Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of common causes of viral hepatitis worldwide with higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions. Although epidemics of HEV have been reported from Iran, there are variable reports of this infection out of epidemics from different parts of Iran. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HEV in Iran. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched PubMed, Scopus, Science direct, Google Scholar, Scientific Information Databank (SID), IranMedex, and Magiran for all relevant studies published in either English or Persian languages, up to 2015. Pooled seroprevalence estimates with a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model were calculated. Statistical heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated by Cochrane Q statistic and I2. RESULTS 38 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria compromising 18461 participants. The pooled seroprevalence rate of HEV in Iran was estimated about 10% (95% CI=0.09-0.12) with maximum and minimum of 46% (95 % CI=0.42-0.50), and 0.01% (95 % CI=0.000-0.002), respectively. CONCLUSION HEV is common in Iran although the prevalence is lower than some neighbor countries.