Transmission Dynamics of Hepatitis E Virus in Rural and Urban Populations in Benue State

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of epidemic and sporadic hepatitis in sub-Saharan Africa, transmitted via the faecal-oral route through contaminated water and zoonotic contact with infected swine. Benue State, North Central Nigeria, where pig farming is culturally prevalent and water sanitation is inconsistent, represents an important HEV transmission context. This study characterises the transmission dynamics and seroprevalence of HEV in rural and urban populations in Benue State, integrating human serosurvey, swine HEV detection, and environmental water testing. A cross-sectional design will recruit 600 adults (300 rural, 300 urban) across Makurdi, Gboko, and Gwer East local government areas. Serum samples will be tested for anti-HEV IgG using a WHO-endorsed ELISA. Fresh stool samples from 200 pigs at three pig farms will be tested for HEV RNA by RT-PCR, and water samples from community boreholes and wells will be assessed for HEV contamination. Phylogenetic analysis of positive sequences will compare human and swine HEV strains for zoonotic transmission evidence. Comparative analysis of rural versus urban seroprevalence will identify whether proximity to pig farming or inadequate water infrastructure is the primary transmission driver. Published HEV studies from North Central Nigeria are limited, and no Benue State-specific transmission dynamic data exist. Findings will characterise HEV epidemiology in Benue's dual-burden rural-urban setting and guide targeted water safety and swine management interventions. Keywords: Hepatitis E virus, transmission dynamics, Benue State, swine zoonosis, seroprevalence