Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus antibodies in Madhesh Province, Dhanusha, Nepal.

Abstract

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are thought to have similar routes of transmission and epidemiology in developing countries. This study investigated the seroprevalences of these pathogens among healthy individuals in the Dhanusha district of Madesh Province, Nepal. Ninety serum samples collected between 2022 and 2023 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against HAV and HEV. Individuals (median age, 23 years; range, 1-45 years) were sorted into five age groups: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40 and 41-45 years. Prevalences of HAV and HEV IgGs were 96.7% and 13.3%, respectively. All age groups showed very high positivity rates for HAV antibodies. In contrast, HEV infection rates were extremely low in children, and rapidly increased in adults >31 years old. No significant correlation was found between HAV and HEV seropositivity. Additional studies including other areas in Nepal are required for nationwide sero-surveillance against HAV and HEV.