Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus among Domestic Animals in Plateau State–Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology, seroprevalence and associated risk factors, of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among domestic animals. Study Design: Cross sectional epidemiological survey. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in three geographical zones of Plateau State, over a six month period from July to December, 2012. Methodology: A total of 166 animal subjects were recruited into the study. The animals studied were made up of pigs (67), goats (43), sheep (19) and cattle (37). Information was obtained from the animal subject handlers using interviewer administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 statistical software. Results: Results revealed an overall prevalence of 24.1% (p<.001) with IgG and IgM accounting for 16.3% and 7.8% respectively. Goats recorded the highest prevalence with 37.2%, followed by Pigs with 32.8% and Sheep with 10.5%, but it is note-worthy that Cattle recorded 0% overall seropositivity. Statistical significant association was observed

Serological and molecular investigation of hepatitis E virus in pigs reservoirs from Cameroon reveals elevated seroprevalence and presence of genotype 3

“…We noted anti-HEV IgM and IgG seropositivity of 21.0% and 17.7% respectively which is higher than reports from Nigeria and Mexico and lower than reports from Madagascar and Scotland [2,10,14,15]. These differences could be explained, at least partly, by the different pig husbandry systems, the routine management and hygiene practices applied on these pig farms and environmental conditions that characterize various areas [16]. This difference may also be associated with the different HEV diagnostic methods used in these different studies.…”

Serological evidence and public health implication of hepatitis E virus infection in pigs found in Zaria, Kaduna State

“…Thus, the prevalence of HEV antibodies in pigs found in Zaria as determined by our study was 24.4%. This prevalence is comparatively lower than what was reported in previous studies carried out in Nigeria (32.8%) (Junaid et al, 2014), Thailand (30.7%) , United States of America (34.5%) (Withers et al, 2002), Taiwan (37.1%) (Hsieh et al, 1999), Japan (93%) , Spain (98%) (Seminati et al, 2008), Laos (46%) (Blacksell et al, 2007) and Brasil (81%) (Dos Santos et al, 2009). …”

“…The discrepancies in prevalence rates across various geographical areas have been attributed to socioeconomic, cultural, hygienic and climatic conditions that characterize various areas (Junaid et al, 2014).…”

“…In addition, the pigs sampled in this study were freeroaming, scavenging for food in their environment, making the transmission of the virus easy from the infected pigs to other susceptible hosts including humans. Although, some reports had identified pig's urine and meat to play some role in the transmission dynamics of hepatits E (Bouwkneg et al, 2009) however, consumption of raw meat of infected pigs, as well as occupations involving contact with pigs or biologic pig materials have been identified as routes of pig to human HEV transmission (Junaid et al, 2014). Therefore the serological evidence of HEV in pigs found in Zaria is of serious public health concern that requires immediate attention.…”

Sero-prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 in goats from Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

“…In this study, the infection rate of HEV3 was 28.7% and this percentage corroborates with results of several studies done in China such as Geng et al (2014) and Zhang et al (2010) who found 28.2 and 24% infection rate, respectively and lower than that reported in United States 16% (Sanford et al, 2013) and in Egypt 9.4% (El-Tras et al, 2013). A higher prevalence of 37.2% has been recorded in Plateau State, Nigeria (Junaid et al, 2014).…”