Determination of total (IgG/IgM) and specific (IgM) antibodies to Hepatitis E Virus and molecular detection of the virus in feces of humans with or without occupational exposure to pigs in 10 municipalities of Antioquia, Colombia

In 10 municipalities of Antioquia (Colombia) the positivity rate in serum for total (IgG/IgM) and specific (IgM) antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) was determined, and tests were done for the presence of HEV RNA in the feces of individuals positive for IgM antibodies. According to previous exposure to pigs, two different groups were included, namely: exposed and unexposed. The latter group was subdivided into cohabitants of the exposed ones and general population. The frequency of total anti-HEV antibodies in the exposed group was 15.7%, and that of IgM, 2.5% (p