[Markers of hepatitis C and E virus in Burundi (central Africa)].

The prevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) was measured in a group of 129 adults (mean +/- SD age 44.7 +/- 13.5 years) from Bujumbura, Burundi, Central Africa. Sera were tested using a second generation ELISA and LIA for antibodies to HCV (antiHCV), and ELISA for antibodies to HEV (antiHEV). The prevalence of antiHCV was 27.1%, very high, in agreement which data from other countries of Central Africa, hyperendemic area for HVC. The prevalence of antiHEV was 4%, much lower than that of antiHAV (97.7%). In addition to the lability of antibodies to HEV, this difference might be explained by the extensive availability of good-quality of drinking-water in the city. The presence of serological markers of HBV and HIV was not associated with that of antiHCV or that of antiHEV.