Systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis E seroprevalence in Southeast Asia: a comprehensive assessment of epidemiological patterns

The burden of hepatitis E in Southeast Asia is substantial, influenced by its distinct socio-economic and environmental factors, as well as variations in healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to assess the pooled seroprevalence of hepatitis E across countries within the Southeast Asian region by the UN division.

The study analyzed 66 papers across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, encompassing data from of 44,850 individuals focusing on anti-HEV seroprevalence. The investigation spanned nine countries, excluding Brunei and East Timor due to lack of data. The pooled prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was determined to be 21.03%, with the highest prevalence observed in Myanmar (33.46%) and the lowest in Malaysia (5.93%). IgM prevalence was highest in Indonesia (12.43%) and lowest in Malaysia (0.91%). The study stratified populations into high-risk (farm workers, chronic patients) and low-risk groups (general population, blood donors, pregnant women, hospital patients). It revealed a higher IgG—28.9%, IgM—4.42% prevalence in the former group, while the latter group exhibited figures of 17.86% and 3.15%, respectively, indicating occupational and health-related vulnerabilities to HEV.

A temporal analysis (1987–2023), indicated an upward trend in both IgG and IgM prevalence, suggesting an escalating HEV burden.

These findings contribute to a better understanding of HEV seroprevalence in Southeast Asia, shedding light on important public health implications and suggesting directions for further research and intervention strategies.

Key points

Research Question

Investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Southeast Asian countries focusing on different patterns, timelines, and population cohorts.

Findings

Sporadic Transmission of IgG and IgM Prevalence:

• Pooled anti-HEV IgG prevalence: 21.03%

• Pooled anti-HEV IgM prevalence: 3.49%

Seroprevalence among specific groups:

High-risk group (farm workers and chronic patients):

• anti-HEV IgG: 28.9%

• anti-HEV IgM: 4.42%

Low-risk group (general population, blood donors, pregnant women, hospital patients):

• anti-HEV IgG: 17.86%

• anti-HEV IgM: 3.15%

Temporal Seroprevalence of HEV:

Anti-HEV IgG prevalence increased over decades (1987–1999; 2000–2010; 2011–2023): 12.47%, 18.43%, 29.17% as an anti-HEV IgM prevalence: 1.92%, 2.44%, 5.27%

Importance

Provides a comprehensive overview of HEV seroprevalence in Southeast Asia.

Highlights variation in seroprevalence among different population groups.

Reveals increasing trend in HEV seroprevalence over the years.

Distinguishes between sporadic and epidemic cases for a better understanding of transmission dynamics.