What question did this study set out to answer?

To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa.

August 14, 2026BMC Pregnancy and ChildbirthOpen Access

Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of hepatitis E infection in pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Authors

GCGbènonminvo Enoch CakpoUniversité Joseph Ki-Zerbo NGNanelin Alice GuinganéUniversité Joseph Ki-Zerbo SOSamiratou OuédraogoUniversité Joseph Ki-Zerbo

Discussion

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Implication

Systematic review and meta-analysis reveals substantial hepatitis E seroprevalence and severe complications in pregnant women, highlighting an urgent need for targeted antenatal interventions.

Key Points

To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for observational studies published between 2015 and 2025 (PROSPERO: CRD420251065899), identifying 30 eligible studies.
Identified HEV infection through anti-HEV IgG or IgM detection in serum or plasma using ELISA, PCR, or rapid diagnostic tests.
Calculated pooled prevalence estimates using a random-effects model in Stata version 17 and synthesized associated risk factors and clinical consequences narratively.
Pooled prevalence among pregnant women was 17% (95% CI, 13–21) for anti-HEV IgG and 4% (95% CI, 3–5) for anti-HEV IgM.
Infection risk was linked to sociodemographic, economic, behavioural, and environmental factors, with severe maternal disease carrying mortality rates up to 20%.
Documented neonatal and fetal consequences included jaundice, hypotrophy, fetal mortality, and miscarriage or prematurity rates ranging from 0% to 8.4%.

Cite This Study

Cakpo et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7ec7bab70b84ec8b914548 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-09804-9

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Implication

Systematic review and meta-analysis reveals substantial hepatitis E seroprevalence and severe complications in pregnant women, highlighting an urgent need for targeted antenatal interventions.

Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of hepatitis E infection in pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of hepatitis E infection in pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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