Hepatitis E virus infection: an emerging occupational risk?

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing nations, with faeco-oral transmission.
• HEV is increasingly recognized as endemic in industrialized countries, with a notable porcine reservoir and evidence of zoonotic transmission.
• Occupational settings, especially those involving swine, present a potential route for HEV transmission to humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge regarding the epidemiology of HEV infection.
• To review the prevention strategies for HEV transmission in occupational environments.
• To specifically examine occupational settings with potential for HEV exposure.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed.
• Keywords included: hepatitis E, disease, epidemiology, profession(al), and occupation(al).
• 107 publications were reviewed, including a meta-analysis of 12 cross-sectional studies on HEV IgG seroprevalence in swine-exposed individuals.

Main Results:

• Seroprevalence of HEV IgG varied globally, ranging from 2-7.8% in Europe, Japan, and South America to 18.2-20.6% in the USA, Russia, UK, southern France, and Asia.
• A meta-analysis indicated a higher likelihood of HEV IgG seropositivity in individuals occupationally exposed to swine, though significant heterogeneity and publication bias were noted.
• The type of HEV IgG kits used influenced the detected prevalence levels.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between occupational swine exposure and HEV IgG seroprevalence.
• Further research is essential to elucidate infection mechanisms and risk factors.
• Development of improved serological tests is crucial for accurate HEV infection identification.