Seroprevalence of the hepatitis E virus among blood donors in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major public health issue worldwide with the potential for transmission via blood transfusion, in blood donors in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. Serum samples (n = 1,078) were collected from volunteer blood donors from January to April 2019 and tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Overall, the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM among blood donors was 5.7% and 1.3%, respectively. Additionally, the seropositive rates of anti-HEV IgG and IgM were significantly higher in non-Saudi donors (22.1% and 7.8%) than in Saudi donors (3% and 0.2%). The seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG increased with age; however, there was no correlation between gender and anti-HEV IgG and/or IgM. The seroprevalence of HEV among blood donors in the Qassim Region was lower than previous estimates for other regions of the country. Further studies covering a wider geographical area are needed to validate and expand the findings and to determine the importance of HEV screening in the region.

Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Blood Donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

“…Two studies have previously reported the detection of anti-HEV IgM antibodies without the confirmation of a current HEV infection with RNA detection. 16 , 43 It is worth noting that HEV seroprevalence in countries of the expatriate who are involved in our study is also moderate, such as Philippines (11.8%), Sudan (26%), and Egypt (25%). 21 , 25 , 26…”

“…66 This is lower than the previously reported HEV IgG seroprevalence before 2013, where it ranged between 14% and 18% from the southern and western regions, respectively. 16 , 42 , 43 , 67 This could indicate a reduction in the HEV exposure in the past few years or a regional difference in the country. The western region (Mecca and Jeddah) receives the majority of Saudi Arabia's visitors for religious purposes, who may import a silent infection and increase the exposure of the local population.…”