Exploring hepatitis E virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among the human population in Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina

MARIA ALEJANDRA RIVERO; ARCE LORENA PAOLA; SILVINA ELENA GUTIÉRREZ; ADELA TISNÉS; JUAN ANTONIO PASSUCCI; JULIA ANALIA SILVA; AYELÉN BARÓN PRATO; FLORENCIA SÁNCHEZ; JULIA MATIAS BRANCHER; SILVIA MARCELA ESTEIN; MARIA GUADALUPE VIZOSO-PINTO

Frontiers in Public Health

Frontiers Media S.A.

Lugar: Switzerland; Año: 2023

2296-2565

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common cause of acute clinicalhepatitis worldwide and is emerging as a disease in Argentina. It is primarilytransmitted through contaminated water and food, following the fecal-oral route.Furthermore, is a zoonotic disease with swine as the primary reservoir. Prevalenceof HEV infection in humans in several regions of Argentina remains unknown.Objectives: (i) Determine the seroprevalence of HEV among the human populationin Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (ii) Evaluate its association with demographic,socioeconomic and other risk exposures variables, and (iii) Describe and analyzespatial patterns related to HEV infection.Methods: From August 2020 to July 2021, serum samples were collected from969 individuals aged 1–80 years. Seroprevalence and 95% Confidence Intervalwas determined. To assess the factors associated with the presence of anti-HEVantibodies, associations between the variables and seropositivity were evaluatedthrough bivariate and multivariate analysis. Spatial scanning for clusters of positivitywas carried out. Factors associated with these clusters were also assessed.Results: Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 4.64% (IC 95% 3.27–6.02) ofsamples. Dark urine was associated with seropositivity (p = 0.02). Seropositivitywas linked with the presence of natural water courses near their households(p = 0.02); the age (p = 0.04); and previous travel to Europe (p = 0.04). A spatialcluster of high rates of seropositivity was detected, coinciding with an areawith natural water courses (statistically associated with the cluster), high risk offlooding and the proximity of a sewage treatment plant. A spatial cluster of lowrates of HEV seropositivity was detected, with male sex, and greater distance ofthe households to water courses inversely associated within the low rate cluster.Discussion and conclusion: This study is the first study to investigate the prevalenceof HEV in the population from Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Considering HEVinfection in the differential diagnosis in individuals presenting acute hepatitis is highlighted. The incorporation of HEV testing into blood screening policiesshould be mandatory. Factors related to the infection and spatial patterns of highand low risk were determined, and should be considered when implementingspecific preventive measures.