Seroprevalence and Associated Factors of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Pig Handlers of Lima, Peru

Abstract

Introduction: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies in pig handlers and identify associated factors with HEV infection. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study with nonrandom convenience sample. We include all workers ≥18 years old from 5 slaughterhouses and 1 farm that has direct contact with pigs. We excluded those who refused to participate in the study, with any coagulopathy and who came from highly endemic areas for HEV. A questionnaire of clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with HEV infection was filled prior to blood testing. Finally, a 6 ml blood sample was extracted from each worker, and these samples were analyzed by IgG ELISA against HEV (Kits 1888-12 HEV IGG x96 test). STATA software version 11 was used for statistical analysis. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate all risk factors, and those that were statistically significant (p <0.05) were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: We recruited107 workers. Ninety-two percent were male, with a mean age of 35 years. In the occupational aspect we evaluated working area (contact with live pigs, during and post-slaughter contact, contact with viscera, meat manipulation, and veterinarian), occupational accidents (prick, cut, scraping, etc.), and the working time. Of the 107 participants, it was found that 30 of them (28.04%) were positive for IgG antibodies against hepatitis E virus. We analyzed all probable risk factors associated with HEV positivity and we found that a working time equal or greater than 20 years was the only one with a statistical significance. Conclusion: Hepatitis E virus has a seroprevalence of 28.04% in pig handlers of Lima city. In addition, we found an association between a working time equal or greater than 20 years and the infection by this virus.Table 1: Multivariate Analysis of Risk Factors by Logistic Regression