Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among solid organ transplant recipients: insights from southern Iran.

AIM: This study assessed the prevalence of anti-Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) IgG and IgM antibodies in Solid Organ Transplant (SOT) recipients in Fars Province, southern Iran.

BACKGROUND

HEV is a common cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. Immunocompromised individuals, particularly SOT recipients, are at risk of chronic HEV infection.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 150 serum samples were collected from SOT recipients, including those with liver, kidney, intestinal, or simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. The sera were stored at -20°C and analyzed for anti-HEV IgG and IgM, using a commercial ELISA kit. Data were analyzed, using SPSS.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 46.24 ± 15.14 years; with 96 (64%) being male. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 53 (35.3%) patients. The prevalence among liver and kidney recipient recipients was 33.3% and 39.2%, respectively (p = 0.63). Anti-HEV IgG seropositivity was significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001) and elevated blood urea nitrogen levels (p = 0.008). No significant associations were observed with other demographic or clinical variables (p > 0.05). All patients tested negative for anti-HEV IgM antibodies.

CONCLUSION

HEV exposure is relatively common among SOT recipients in southern Iran. The significant association with elevated blood urea nitrogen levels highlights the importance of renal function monitoring in this population.