Haematological Changes Associated With Hepatitis E Virus Seropositivity among Human and Animal Subjects in Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: To investigate the haematological manifestations of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) seropositivity.

Study Design: Cross sectional study. We included 592 subjects in the study; (426 humans and 166 animals). Humans were categorized into 4 groups: apparently healthy (190), pregnant women (108), HIV positive patients (80), and animal handlers (48). The animals were made up of pigs (67), goats (43), sheep (19) and cattle (37).

Methodology: Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using ELISA technique. Human samples were analyzed using the Abacus Junior Auto Haematology Analyser while the animal Samples were analyzed using Mindray BC- 28000Vet Auto Haematology Analyser. Results obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 statistical software.

Results: Haematological manifestations of HEV seropositivity revealed a significant decrease in Haematocrit (HCT) value among pregnant women (IgG; P=.008, 28.9±2.3 vs 36.5±1.7), while among apparently healthy subjects, results revealed a reduced Red Blood Cells (RBC) count (IgG; P=.003, 4.2±0.2 vs 4.9±0.2), Platelets (PLT) count (IgG; P=.013, 162.4±8.3 vs 205.4±14.6) and HCT (IgM; P=.011, 34.1±6.6 vs 40.9±0.4) value, but a raised granulocyte (GRA) count (IgM; P<.001, 11.0±6.9 vs 2.9±0.1; IgG; P=.006, 3.9±0.5 vs 2.3±0.1) was observed. Among animal subjects; PLT was significantly associated with a raised count (IgM; P<.001, 614.5±198.8 vs 328.5±14.7), while GRA recorded a decreased count (IgG; P=.023, 4.8±0.8 vs 9.0±0.8). With regards to animal species; raised platelet count (IgM; P=.01, 662.5±229.9 vs 349.5±25.4 and IgG; P=.001, 797.4±299.9 vs 344.8±23.2), as well as decreased granulocyte count (IgG; P=.006, P=4.7±0.8 vs 13.6±1.2) was associated with HEV seropositivity among pigs.

Conclusion: Data suggest that HEV Infection results in abnormal changes in some haematological parameters, warranting further attention and research. Haematological approaches should be considered in future studies and diagnosis of HEV infection.