Hepatitis E Virus IgG in Serum of Pregnant Women

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of anti-HEV in Egypt is among the highest of any country in the world. The outcomes of pregnancy in infected women need to be delineated. AIM: To screen pregnant females for hepatitis E IgG and to assess the effect of HEV IgG on the pregnancy outcome. METHODS: 142 consecutive pregnant women were subjected: full history-taking, thorough clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonography and IgG antibody to HEV using ELISA kits. HEV avidity index was estimated for anti-HEV positive cases. RESULTS: There was a significant elevation of HEV IgG antibody in the serum of pregnant women, especially in the countryside, in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research age group more than 30 years and in the third trimester of pregnancy. There was a possible association between HEV IgG antibody and liver fatty infiltration and neonatal jaundice. There was a significant inverse correlation between HEV IgG avidity index and age. No clinical correlation noticed between HEV IgG avidity index and history of previous abortion, the number of pregnancy, complete blood picture (CBC), liver enzymes, INR or serum creatinine. There was no statistically significant association between HEV IgG avidity indices and outcome of gestation. CONCLUSION: HEV IgG is prevalent in serum of pregnant women but with benign course of both the pregnant lady and her outcome.