Prevalence of hepatitis E virus antibodies in pigs: implications for human infections in village-based subsistence pig farming in the Lao PDR

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2007 Mar;101(3):305-7. doi: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.05.003. Epub 2006 Aug 21.

Abstract

We report a high seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pigs in the Lao PDR. HEV seroprevalence was 51.2% (300/586) amongst abattoir pigs and 15.3% (46/301) amongst village pigs. The age distribution suggested previous in-village HEV pig infections. These findings suggest a zoonotic risk associated with village-based smallholder pig farming.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis E / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis E / transmission
  • Hepatitis E / veterinary*
  • Hepatitis E virus / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Laos / epidemiology
  • Rural Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies