{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Clinical characteristics and risk factors of Hepatitis E virus infection in Zhejiang Province: a multicenter case-control study.
{Author}: Chen Y;Gao J;Sun W;Zhu W;Wang P;Ren X;Wu Y;Zhang J;Miao Z;
{Journal}: Front Public Health
{Volume}: 12
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024
{Factor}: 6.461
{DOI}: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417556
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Hepatitis E (HE), caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV), is a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis globally and a major public health concern, particularly in specific high-prevalence areas in China, which have diverse transmission routes and regional differences. Identifying the primary risk factors for HE transmission is essential to develop targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This study employed a 1:1 matched case-control methodology, using a standardized questionnaire complemented by medical records for data validation.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Among the 442 HE cases and 428 healthy controls, the case group had a higher prevalence of fatigue (46.21%) and loss of appetite (43.84%) compared to the control group. Furthermore, liver function indicators were significantly higher in the case group, with an average alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of 621.94 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level of 411.53 U/L. Severe HE patients were predominantly male, with significantly increased ALT and AST levels reaching 1443.81 U/L and 862.31 U/L respectively, along with a higher incidence of fatigue (90%) and loss of appetite (75%). Multifactorial analysis indicated that frequent dining out (OR = 2.553, 95%CI:1.686-3.868), poor hygiene conditions (OR = 3.889, 95%CI:1.399-10.807), and comorbid chronic illnesses (OR = 2.275, 95%CI:1.616-3.202) were risk factors for HE infection; conversely, good hygiene practices were protective factors against HE infection (OR = 0.698, 95%CI:0.521-0.934).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>In conclusion, HE infection in Zhejiang Province is closely associated with dietary habits and environmental hygiene, and individuals with chronic diseases or co-infections are at increased risk. This highlights the need for targeted health education to reduce the incidence of HE among these populations.