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

Abstract

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.