A comparative analysis of the prevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis E virus (Hepeviridae: Paslahepevirus) among residents of the Amur Region with different levels of zoonotic risk of infection

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Abstract
Introduction. The Amur Region (AR) is a territory with developed pig farming and traditional reindeer herding, which creates potential risks for transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) zoonotic genotypes. The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of anti-HEV antibody prevalence among AR residents with different levels of zoonotic risk of HEV infection (living in areas with developed pig farming and traditional reindeer herding), as well as among pig and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) populations. Materials and methods. A total of 1114 serum samples from conditionally healthy volunteers of three groups were tested for anti-HEV antibodies using ELISA: residents of settlement No. 1 at the pig-breeding complex (n = 90), residents of settlement No. 2 engaged in traditional reindeer herding (n = 102), and residents of other areas of the AR (n = 922). Blood sera from pigs (n = 197) and reindeer (n = 97) were also tested for anti-HEV antibodies in ELISA with a species-specific conjugate. HEV RNA detection was performed in the reindeer blood sera and swine fecal samples using nested PCR and real-time PCR. Risk factors were assessed using the binary logistic regression method. Results. Anti-HEV IgG antibody detection rate among residents of Settlement No. 1 was 14.4%, significantly higher compared to residents of Settlement No. 2 (3.9%) and other regions of the AR (3.8%). The independent predictors of HEV seropositivity were residence in Settlement No. 1 (OR = 6.32) and age (OR = 1.06). The detection rates of anti-HEV IgG antibody were 96.4% among pigs and 92.8% among reindeer. Despite the high seroprevalence among reindeer, reindeer herders and their family members were not a risk group for HEV infection (OR = 0.8). No HEV RNA was detected in animal samples. Conclusion. The HEV seroprevalence rate detected among the population of the AR corresponds to the Russian average level. Pig farm workers and their family members are at increased risk of HEV infection, which justifies the need to develop preventive measures for this group. The high seroprevalence among reindeer requires further molecular research to clarify their role as a zoonotic reservoir of HEV infection.

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