Background
Little is known about HEV seroprevalence and its determinants
in Iran. Considering the fact that Iran is among the countries in
which HEV infection is endemic, a large-scale population-based
study in this regard is justified.
Methods
This survey was conducted in 2006 in Tehran and Golestan Provinces,
Iran. Stored sera of subjects were tested for serological
markers of anti-HEV. The baseline data were recorded in structured
questionnaires. Weighted seroprevalence and weighted logistic
regression coefficients were calculated.
Results
A total of 1423 samples were included. The overall seroprevalence
in two provinces was 7.4%. Age with an odds ratio equal to
1.59 (95% CI: 1.26-2.02) and history of traditional phlebotomy
with an odds ratio equal to 2.28 (95% CI: 1.13-4.60) were independent
predictors of HEV seropositivity.
Conclusion
Considering the high rate of HEV seroprevalence in Iran, further
studies on the cost-effectiveness of vaccination among vulnerable
groups are mandatory