Abstract
Background. Knowledge regarding prevalence of HEV in general population can be an indicator of the public health and hygiene. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of HEV among adults in South-West of Iran. Methods. Blood samples were taken from 510 participants, 206 (40.4%) males and 304 (59.6%) females from February to July 2014. Detection of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies was carried out by ELISA test. Results. The overall anti-HEV IgG and IgM prevalence rates were 46.1% and 1.4%, respectively. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity were not statistically associated with gender and race/ethnicity. Meanwhile, there were significant differences between the age groups regarding HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity. HEV IgG seroprevalence increased with age from 14.3% in subjects aged 18–30 years to 71.4% in persons over 71 years old, and considerably individuals aged 61 to 70 years had the highest HEV prevalence (90.9%). Also, 5.7% in the age group 18–30 years and 2.2% in the age group 31–40 years were positive for anti-HEV IgM antibodies and the highest rate was observed in subjects aged 18–30 years. Conclusion. In conclusion, high HEV IgG seroprevalence of 46.1% was observed among adults in South-West of Iran.
Highlights
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped, single stranded RNA virus which belongs to the Hepeviridae family [1]
Iran is an endemic country for hepatitis E infection [7, 13], but HEV prevalence has not been determined among general population in all parts of this country
Iran is an endemic country for hepatitis E infection [7, 13], since HEV seroprevalence in general population is above 5% [7]
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped, single stranded RNA virus which belongs to the Hepeviridae family [1]. HEV infection is a significant public health concern especially in developing countries, where large outbreaks as a result of poor sanitation and lack of sewage infrastructures have been reported [6]. The overall anti-HEV IgG and IgM prevalence rates were 46.1% and 1.4%, respectively. HEV IgG seroprevalence increased with age from 14.3% in subjects aged 18–30 years to 71.4% in persons over 71 years old, and considerably individuals aged 61 to 70 years had the highest HEV prevalence (90.9%). 5.7% in the age group 18–30 years and 2.2% in the age group 31–40 years were positive for anti-HEV IgM antibodies and the highest rate was observed in subjects aged 18–30 years. High HEV IgG seroprevalence of 46.1% was observed among adults in South-West of Iran
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