ZHANG Yu, LIU Jinlong, ZHAO Jianjun, ZHAO Ying, WANG Shupeng, WANG Yanting, WEI Yiyi, YANG Yonghua, WANG Jiale, ZHANG Yujie, BAI Huimin
Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among aquaculture population in Baotou City, and to evaluate the infection rate of different age groups, so as to provide data support for the prevention and control of hepatitis E in the aquaculture population. Methods: Blood samples of aquaculture population (pigs, cattle, sheep) in Baotou City from July 2023 to July 2024 were collected, and HEV-IgG antibodies in serum were detected by ELISA. Grouped according to the age, and the positive rate of infection in each age group was counted. Results: A total of 679 samples were collected. The positive infection rates of each age group were as follows: the group from 0 to≤20 years was 3.23%,＞20 to≤30 years was 10.87%,＞30 to≤40 years was 14.93%, ＞40 to≤50 years was 41.28%, ＞50 to≤60 years was 50.00%,＞60 to≤70 years was 34.52%, ＞70 to≤80 years was 68.57%, ＞80 to≤90 years was 60.00%. The results of the chi-square test showed that the positive infection rates of the groups ＞30 to≤40 years old,＞40 to≤50 years old, ＞50 to≤60 years,＞70 to≤80 years, and＞80 years to≤90 years were significantly different compared with those of other age groups (P＜0.001). Conclusion: The positive rate of HEV infection in Baotou breeding population is higher, especially in the population over 40 years old, indicating that the aquaculture population may face a higher risk of HEV exposure, and it is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of this virus.
