Hepatitis E Virus among Animal Handlers and Non-Animal Handlers in Osun State, Nigeria

Aim: Increase in the epidemiological information is important for effective control of hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HEV among butchers, pig handlers and non-animal handlers in Osun State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Biology Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Isale Osun, Osogbo, Nigeria, between June 2015 and July 2019.

Methods: A total of 180 blood samples were obtained and screened for HEV from cohorts of 90 animal handlers (69 butchers and 21 pig handlers) and 90 non-animal handlers. Questionnaires on HEV were administered to obtain a demographic characteristic of the participants. Anti-hepatitis E viruses were also screened using HEV ELISA kit.

Results: Results showed an overall prevalence of HEV to be 21.7%. The rate of anti-HEV IgG/IgM antibodies was higher among butchers (27.5%), followed by non-animal handlers (18.9%) and was least among the pig handlers (14.3%) while the two IgM positive persons were butchers and non-animal handlers. However, 39(21.7%) of the 180 samples were positive for either anti-HEV IgG antibodies (37/180, 20.6%) or anti-HEV IgM (2/180, 1.1%). Also, the rate of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was higher among butchers (26.1%), followed by non-animal handlers (17.8%) and the pig handlers (14.3%) had the least. The two IgM positive persons were butchers (1.4%), non-animal handlers (1.1%) and pig handlers had a zero prevalence. There was no statistical significance in the prevalence of HEV IgG and HEV IgM in animal handlers as compared to non-animal handlers (P > 0.05). One (1.4%) of the butchers and 1 (1.1%) of non-animal handlers showed evidence of recent HEV infection by being positive to HEV IgM. Sources of drinking water were the only HEV predisposition factor for HEV (P =0.023).

Conclusion: This study reported an acute HEV infection in a butcher and a non-animal handler in Osun State, Nigeria. No prevalence rates of acute HEV infection was observed among pig handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. The study also showed a low prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies among these study populations. Proper hygiene is recommended for further reduction in HEV transmission in Nigeria.