Hepatitis A and E Virus Seroprevalence and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Levels in Rural Areas of Khammouane Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT: There have been several Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). We aimed to determine the relationship of exposure to two faecal-orally transmitted pathogens, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV), with WASH levels and other factors. A cross-sectional study conducted in three districts in Khammouane Province enrolled 2300 participants aged 5 to 87 years by random sampling. Anti-HAV and anti-HEV antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between serology (outcome), WASH and other variables was determined by bivariate and multivariable analysis. Overall, 12.0% of participants had surface water as a water source, 22.0% practiced open defecation and 66.9% had basic hygiene facilities.

SUBMITTER: Khounvisith V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12308774 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature