IJID One Health · Published 2026-06-23 · DOI 10.1016/j.ijidoh.2026.100142
Batsukh Chultem, Batmagnai Enkhbaatar, Khuntsetseg Altangerel, Unurjavkhlan Tsogbadrakh, Davaasuren Nergui, Munkhsoyol Erkhembaatar, Bat-Erdene Chimedregzen, Buyankhuu Osorjin, Ser-Od Khuyagaa, Sarangoo Ganbold, Erdenechimeg Dashzeveg, Odonchimeg Myagmarsuren, Damdinbazar Otgonbayar, Tsatsralt-Od Bira, Erdene-Ochir Tseren-Ochir
Objectives: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes viral hepatitis worldwide. Several HEV genotypes have been reported in human and animal populations, and camel-associated HEV genotype 8 has been detected in Bactrian camels. This study aimed to determine anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig) G seroprevalence and associated risk factors among camel herders and non-herders in Dornod Province, eastern Mongolia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024–2025 among 276 participants, from three districts of Dornod Province, including 146 camel herders and 130 non-herders. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Sociodemographic, dietary, health, and environmental data were collected using structured questionnaires. Associations between HEV seropositivity and risk factors were analyzed using univariable logistic regression. Results: Overall, 43 (15.6%) of 276 participants were positive for anti-HEV IgG. Seroprevalence was similar among camel herders and non-herders, with 23 (15.8%) of 146 camel herders and 20 (15.4%) of 130 non-herders testing positive. This difference was not statistically significant (χ² test, P = 0.933; Fisher’s exact test, P = 1.000). Higher seropositivity was observed among older participants, particularly, those aged ≥ 60 years, and among participants who regularly consumed raw camel milk. Lower educational level and district of residence were also associated with HEV seropositivity. Conclusion: Previous HEV exposure is present among residents of Dornod Province, Mongolia; however, seroprevalence did not differ significantly between camel herders and non-herders. Because this study was based on anti-HEV IgG detection only, the infecting HEV genotype could not be determined, and the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of HEV-8 infection specifically. Further molecular studies are needed to identify circulating HEV genotypes and clarify transmission pathways in pastoral communities.
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Chultem, B., Enkhbaatar, B., Altangerel, K., et al. (2026). Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis E virus infection among Bactrian camel herders in Dornod Province, Mongolia. IJID One Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijidoh.2026.100142