Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis E virus among male blood donors in Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran

Serum samples from 399 voluntary male blood donors were tested for anti-hepatitis E virus [HEV] IgG during July and August 2004 at a blood transfusion centre in Tabriz city. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 7.8% [95% CI: 5.2-10.4]. Risk factors for infection included age and a low educational level. Seroprevalence increased significantly with age, from 3.3% in subjects under 30 years of age to 37.5% in individuals 50 years and over. Illiterate individuals were at significantly higher risk for infection than educated persons. The high seropositive rate among our male blood donors is compatible with endemicity of HEV in the Islamic Republic of Iran