Serological assessment of the Hepatitis E Virus in tank milk

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causative agents of acute viral hepatitis cases observed in both developing and industrialized countries. Foodborne infections caused by this agent pose a significant global public health concern and may adversely impact economic development in many regions. This thesis study was conducted to determine the presence of HEV infection in tank milk samples collected from villages in the Burdur province of Turkey and to provide insights into its potential prevalence in the region.A total of 80 tank milk samples were collected in accordance with standard procedures from the specified region. The samples were analyzed using an indirect ELISA method to detect Anti-HEV IgG antibodies, and a seropositivity rate of 1.25% (1/80) was determined. As a result, the presence of HEV, which plays a critical role in food safety, was identified by serological methods in Burdur—an area with significant importance in dairy cattle farming in Turkey. This finding highlights the necessity for implementing stringent control measures to manage the risk of HEV infection. This study represents the first scientific report demonstrating the serological presence of HEV in tank milk in the Burdur region. Developing surveillance and control strategies aimed at ensuring food safety is of critical importance in preventing the spread of HEV both regionally and nationally.