What does this research mean for the field?

The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among pregnant women in northeastern Brazil is extremely low (0.22%), with active, asymptomatic infections being rare but detectable through molecular approaches. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence, molecular detection, and epidemiological characteristics among pregnant women receiving antenatal care.

August 16, 2026BMC Infectious DiseasesOpen Access

Prevalence of hepatitis E virus in pregnant women in Northeast Brazil

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Authors

JMJosé Humberto de Lima Melo JJJosé Valter Joaquim Silva Junior GCGabriel Galindo Cunha

Discussion

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Overview

Cross-sectional study uncovers low Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence alongside active viral RNA in pregnant women, highlighting the necessity of combined serological and molecular testing.

Key Points

To investigate hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence, molecular detection, and epidemiological characteristics among pregnant women receiving antenatal care.
Screened serum samples from N=900 pregnant women attending antenatal care services in northeastern Brazil for anti-HEV IgG antibodies.
Assayed reactive samples for anti-HEV IgM using two commercial immunoassays and tested for HEV RNA via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 0.22% of participants (2/900), whereas 0% were positive for anti-HEV IgM.
Both IgG-positive individuals were asymptomatic at sampling and tested positive for HEV RNA by RT-qPCR.
No statistically significant associations were identified between HEV positivity and the evaluated demographic, environmental, or obstetric variables.

Cite This Study

Melo et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a817a60f2fb91fc834ae234 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-14235-0

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August 16, 2026BMC Infectious DiseasesOpen Access

Prevalence of hepatitis E virus in pregnant women in Northeast Brazil

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

JMJosé Humberto de Lima Melo JJJosé Valter Joaquim Silva Junior GCGabriel Galindo Cunha

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Cross-sectional study uncovers low Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence alongside active viral RNA in pregnant women, highlighting the necessity of combined serological and molecular testing.

Key Points

To investigate hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence, molecular detection, and epidemiological characteristics among pregnant women receiving antenatal care.
Screened serum samples from N=900 pregnant women attending antenatal care services in northeastern Brazil for anti-HEV IgG antibodies.
Assayed reactive samples for anti-HEV IgM using two commercial immunoassays and tested for HEV RNA via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 0.22% of participants (2/900), whereas 0% were positive for anti-HEV IgM.
Both IgG-positive individuals were asymptomatic at sampling and tested positive for HEV RNA by RT-qPCR.
No statistically significant associations were identified between HEV positivity and the evaluated demographic, environmental, or obstetric variables.

Cite This Study

Melo et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a817a60f2fb91fc834ae234 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-14235-0

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