Low prevalence of concurrent active hepatitis E and B virus infection in high-risk groups in Southwestern Cameroon

Objectives

Coinfection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) can have clinical implications, particularly in immunocompromised and high-risk populations. This study investigated HEV seroprevalence and viraemia among individuals with HBV exposure in the Southwest region of Cameroon.

Methods

We analyzed three cohorts with prior HBV exposure, defined as anti-HBc total positivity: HIV-infected individuals (n = 174), pregnant women (n = 87), and blood donors (n = 167). Participants were screened for anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and HEV RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HBV DNA was quantified in those with hepatitis B surface antigen positivity.

Results

Among anti-hepatitis B core total-positive participants, anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 8.6% in HIV-infected individuals, 5.7% in pregnant women, and 12.0% in blood donors. Anti-HEV IgM was detected in 1.7%, 0%, and 1.2%, respectively. Also, HEV RNA was detected in two blood donors (genotype 3a) and two pregnant women (genotype 3e), but not in HIV-infected individuals. No cases of concurrent active HBV and HEV replication were observed.

Conclusions

Previous HEV exposure is relatively common in this region, but active HBV-HEV coinfection appears rare among HIV-infected individuals, pregnant women, and blood donors in Southwest Cameroon.