Hepatitis D and E circulation in Brazil raises underdiagnosis concerns

A review of 200 studies involving more than 14.5 million people has revealed that hepatitis D and E are circulating in Brazil, though they may be significantly underdiagnosed. The research, led by investigators from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and published in the journal PLOS One, highlights that while hepatitis types A, B, and C are more widely recognized, these less common forms can cause serious complications.

The study, part of a project to characterize viral hepatitis in vulnerable populations, found significant regional prevalence. In some studies, hepatitis D prevalence exceeded 20% in the Amazon region, while hepatitis E reached rates of up to 59% in surveys conducted in the South of the country.

Pathologist João Renato Rebello Pinho, the study coordinator, noted that these uncommon serologies may not be correctly diagnosed because they are often not within the standard radar of clinical practice. The research aims to support the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis in Brazil by increasing awareness of these less-known infections.