SEROEPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY RELATED TO VIRAL HEPATITIS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BOCA DO ACRE, AMAZONAS, BRAZIL
Viral Hepatitis in the Municipality of Boca do Acre, Amazonas, Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2026v18i112p20806-20823Keywords:
Hepatitis E virus, Serology, Brazilian AmazonAbstract
Hepatitis E virus (VHE) is an emerging viral zoonosis with a wide global distribution; transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, consumption of contaminated food, and contact with animal reservoirs. Although the infection is self-limiting in most cases, it can progress to severe forms and cause extrahepatic manifestations and chronic infection in specific groups. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of VHE among individuals residing in the municipality of Boca do Acre, Amazonas, Brazil. A total of 937 samples from individuals living in both urban and rural areas of the municipality were analyzed. A frequency of 1,06% for anti-VHE IgM antibodies and 1,49% for anti-VHE IgG antibodies was detected, indicating both recent and past circulation of the virus in the studied population. The majority of positive individuals resided in urban areas, although cases were also identified in rural communities. The results demonstrate the circulation of the hepatitis E virus in the Amazon region.
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