Community perceptions and practices on hepatic veno-occlusive disease in Tigray, Ethiopia: An explorative study challenging the attribution to Ageratum conyzoides.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) is a rare but severe condition characterized by the blockage of microscopic veins in the liver due to endothelial damage, leading to sub-endothelial thickening, edema, and fibrosis. Globally the cause of HVOD is primarily associated with pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) ingestion, radiation therapy, and post-transplant reactions. Similarly, in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the disease's outbreak has been linked with contaminated harvests containing PA-producing seed called "Ageratum conyzoides". However, the perception and current experience of community members and healthcare providers on the cause and prevention strategies of the disease are not explored.

Objective

To explore the perceptions and practices of community members an

SUBMITTER: Haileselassie M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12543276 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature