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Cancela F, Cravino A, Icasuriaga R, González P, Bentancor F, Leizagoyen C, Echaides C, Ferreiro I, Cabrera A, Arbiza J, Mirazo S. Co-circulation of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Genotype 3 and Moose-HEV-Like Strains in Free-Ranging-Spotted Deer (Axis axis) in Uruguay. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:281-291. [PMID: 37642917 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09563-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging foodborne zoonosis in industrialized, non-endemic countries. Domestic pigs and wild boars are considered the main reservoir of HEV. However, HEV can also infect an ever-expanding host range of animals, but they exact role in transmitting the virus to other species or humans is mostly unknown. In this work, we investigated the spread of HEV in free-living and captive spotted deer (Axis axis) from Uruguay in a 2-year period (2020-2022) and examined the role of this invasive species as a new potential reservoir of the virus. In addition, with the aim to gain new insights into viral ecology in the context of One Health, by using camera trapping, we identified and quantified temporal and spatial coexistence of spotted deer, wild boars, and cattle. In free-living animals, we detected an anti-HEV seropositivity of 11.1% (6/54). HEV infection and viral excretion in feces were assessed by RT-PCR. Thirteen of 19 samples (68.4%) had HEV RNA. Six samples were amplified using a broadly reactive RT-PCR and sequenced. No captive animal showed evidence of HEV infection. Additionally, HEV RNA was detected in a freshwater pond shared by these species. Phylogenetic and p-distance analysis revealed that zoonotic HEV genotype 3 strains circulate together with unclassified variants related to moose HEV whose potential risk of transmission to humans and other domestic and wild animals is unknown. The data presented here suggest that spotted deer (A. axis) may be a novel host for zoonotic HEV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cancela
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Alfredo Navarro 3051, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alexandra Cravino
- Grupo Biodiversidad y Ecología de la Conservación, Instituto de Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Icasuriaga
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Alfredo Navarro 3051, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | - Carmen Leizagoyen
- Parque Lecocq, Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - César Echaides
- Parque Lecocq, Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Irene Ferreiro
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Cabrera
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan Arbiza
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Av. Alfredo Navarro 3051, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Zhang H, Li X, Wang C, Shi T, Geng Y, Zhao C. Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Rabbits and Rabbit Meat from Slaughterhouses in Hebei Province of China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:588-594. [PMID: 37699252 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen. HEV has been found to be widely prevalent in rabbits. Its isolates are classified into HEV-3, rabbit subgenotype (HEV-3ra). The routes of human infection with HEV-3ra remain unclear; however, foodborne transmission is possible when asymptomatically infected animals enter the food chain. The prevalence of HEV infection in slaughtered rabbits and the presence of HEV in rabbit meat were evaluated in this study. Materials and Methods: In three slaughterhouses in Hebei province, China, samples of rabbit blood were collected during the slaughter process, and muscle, liver, and cavity juice were collected from the rabbit carcasses. Anti-HEV antibody in serum samples was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HEV RNA was tested in all samples by reverse transcription nested PCR (RT-nested PCR). The final amplicons of RT-nested PCR were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Results: Of the 459 serum samples, 50 [10.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.1-13.7] were positive for anti-HEV antibody, and 17 (3.7%, 95% CI: 2.0-5.4) were positive for HEV RNA. HEV RNA was detected in 7 of 60 liver samples (11.7%, 95% CI: 3.3-20) and 2 cavity juice samples from semi-eviscerated carcasses, but was not detected in any muscle sample from either the eviscerated or semi-eviscerated carcasses. All the detected HEV strains belonged to HEV-3ra and related most closely with the rabbit HEV sequence previously reported in China. Conclusion: A portion of rabbits were in the viremia period of HEV infection at the slaughter age, resulting in the possibility of HEV carriage by rabbit carcass, particularly semi-eviscerated carcass containing liver. These findings suggest a potential risk of HEV transmission from raw rabbit products entering the food chain, whereas the presence of HEV appeared to be lower in the eviscerated carcass than in the semi-eviscerated carcass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xueli Li
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Division of Epidemiology, Baoding Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Baoding, China
| | - Tengfei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
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Melchert J, Radbruch H, Hanitsch LG, Baylis SA, Beheim-Schwarzbach J, Bleicker T, Hofmann J, Jones TC, Drosten C, Corman VM. Whole genome sequencing reveals insights into hepatitis E virus genome diversity, and virus compartmentalization in chronic hepatitis E. J Clin Virol 2023; 168:105583. [PMID: 37716229 PMCID: PMC10643812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis and can cause chronic infections in immunocompromised patients. Although HEV infections can be treated with ribavirin, antiviral efficacy is hampered by resistance mutations, normally detected by virus sequencing. OBJECTIVES High-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows for cost-effective complete viral genome sequencing. This enables the discovery and delineation of new subtypes, and revised the recognition of quasispecies and putative resistance mutations. However, HTS is challenged by factors including low viral load, sample degradation, high host background, and high viral diversity. STUDY DESIGN We apply complete genome sequencing strategies for HEV, including a targeted enrichment approach. These approaches were used to investigate sequence diversity in HEV RNA-positive animal and human samples and intra-host diversity in a chronically infected patient. RESULTS Here, we describe the identification of potential novel subtypes in a blood donation (genotype 3) and in an ancient livestock sample (genotype 7). In a chronically infected patient, we successfully investigated intra-host virus diversity, including the presence of ribavirin resistance mutations. Furthermore, we found convincing evidence for HEV compartmentalization, including the central nervous system, in this patient. CONCLUSIONS Targeted enrichment of viral sequences enables the generation of complete genome sequences from a variety of difficult sample materials. Moreover, it enables the generation of greater sequence coverage allowing more advanced analyses. This is key for a better understanding of virus diversity. Investigation of existing ribavirin resistance, in the context of minorities or compartmentalization, may be critical in treatment strategies of HEV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Melchert
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif G Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sally A Baylis
- Viral Safety Section, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Jörn Beheim-Schwarzbach
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Tobias Bleicker
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Terry C Jones
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany; Centre for Pathogen Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor M Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany; Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin 13353, Germany.
