Serodetection of Hepatitis E Virus among Food Handlers in Khartoum Locality

Omer Mohammed Tamal^1,

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical laboratory Science, West Kurdofan University, Elnuhud Sudan

Cite this paper:
Omer Mohammed Tamal. Serodetection of Hepatitis E Virus among Food Handlers in Khartoum Locality. American Journal of Microbiological Research. 2017; 5(3):71-73. doi: 10.12691/ajmr-5-3-4

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections occur chiefly as a result of poor hygienic conditions. The virus is responsible for major outbreaks of acute hepatitis in developing countries. Objective: The aim of this study to detect HEV antibodies among food handlers working in Khartoum Locality. Methods: Enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) was done to determine the presence of anti- HEV IgG among 90 food handlers during the period from January to May 2015. The results: HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 10 (11.1%). There were no significant differences in HEV seropositivity between the subjects regarding gender (P = 0.8), age (P = 0.47) and nationality (P = 0.40) (Sudanese vs. Ethiopian), P. values ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: this study concluded that HEV circulate at low but considerable levels especially among food handlers; that may be a source of infections. Adoption of molecular methods to confirm HEV positive among food handlers is highly recommended. Further nationwide study is required to validate the results of the present study.

Keywords:
HEV IgG ELISA Hepatitis E virus food handlers Sudan

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