Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in humans and swine, Cuba

This study was conduced to determinate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated to hepatitis E virus (HEV) exposition, in individuals who work in pig farms located at western of Artemise Province. The presence of HEV in human and swine samples and the phylogenetic analysis were evaluated. One hundred six workers (with an age range of 18-70years) were enrolled in this study. Two groups were defined, 69 employees with swine related occupations and 37 workers without contact with pigs. None had abroad travel history. Serum samples were tested for immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G and A against HEV. Individual fecal samples were obtained from 57 workers and 53 swine. All feces were tested for HEV RNA using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The amplification products were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed by using MEGA5 software. A total of 38 (35.8%) (95% CI: 26.2-45.4) sera was positive for antibodies against HEV (anti-HEV). These were higher in persons who work in contact with swine compare as individuals with occupations without pig contact (40.5%, 28/69, 95% CI: 28.2-52.8, versus 27.0%, 10/37, 95% CI: 11.3-42.6, respectively). The prevalence of anti-HEV was higher in workers with an age range of 60-70years old and time-work 10-13years. HEV RNA was detected in 8 (14.0%) of 57 human fecal samples and 10 (18.8%) of 53 swine fecal samples. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on 7 amplification products obtained from 3 human and 4 swine fecal samples. Human and swine HEV sequences were closely related (94-99% nucleotide homology) and belonged to HEV genotype 3, subtype 3a.