The burden of Hepatitis E virus in the Middle East and North Africa region: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus is a leading cause of hepatitis in the Middle East and North Africa region. Although several countries in this area were shown to be endemic for hepatitis E, little is known about the epidemiology and possible preventive measures. In this manuscript, we present the results of a systematic review addressing the seroprevalence of hepatitis E antibodies in the Middle East and North Africa region. Subsequently, we discuss the main prevention strategies for this virus. Methodology: We performed a literature review using the PubMed Database of all the Studies reporting data on hepatitis E seroprevalence (Anti-hepatitis E IgM and IgG) among the 20 countries of the Middle East and North Africa region from January 2000 to July 2021. Results: Eighty-nine articles were identified and included in our review. Ten of the MENA countries did not have any study that fits our criteria. Egypt and Iran were the countries with the highest IgG seroprevalence for hepatitis E reaching 85.1% and 68.6% respectively. Concerning acute hepatitis E presentations, Iraq and Egypt were shown to have the highest IgM seroprevalence reaching 38.1% and 35.3% respectively. Hemodialysis and poly-transfused patients as well as patients with concomitant hepatotropic viruses’ infections were reported to have a higher seroprevalence than the general population. Conclusions: Hepatitis E is a major healthcare problem in the endemic Middle East and North Africa region. Even though no definite prevention strategy was described until today, implementing multiple minor precautionary approaches could help reduce the virus spread.