Global prevalence of hepatitis E virus in swine: a systematic review and meta-analysis (1999–2025)
摘要
Pigs are reservoirs for zoonotic HEV genotypes 3 and 4. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 176 studies (93,024 samples; 1999–2025), the pooled global HEV prevalence was 28% under a fixed-effects model and 32% under a random-effects model, with high heterogeneity (I² = 99.5%). Diagnostic method, sample size, country, and continent significantly influenced prevalence estimates, with higher prevalence in ELISA-based studies (28%) than RT-PCR–based studies (11%). Regionally, prevalence was highest in North America (21%) and lower in Asia and Africa (10%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of pooled estimates, supporting strengthened One Health surveillance and food safety measures globally.