Hepatitis E in Long-Term Travelers from the Netherlands to Subtropical and Tropical Countries, 2008-2011

Emerging Infectious Diseases
Floortje ElfrinkGerard J B Sonder

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of acute viral hepatitis. Virus genotypes 1 and 2 infect humans in developing countries by the fecal-oral route. To assess attack rates and disease incidence for travelers, we prospectively studied 604 long-term travelers to subtropical and tropical countries. Participants donated blood samples pretravel and posttravel and kept a diary. A total of 89/604 (15%) pretravel samples were positive for HEV IgG by ELISA, suggesting previous HEV infection. Seroconversion for HEV was found for 19/515 travelers (attack rate 3.7%, incidence 1.8 cases/1,000 person-weeks). We believe there is a substantial risk for acquiring HEV infection among long-term travelers. Although HEV infection does not seem to be a major problem in this healthy cohort, hygienic measures should be stressed in all pretravel health advice, particularly for pregnant women and immunocompromised travelers who are at risk for severe disease.

References

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Citations

Aug 14, 2020·Journal of Travel Medicine·Laura Ambra P NicoliniDavidson H Hamer

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
ELISAs
ELISA
PCR

Software Mentioned

SPSS

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