Serological Survey of Hepatitis E Virus in Cats and Dogs in Samarra City, Iraq

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an crucial zoonotic pathogen that can infect humans and a extensive variety of animal species, together with domesticated cats and puppies. On this look at, we conducted a serological survey to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in cats and puppies in Samarra City, Iraq. A overall of a hundred and fifty serum samples from cats and one hundred fifty serum samples from dogs had been accumulated and analyzed using an enzyme-connected immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to stumble on unique antibodies towards HEV. The effects offer valuable insights into the capacity function of cats and dogs as reservoirs or sources of HEV transmission to human beings. Among the 150 cat serum samples tested, 25 (sixteen.7%) have been found superb for HEV-precise antibodies. In the canine samples, 22 (14.7%) out of one hundred fifty have been seropositive for HEV. Overall, the seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus infection in puppies and cats did not display a widespread difference (p > 0.05).

Keywords: Hepatitis E virus, cats, dogs, serological survey, zoonotic pathogen, Samarra City, Iraq

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/117-04

Publication date: July 30th 2024