Viral hepatitis E, zoonotic transmission in Algeria

Viral hepatitis E, a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in adults, is a global public health problem. The zoonotic potential of the virus is currently accepted in developed countries. In developing countries, where transmission is mainly enteric, data on the animal reservoir are very limited. Our objective was to identify a possible risk of zoonotic transmission in our region (eastern Algeria). Four hundred and thirty four sera from blood donors were analysed by an-ti-HEV IgG antibodies detection using a commercial ELISA kit. Study participants were asked about demographics, contact with farm animals, pets, rats, and with live or shot game during a hunting activity. The anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 17.05%. Two risk factors were identified; rat contact with a seroprevalence rate at 51.2% (p < 1p.1000), OR = 6.736 [95% CI 3, 42-13.26] and game contact with a seroprevalence at 33% (p = 0.003), OR = 2.76 [95% CI 1.37-5.56]. In summary, zoonotic transmission is possible in our region. Rats and game should be investigated for a probable animal reservoir.