Viral hepatitis E, zoonotic transmission in Algeria

Area of Science:

• * Public Health and Virology
• * Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• * Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis globally, particularly in adults.
• * While zoonotic transmission is recognized in developed nations, data on animal reservoirs in developing countries with primarily enteric HEV transmission remain scarce.
• * Understanding potential zoonotic risks is crucial for public health interventions in endemic regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies in blood donors in eastern Algeria.
• * To identify potential risk factors, including contact with animals, associated with HEV infection.
• * To assess the possibility of zoonotic transmission of HEV in the region.

Main Methods:

• * Analysis of 434 serum samples from blood donors for anti-HEV IgG antibodies using ELISA.
• * Collection of demographic data and information on contact with farm animals, pets, rats, and game through questionnaires.
• * Statistical analysis to determine seroprevalence and identify significant risk factors (Odds Ratio, confidence intervals).

Main Results:

• * The overall anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence among blood donors was 17.05%.
• * Significant risk factors identified were contact with rats (51.2% seroprevalence, OR=6.736) and contact with game (33% seroprevalence, OR=2.76).
• * A statistically significant association was found between HEV seropositivity and contact with rats (p<0.001) and game (p=0.003).

Conclusions:

• * Zoonotic transmission of Hepatitis E virus is a potential public health concern in eastern Algeria.
• * Contact with rats and game animals are identified as significant risk factors for HEV infection in this population.
• * Further investigation into rats and game as potential animal reservoirs for HEV in the region is warranted.