Epidemiological and clinical features of HEV infection: a survey in the district of Foggia (Apulia, Southern Italy)

In this study we assessed the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in both the Italian population and immigrants from developing countries in Foggia (Apulia, Southern Italy). The seroprevalence of HEV was determined in 1217 subjects [412 (34%) immigrants and 805 Italian subjects (blood donors, general population, HIV-positive, haemodialysis patients)]. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV and confirmed by Western blot assay; in positive patients HEV RNA and genotype were also determined. There were 8 center dot 8% of patients that were positive to anti-HEV, confirmed by Western blot. The prevalence in immigrants was 19 center dot 7%, and in Italians 3 center dot 9% (blood donors 1 center dot 3%, general population 2 center dot 7%, HIV-positive patients 2 center dot 0%, haemodialysis patients 9 center dot 6%). Anti-HEV IgM was found in 38/107 (35 center dot 5%) of the anti-HEV-positive serum samples (34 immigrants, four Italians). This study indicates a higher circulation of HEV in immigrants and Italian haemodialysis patients, whereas a low prevalence of HEV antibodies was seen in the remaining Italian population.