Immunological and Molecular Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in AL-Samawah City, Iraq

Hepatitis E virus is an emerging disease with a high incidence globally. Acute hepatitis is related to high mortality rates in pregnant women, particularly throughout the third trimester of pregnancy as a result of fulminant liver disease. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of anti-HEV within human population and its relationship with age and gender so as to support the implementation of future methods that can enhance national and international surveillance.

The blood samples (63 samples; 32 females and 31 males) were obtained from blood donated by other people in AL-Samawah City, Iraq. The study was conducted during the period from January 2017 to January 2018. Serological tests for anti-HEV antibodies by ELISA, HEV-RNA detection by PCR and phylogenetic analysis were performed. Results: Data from current study showed that 26 samples were positive for anti-HEV antibodies and 37 samples were negative. In addition, the total prevalence of anti HEV antibodies in humans was higher in female (57.6%) than in male (42.3%). On the other hand, the prevalence of HEV seemed higher in people aged ≥50 (34.6%) than within the age group 1–9 years (26.9%).