Prevalence of viral infections in Mozambican refugees in Swaziland

The seroprevalence for antibodies to HIV-1 HTLV-1 hepatitis B virus (HBV) hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) were determined in a large group of Mozambican refugees living in Swaziland. Serum samples were collected from a total of 398 refugees located in the two camps (Ndzevane and Malindza). The prevalence for antibodies in the two camps were as follows: Ndzevane 1.2% (HIV-1); 2.8% (HTLV-1); 0.3% (HCV); 4% (HEV); and 66% for any HBV marker; Malindza: 10.8% (HIV-1); 5.4% (HTLV-1); nil (HCV); 2% (HEV); and 65.7% for any HBV marker. The difference in the HIV-1 seroprevalence between the two camps was statistically highly significant. The phenomenon is possibly related to the location of the Malindza camp in the northern most populous area of Swaziland resulting in more frequent contact between refugees and the local Swazi population. (authors)