Seroepidemiological Study of Hepatitis E Virus in Drug Addicts in Ahvaz, Southern Iran: 2005-2006

Background and Aims: Poor personal health in drug addicts predisposes them to Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibody to HEV (HEV- IgG) and evaluate epidemiological features of HEV infection among drug addicts. Methods: 224 drug addicts were included in this analytic descriptive study in Ahvaz, southern Iran, from 2005 to 2006. After a through physical examination and completing a questionnaire, 5 mL blood was obtained from each case and tested for anti-HEV-IgG by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method using commercial kit (Dia-prob). Data were analyzed in SPSS 11.5 using chi-square test. Results: Of 228 cases, 35 (13.5%) were HEV-IgG positive. The sero-prevalence of positive HEV-IgG in injecting, inhalant and oral drug abusers was 22.8%. 9.1%, and 6.2%, respectively (p<0.05). HEV-IgG was positive in heroin, crack, and opiate abusers with a rate of 20.2%, 10.9%. and 11.6%. respectively. The sero-prevalence of positive HEV-IgG in the prison and addiction treatment center was 15.8%, and 13.3%, respectively (p>0.05). Conclusions: Drug addiction is associated with an increased risk of exposure to HEV and resulted in the high prevalence of anti-HEV-IgG in addicts.