Detection of Hepatitis E Virus RNA in Well Water Samples from Flood-Prone Communities in Kebbi State

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a waterborne pathogen responsible for epidemic and sporadic hepatitis in developing countries, with faecally contaminated water sources serving as the primary transmission vehicle. Kebbi State in North West Nigeria has experienced recurrent flooding events that increase the risk of water source contamination with enteric viruses. This study aims to detect HEV RNA in well water samples from flood-prone communities in Yauri and Bagudo local government areas, Kebbi State. A total of 60 well water samples will be collected during and after the flood season and subjected to ultracentrifugation-based virus concentration followed by quantitative RT-PCR targeting the HEV ORF2 gene. Simultaneous collection of faecal samples from community residents with acute icteric illness will be used to assess concurrent human HEV infection and potential environmental linkage. Water quality parameters including turbidity, pH, and coliform counts will be measured. Nigerian studies from flood-affected communities have reported HEV RNA in surface water, yet well water data from North West Nigeria are particularly scarce. Findings will characterise the contamination status of community wells in Kebbi State after flooding, providing evidence for urgent water treatment interventions and guiding the State Ministry of Water Resources in post-flood public health response. Keywords: Hepatitis E virus, well water, flood, Kebbi State, RT-PCR