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Background: As scant data are available about Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Malaysia, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HEV amongst ruminant farmworkers in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 87 farmworkers provided serum samples, which were collected from eight farms. All serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Wantai HEV-IgG and HEV-IgM ELISA kits from Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co., Ltd, Beijing, China. Results: Farmworkers from six cattle farms, one sheep farm and one goat farm were investigated in this study. Only one farm practices zero-grazing, with the rest using rotational grazing. Of the 87 farmworkers, males comprised 83.9%, and almost half (47.1%) were aged 20– 35 years old. By ethnic group, the vast majority were Malay. Most of the farmworkers have good hygiene practices; washing or changing their clothes and showering after dealing with farm animals were common. None of the farmworker serum samples had anti-HEV IgM and IgG detected (95% confidence interval (CI): 0, 0.0415). Conclusion: The finding suggests that the farmworkers had no previous exposure to Hepatitis E, and were not at risk of occupational exposure to HEV infection. Our findings suggest that a zero seroprevalence of HEV infection among ruminant farmworkers in the Muslim majority country. Good farm management, hygiene practices and the absence of contact with swine-related contamination might have contributed to the no or minimal zoonotic risks of HEV amongst farmworkers surveyed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is a non‐endemic country for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. However, seroprevalence as high as 50% among samples of aboriginal people were reported over two decades ago. A total of 207 samples collected from seven aboriginal villages in rural settlements across two states in Malaysia were analysed for anti‐HEV IgG and IgM by an enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Following the detection of anti‐HEV seroprevalence, we organized health outreach to inform and educate the community. Qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals tested positive for anti‐HEV antibodies. Data derived from interviews and observations were used to investigate possible lifestyle behaviours associated with HEV infection. Anti‐HEV IgG was detected in six samples (5.9%) from the village of Dusun Kubur. Qualitative inquiry and observation study revealed poor dietary and household hygiene, contaminated food and water, contact with animal faeces, unsanitary and domestic waste disposal, and wildlife reservoirs could be the contributing factors for transmission and acquisition of HEV infection. Investigation during health outreach is important to provide insights for future empirical research and implementation for improvement of lifestyle behaviours among the aborigines. Managing the risk of HEV infection in the aborigines may reduce the risk of HEV transmission to the local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]