Evidence of High Circulation of a Hepatitis B Like Virus in Traditional Pig Farms of the Department of Korhogo (Northern Côte d’ivoire): A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate two serological markers of a Hepatitis B-like virus (HBLV) in domestic pigs from the Korhogo department (northern Côte d’Ivoire) and to assess the prevalence of this virus, while considering potential risk factors such as age, sex and farm location. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted between 4 january and 28 February 2021. Serum samples were tested using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) specific for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). A total of 368 serum samples were collected from pigs reared in extensive farms in four sub-prefectures of the Korhogo department, northern Cote d’Ivoire. Results: An overall seroprevalence of 47.83% (176 / 368) for the Hepatitis B-like virus was observed among pigs in the Korhogo department. No statistically significant association (p>0.05) was found between the sex of the pigs and their infectious status, however, prevalence was slightly higher in females (48.72%) than in males (47.17%). Depending on the age groups and sampled localities, this pathogen seroprevalences showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Thus, in older pigs, HB like Virus prevalence was higher (53.13%) than in younger ones (35.71%). The prevalence also varied widely among localities, ranging from 30% to 91.67%. The sub-prefectures of Tioroniaradougou and Napiéléoudougou, both located in the southern part of the Korhogo department, recorded the highest prevalence rates of 91.67% and 83.33%, respectively. At the village level, all sampled villages in Tioroniaradougou and Napieléoudougou were contaminated, whereas 80% and 60% of farms were positive in the Korhogo and Lataha sub-prefectures, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows the prevalence of a Hepatitis B-like virus infection in pigs reared in Korhogo department, northern Cote d’Ivoire. This infection appears to be widespread and may represent a potential health concern in traditional pig farming systems of the region. Further melocular investigations are needed to characterize the genomic diversity and evolutionary relationships of Hepatitis B-like viruses circulating in pig populations.