population-based seroepidemiological study on hepatitis E virus in Iran

ABSTRACT

Little is known about HEV seroprevalence and its determinants in Iran. Considering the fact that Iran is among the countries in which HEV infection is endemic, a large-scale population-based study in this regard is justified. This survey was conducted in 2006 in Tehran and Golestan Provinces, Iran. Stored sera of subjects were tested for serological markers of anti-HEV. The baseline data were recorded in structured questionnaires. Weighted seroprevalence and weighted logistic regression coefficients were calculated. A total of 1423 samples were included. The overall seroprevalence in two provinces was 7.4%. Age with an odds ratio equal to 1.59 [95% CI 1.26-2.02] and history of traditional phlebotomy with an odds ratio equal to 2.28 [95% CI 1.13-4.60] were independent predictors of HEV seropositivity. Considering the high rate of HEV seroprevalence in Iran, further studies on the cost-effectiveness of vaccination among vulnerable groups are mandator