SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS E VIRUS AMONG ABATTOIR WORKERS

ABSTRACT

This study aims to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among abattoir workers in Irrua, Edo State. An abattoir, or slaughterhouse, is a facility where animals are processed for human consumption. HEV is known to cause enterically transmitted acute hepatitis in humans, primarily spreading through the fecal-oral route or contaminated water. Pigs are significant reservoirs for HEV, and contact with them may increase the risk of zoonotic infections. Workers who frequently interact with animals are at a higher risk for zoonotic infections, with the level of risk often linked to the nature and frequency of their animal contact, which is typically determined by their job requirements. In Nigeria, two HEV outbreaks have been reported: a small outbreak in Port Harcourt involving ten individuals and a more recent outbreak in 2017 that affected approximately 1,815 people. To gather essential demographic information, behavioral patterns, risk factors, and epidemiological data, samples were collected and analyzed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to test for HEV. The serological analysis focused on detecting HEV antibodies through an "IgM capture" assay. The results revealed that 16 individuals tested positive for HEV, while 86 tested negative, resulting in an IgM seroprevalence of 16%. This indicates a concerning level of silent HEV infection among abattoir workers in Irrua, highlighting the need for public health attention. Given the sporadic nature of recent HEV outbreaks in Nigeria, further research is essential to enhance our understanding of HEV epidemiology.