Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in General Population in Rural Durango, Mexico

BACKGROUND: The seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in rural areas in Mexico has been poorly studied. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and correlates of anti-HEV IgG antibodies in adults in rural areas in Durango, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the frequency of anti-HEV IgG antibodies in 273 adults living in rural Durango, Mexico using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. In addition, we searched for an association of HEV exposure with the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the subjects studied. RESULTS: One hundred (36.6%) of the 273 rural adults (mean age: 39.85 ± 17.15 years) had anti-HEV IgG antibodies. Multivariate analysis of socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the participants showed that HEV exposure was associated with increasing age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.04-1.05; P < 0.001), consumption of untreated water (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.06-3.46; P = 0.03), and availability of water at home (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.07-3.27; P = 0.02). In contrast, other socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics including educational level, occupation, socio-economic status, foreign travel, consumption of unwashed raw fruits, consumption of raw or undercooked meat and raising animals did not show associations with HEV exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of HEV infection found in rural Durango is higher than those reported in other Mexican populations. Consumption of untreated water is an important factor for HEV exposure in rural areas in Durango. The correlates of HEV seropositivity found in the present study can be used for an optimal planning of preventive measures against HEV infection.