University of Tabriz Journal of Zoonotic Diseases 2476-535X 10 1 2026 01 01 Serological evidence of zoonotic Hepatitis E virus transmission: A cross-sectional analysis of high-risk occupational groups in central Kalimantan, Indonesia 1092 1098 20947 10.22034/jzd.2025.20947 EN Nawan Nawan Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia Septi Handayani Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia Agnes Immanuela Toemon Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia 0000-0002-4067-2931 Seth Miko University of Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia Journal Article 2025 09 27 Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis, with zoonotic transmission from pigs representing a recognized public health concern. In Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, where close human-pig interaction is common, specific risk factors for HEV exposure remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective, targeted public health strategies. This study aimed to identify the occupational and environmental factors linked to HEV seropositivity in this high-risk population (n=59). The cohort was stratified into four exposure groups: pig farm workers (n=14), butchers/pork sellers (n=7), household pig owners (n=28), and a control group with no direct pig contact (n=10). A structured questionnaire gathered detailed data on demographics, occupational history, and hygiene practices. Serum samples were analysed for anti-HEV IgG antibodies using a commercial ELISA. The overall seroprevalence was 8.5% (5/59). All seropositive cases were found exclusively among participants with direct pig exposure, suggesting a zoonotic pathway. A clear risk gradient emerged when comparing the groups: Butchers and pork sellers showed the highest prevalence at 28.6%, followed by pig farm workers at 14.3%. In contrast, risk was substantially lower for individuals raising pigs residentially (3.7%). No infections were detected in the control group (0%). All seropositive individuals reported prolonged pig contact and inconsistent PPE use. In conclusion, our findings are consistent with occupational exposure being a key driver of HEV infection in Palangka Raya. This underscores the pig-to-human transmission route and highlights the need for targeted interventions focusing on hygiene and PPE use for high-risk workers. https://jzd.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_20947_7fb7cbc3195be01881996daf35973a26.pdf