Introduction: The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for 60% of viral hepatitis during pregnancy with a mortality rate approaching 20%. This mortality rate increases with gestational age. In Burkina Faso, few epidemiological studies have been conducted on HEV. This study aimed to detect HEV in pregnant women and to study the risk factors associated with infection. Methods: A total of 179 pregnant women were recruited at Saint Camille hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO). Anti-HEV IgM and IgG detection tests were performed using the ELISA method. Findings: Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were found with a prevalence of 10.6%. Regarding risk factors associated with infection: 42.1% of the IgG positive patients were illiterate; 31.6% lived mostly in unserviced areas; 21.0% were co-infected either with HIV, HBV or HCV; 15.8% had history of blood transfusion and 5.3% had no access to safe drinking water. Conclusion: Awareness on hygiene rules and a good education on HEV transmission modes could help reduce the prevalence rate of this infection among vulnerable populations.
