Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus in Dromedary Camels in the Sahelian Zone of West Africa

Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the sero-epidemiological information and associated risk factors, of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among dromedaries in Sub-sahelian region.

Study Design: Cross sectional epidemiological survey.

Place and Duration: The study was carried out in three countries of West Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger), over a two month period from February to March 2015.

Methodology: A total of 133 serum samples collected from dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) were examined for the detection of anti-DcHEV total antibody by a mammals targeted ELISA kit (ID vet, France), using a multispecies conjugate.

Results: Eleven of the 133 (8.33%; 95%CI [3.6 – 13.0]) dromedaries were positive for anti-DcHEV antibodies. Positive cases had a random geographic distribution (p˃0.05) and all seropositive dromedaries were in close contact with other domestic animals.

Conclusion: This study highlight the circulation of HEV in West African mammals and specifically in dromedaries. This is the first study reporting HEV circulation in dromedaries in West Africa. Further studies is needed to identify the HEV genotype involved in the dromedary camel infection, and evaluation of potential transmission to dromedary’s care keepers.