Epidemiological survey of hepatitis E virus infection in Kushiro and Nemuro cities in eastern Hokkaido: Relationship between regional difference of HEV prevalence and distinct food cultures

Abstract

To investigate the regional difference in hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Hokkaido where hepatitis E is most prevalent in Japan, serum samples collected from 721 inhabitants in Kushiro and 687 inhabitants in Nemuro were tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG, and the results were compared with those reported from Kitami and Sapporo where hepatitis E occurs frequently. Anti-HEV IgG was detected at 5.4% in Kushiro, while it was only at 2.0% in Nemuro, being significantly higher in males in both cities. When inhabitants aged >40 years were compared, anti-HEV IgG was significantly less frequent in Nemuro (2.1%) than in the other three cities (Kitami, Kushiro, Sapporo) with the comparable positive rate of 12.1%, 7.9%, and 6.4%, respectively. It was hypothesized that different HEV prevalence rate may be associated with amounts of consumption of pig meat and viscera on the background of distinct local industries and food cultures. © 2011 The Japan Society of Hepatology.