HEV seroprevalence and associated risk factors among HIV-positive individuals in post-earthquake Kathmandu: a 2016 cross-sectional study

Our findings reveal a high burden of past HEV exposure among HIV-positive individuals in post-earthquake Kathmandu, with age being a key correlate. The absence of HEV IgG positivity in the general population sample suggests that HEV exposure during this period may have been localized to vulnerable clinical groups. The lack of association with traditional behavioral or clinical markers highlights the complexity of transmission in this setting. These results underscore the need to integrate HEV awareness and targeted screening into HIV care in endemic regions. Future studies should prioritize longitudinal follow-up, genotype surveillance, and environmental sampling to inform public health preparedness and response.