Serological evidence and public health implication of hepatitis E virus infection in pigs found in Zaria, Kaduna State

The presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has recently been demonstrated in humans, in Nigeria. Considering the zoonotic nature of the virus and its serious public health implication, it becomes imperative to determine its presence in animal reservoirs in the study area where pig’s husbandry is largely practiced. The level of awareness of the disease among pig farmers in the study area was also assessed using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. A total of 168 sera collected randomly from pigs were examined by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the total number of pigs sampled, 102 were males while 66 were females. Forty one (41) out of the total samples were positive for HEV antibodies giving the overall seroprevalence rate of the infection to be 24.4%. The prevalence rates of 31.37% (32/102) and 13.64% (9/66) were observed among males and females respectively. Among the positives, males accounted for 78.05% (32/41) while females accounted for 21.95% (9/41). Chi square test further showed a significant statistical association between sex and HEV infection (P<0.05). Also of the 150 structured questionnaires administered to the adult individuals in the study area, 68% (102/150) were returned. 57.8% (59/102) reported to have consumed pork meat in the last six months, while 42.2% had never consumed it. Our results show that only 10.78% (11/102) of the respondents were aware that contaminated or under cooked pork are possible source of diseases to man. Even among the pork consumers, only 11.86% (7/59) were aware of the possibility of disease transmission from pig to man, but none of the respondents was aware of hepatitis E infection in pigs and its zoonotic potential. It was concluded that the seroprevalence of HEV is high among pigs found in Zaria. There is need to carry out a detailed molecular epidemiological study of the virus not only to determine its circulating genotypes in pigs but also the genetic relatedness of the isolates from humans and animal species in the study area. Furthermore, the lack of awareness of HEV among respondents stresses the need for extensive public health enlightenment campaign on the public health significance of the disease in the study area.