Evaluation of Enteric Transmitted Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus Prevalence in Hormozgan, the Northern Shores of Persian Gulf

Background and Aims: Enteric transmitted hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are responsible for major cases of acute viral hepatitis globally. Both infections may be accompanied by morbidity and even mortality in their outbreaks. They usually cause self-limited infections with an exemption for HEV that may establish a prolonged infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. We conducted this study to evaluate seroprevalence of HAV and HEV in Hormozgan province to better understand their distributions in the general population. Materials and Methods: the total antibodies against HAV, IgG and IgM antibodies against HEV were evaluated by commercial available ELISA kits in serum sample of 562 females and males between 1 to 86 years old that gathered during June 2016 to April 2017, from four major districts of the province. Results: from 562 tested population 398 were female. The mean age of the 562 tested individuals was 49 years (range: 1-86 years). Total anti-HAV antibodies were detected in 524 (93.2%) of individuals and 89 (15.8%) of them had detectable IgG against HEV, while 9 (1.6%) of subjects had anti-HEV IgM, too. Seropositivity rates of HAV and HEV were correlated with increasing age. Conclusions: as the results revealed, both viruses are endemic to the study area and the prevalence of HAV is practically high and rate of HEV is considerable when compared with the rates in other parts of Iran. Procurement a better source of drinking water and improvement of sanitation in the area can help control both viral infections efficiently.