Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Pregnant Women in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo: Sociodemographic Profile and Frequency of Infection: Research Article

Mauria Ibobi; Jile Florient Mimiesse; Jhonsial Bovane Molami; Yoane Bawolo Bidiet; Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba; Blaise Emmanuelle Daniela Mondinzoko; Roch Bredin Bissala Nkounkou; Ngala Akoa Itoua-Ngaporo; Stéphane Rody Ngami; Clausina Ahoui-Apendi; Arnaud Mongo-Onkouo; Hostaud Atipo Ibara; Jul Auriol Ata; Peres Mardoché Motoula Latou; Marlyse Ngalessami Mouakosso; Blaise Irénée Atipo Ibara

doi:10.58372/2835-6276.1430

Authors

Mauria Ibobi
Jile Florient Mimiesse
Jhonsial Bovane Molami
Yoane Bawolo Bidiet
Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba
Blaise Emmanuelle Daniela Mondinzoko
Roch Bredin Bissala Nkounkou
Ngala Akoa Itoua-Ngaporo
Stéphane Rody Ngami
Clausina Ahoui-Apendi
Arnaud Mongo-Onkouo
Hostaud Atipo Ibara
Jul Auriol Ata
Peres Mardoché Motoula Latou
Marlyse Ngalessami Mouakosso
Blaise Irénée Atipo Ibara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58372/2835-6276.1430

Keywords:

Hepatitis E virus, seroprevalence, pregnant women, Brazzaville, Congo

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis E is an emerging infection of concern in pregnant women, with maternal mortality reaching 20 to 25% in the third trimester. In the Republic of the Congo, no data existed on the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pregnant women.

Objective: To describe the sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women in Brazzaville and to determine the frequency of HEV infection in this population.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study conducted from January to October 2025 across eight healthcare facilities in Brazzaville. Two hundred and three pregnant women were enrolled. Anti-HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) were detected by rapid immunochromatographic test (HEV IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette, Biopanda), and viral RNA by RT-PCR (NZYtech Kit) in all participants.

Results: The mean age was 27 ± 7 years; the 20–29 age group predominated (54.7%). The majority lived in cohabitation (75.9%), had secondary education (59.6%), and were unemployed (44.8%). The overall frequency of HEV infection was 19.7% (95% CI: 14.3–25.6). IgM were positive in 5.4%, IgG in 14.8%, and viral RNA detected in 6.9% of participants.

Conclusion: The frequency of HEV in pregnant women in Brazzaville is 19.7%, placing the capital in an intermediate endemicity zone. These unprecedented data underscore the need to integrate HEV screening into routine prenatal care in the Republic of the Congo.

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