Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Some Domesticated Animals in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) total antibody in some domesticated animals in Ekiti State, Nigeria.                                                       Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted at Ekiti State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Ekiti State, Nigeria between October 2023 and January 2024. Sample testing and analysis of serological test were performed at Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.                                                         Methodology: 186 blood samples from four animal species were randomly collected. The serum samples were obtained from the following animals in the study area using the technique of venipuncture: dogs (n=56), pigs (n=29), sheep (n=59) and goat (n=42). Blood samples were collected and separated serum for testing of HEV total antibody using Human (HEV-Ab) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).                                                                                       Results: The overall seroprevalence of HEV total antibodies was 41.94%, among the four animal species sampled, Pigs had the highest seroprevalence (72.4%). Out of the five Local Government areas, Ido-Osi had the highest HEV seroprevalence (53.57%). The age group ranging from ˃12-≤18 months had higher HEV prevalence (29.41%) among the age group. All age groups of the domestic animals had statistically significant differences at (P ˂ 0.05).  Among all the pregnant domestic animals, goats had a considerably higher seroprevalence of HEV total antibody (73.33%) than other pregnant animals in the study area. The HEV prevalence among the pregnant domestic animals was statistically significant (P˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, wanting further attention and research.