Infection status of hepatitis E among domestic animals and livestock-breeding workers in eastern coastal region

Objective We investigated infection status of hepatitis E among domestic animals and livestock-breeding workers in Yantai in order to explore the role of animals in transmitting hepatitis E virus (HEV) and to provide reference for control of hepatitis E. Methods Five kinds of domestic animals were selected by multi-stratified cluster sampling methods and anti-HEV antibodies in serum were detected in April and November. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected with ELISA among livestock-breeding workers. Results Among 1 967 animals surveyed, the overall positive rate of anti-HEV antibodies was 42.09%. The positive rates were 63.59% in pigs, 47.24% in cattle, 40.61% in dogs, 31.53% in sheeps and 8.52% in chickens, respectively. The difference was statitistically significant (x2=389.63, P<0.001). The positive rate of anti-HEV IgG was 40.43% among 1 009 livestock-breeding workers and that of anti-HEV IgM was 3.67%. The infection rate of HEV was on the rise along with the increments of age and working years. Conclusions HEV infection rate was high among domestic animals and livestock-breeding workers in Yantai. It was possible that domestic animals were the sources of HEV for people. In addition, we suggested that livestock-breeding workers should take necessary precautions against HEV. Key words: Hepatitis E; Domestic animals; Livestock-breeding workers; Infection rate