Detection of Anti-HEV IgM and IgG Antibodies among Antenatal Women Attending a Tertiary Care Center

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is recognized as one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in developing countries, where it is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Although often self-limiting, HEV infection poses a significant public health concern, particularly among pregnant women, due to its potential complications. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HEV infection in asymptomatic antenatal women attending a tertiary care center in South Punjab, Pakistan.

A total of 100 asymptomatic pregnant women were screened for anti-HEV antibodies (IgM and IgG) using an ELISA kit (DIA PRO, Italy). The overall seropositivity rate was found to be 12%, indicating prior exposure to HEV infection in this cohort. Specifically, IgG antibodies were detected in 6% of women and IgM antibodies in 5%, while two women showed evidence of both IgG and IgM positivity, suggestive of recent or ongoing infection. Notably, the majority of participants reported reliance on untreated water sources irrespective of educational background, highlighting environmental risk factors.

Although HEV is generally self-limiting, these findings underscore the importance of routine serological screening in antenatal populations to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. In addition, increased community awareness regarding transmission routes and preventive measures is essential. Given the scarcity of regional data, this study emphasizes the need for larger-scale epidemiological investigations to better understand the burden of HEV in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Keywords: Hepatitis E Virus, Antenatal Women, Seroprevalence, Immunoglobulins, South Punjab