Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis E virus infection in a rural Argentine community: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Rural populations and pig production systems in Argentina may be at increased risk of HEV exposure; however, epidemiological data from these settings remain scarce.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of a rural community. Serum samples from 90 residents were tested for anti-HEV immunoglobulin G. Participants completed structured questionnaires and residential addresses were georeferenced to evaluate exposures and spatial distribution.

RESULTS

Rural residents reported greater exposure to homemade pork and wild boar sausages, wastewater, untreated well water, agricultural settings, livestock, rodents and flood-prone areas compared with levels previously documented in the urban population of the same region. The overall seroprevalence was 23.3% (95% confidence interval 14.0 to 32.6). Age and history of constipation were related with seropositivity. Rodent presence was more frequent in households of seropositive individuals, while feline contact coincided with reduced rodent occurrence. Spatial analysis identified one high-risk cluster (71.4% [5/7], p>0.05) of seropositivity and one low-risk cluster (0% [0/14], p>0.05), the latter corresponding to areas where contact with felines is greater.

CONCLUSIONS

HEV exposure may be substantial in this Argentine rural community, supporting the need for integrated One Health surveillance targeting sanitation, reservoirs and food safety. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and better define transmission pathways.