Seroprevalence of hepatitis E in pigs and wild boars in the region of the city Belgrade

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis E is considered an emerging human viral disease with many evidences of zoonotic nature of disease, and swine are the main reservoir of HEV. The aim of this study was to determine HEV seroprevalence in commercial pig farms, backyard pigs, slaughtered pigs and wild boars in the region of the city Belgrade. Methodology: A total of 405 sera samples: 150 samples from 3 commercial pig farms, 70 samples from backyard pigs, 119 samples from slaughtered pigs and 66 samples from wild boars of the region of the city Belgrade, Serbia were analysed by commercial ELISA test. Results: The overall HEV seroprevalence in 3 commercial pig farms was 55.33% (83/150). All tested farms (farm A, B and C) were positive on the presence of anti-HEV antibodies, respectively 58% (29/50), 54% (27/50) and 54% (27/50). From 70 tested backyard pigs, 75.71% (53/70) were tested seropositive. In total, 26 backyard pig holidngs were confirmed as positive to anti-HEV antibodies (81.25%). At slaughterhouse, 25% (8/32) weaned piglets and 20.69% (18/87) fattening pigs were tested positive on anti-HEV antibodies. Overall HEV seroprevalence in tested wild boar population was 52.25% (36/66). Conclusions: Detected very high seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies indicated an active circulation of HEV, being enzootic in the swine population, and wild boars, as well, in the region of the city Belgrade.