 2 , avatar Mohammad Reza Ghasemirad 2

Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Razi Hospital, Jondishapour University of Medical Sciences, alavi1329dr@yahoo.com, Khoozestan, IR.Iran
Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Razi Hospital, Jondishapour University of Medical Sciences, Khoozestan, IR.Iran

how to cite: Alavi S, Ahmadi F, Ghasemirad M. Seroepidemiological Study of Hepatitis E Virus in Drug Addicts in Ahvaz, Southern Iran: 2005-2006. Hepat Mon. 2008;8(4): 263-266. 

Abstract

Background and Aims: Poor personal health in drug addicts predisposes them to Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibody to HEV (HEV- IgG) and evaluate epidemiological features of HEV infection among drug addicts.

Methods: 224 drug addicts  were included in this analytic descriptive study in Ahvaz, southern Iran, from 2005 to 2006. After a through physical examination and completing a questionnaire, 5 mL blood was obtained from each case and tested for anti-HEV-IgG by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method using commercial kit (Dia-prob). Data were analyzed in SPSS 11.5 using chi-square test.

Results: Of 228 cases, 35 (13.5%) were HEV-IgG positive. The sero-prevalence of positive HEV-IgG in injecting, inhalant and oral drug abusers was 22.8%, 9.1%, and 6.2%, respectively (p<0.05). HEV-IgG was positive in heroin, crack, and opiate abusers with a rate of 20.2%, 10.9%, and 11.6%, respectively. The sero-prevalence of positive HEV-IgG in the prison and addiction treatment center was 15.8%, and 13.3%, respectively (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Drug addiction is associated with an increased risk of exposure to HEV and resulted in the high prevalence of anti-HEV-IgG in addicts.

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