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Turlewicz-Podbielska H, Augustyniak A, Wojciechowski J, Pomorska-Mól M. Hepatitis E Virus in Livestock-Update on Its Epidemiology and Risk of Infection to Humans. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3239. [PMID: 37893962 PMCID: PMC10603682 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health problem worldwide and an important food pathogen known for its zoonotic potential. Increasing numbers of infection cases with human HEV are caused by the zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly by consuming contaminated, undercooked or raw porcine meat. Pigs are the main reservoir of HEV. However, it should be noted that other animal species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits, may also be a source of infection for humans. Due to the detection of HEV RNA in the milk and tissues of cattle, the consumption of infected uncooked milk and meat or offal from these species also poses a potential risk of zoonotic HEV infections. Poultry infected by avian HEV may also develop symptomatic disease, although avian HEV is not considered a zoonotic pathogen. HEV infection has a worldwide distribution with different prevalence rates depending on the affected animal species, sampling region, or breeding system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
| | - Agata Augustyniak
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
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Prpić J, Kunić A, Keros T, Lojkić I, Brnić D, Jemeršić L. Absence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Circulation in the Most Widespread Wild Croatian Canine Species, the Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) and Jackal ( Canis aureus moreoticus). Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040834. [PMID: 37110256 PMCID: PMC10145003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, and the identification of new host species is reported successively worldwide. Nevertheless, its zoonotic potential and natural transmission, especially in wildlife remains unclear, primarily due to the discrete nature of HEV infections. Since the red fox (Vulpus vulpus) is the most widespread carnivore worldwide, and has been recognized as a potential HEV reservoir, its role as a potent host species is of increasing interest. Another wild canine species, the jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus), is becoming more important within the same habitat as that of the red fox since its number and geographical distribution have been rapidly growing. Therefore, we have chosen these wild species to determine their potential role in the epidemiology and persistence of HEV in the wilderness. The main reason for this is the finding of HEV and a rather high HEV seroprevalence in wild boars sharing the same ecological niche as the wild canine species, as well as the risk of the spread of HEV through red foxes into the outskirts of cities, where possible indirect and even direct contact with people are not excluded. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the possibility of natural HEV infection of free-living wild canines, by testing samples for the presence of HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies to gain better epidemiological knowledge of the disease. For this purpose, 692 red fox and 171 jackal muscle extracts and feces samples were tested. Neither HEV RNA nor anti-HEV antibodies were detected. Although HEV circulation was not detected in the tested samples, to our knowledge, these are the first results that include jackals as a growing and important omnivore wildlife species for the presence of HEV infection in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Prpić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Kunić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Keros
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Lojkić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragan Brnić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lorena Jemeršić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Animal reservoirs for hepatitis E virus within the Paslahepevirus genus. Vet Microbiol 2023; 278:109618. [PMID: 36640568 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans. It is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to the Hepeviridae family. The majority of concerning HEV genotypes belong to the Paslahepevirus genus and are subsequently divided into eight genotypes. HEV genotypes 1 and 2 exclusively infect humans and primates while genotypes 3 and 4 infect both humans and other mammals. Whereas HEV genotypes 5 and 6 are isolated from wild boars and genotypes 7 and 8 were identified from camels in the United Arab Emirates and China, respectively. HEV mainly spreads from humans to humans via the fecal-oral route. However, some genotypes with the capability of zoonotic transmissions, such as 3 and 4 transmit from animals to humans through feces, direct contact, and ingestion of contaminated meat products. As we further continue to uncover novel HEV strains in various animal species, it is becoming clear that HEV has a broad host range. Therefore, understanding the potential animal reservoirs for this virus will allow for better risk management and risk mitigation of infection with HEV. In this review, we mainly focused on animal reservoirs for the members of the species Paslahepevirus balayani and provided a comprehensive list of the host animals identified to date.
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7
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Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Population-Based Seroprevalence Study. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020484. [PMID: 36851698 PMCID: PMC9964995 DOI: 10.3390/v15020484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. Little is known about the seroprevalence of HEV in the general population of Saudi Arabia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional HEV seroprevalence study was conducted in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in sera using an in-house ELISA. The frequency of HEV sageerology and its correlation with demographic, and environmental factors were evaluated. RESULTS Enrollment consisted of 1329 individuals, ages ranged from 8 to 88 years, the mean age was 30.17 years, the median age was 28yrs, and the male: female ratio was 1.15. The overall seroprevalence was 23.8% (316/1329). Males had significantly higher seroprevalence than females (66.1 vs. 33.9%; p < 0.001). Seroprevalence had significant correlations with age, occupation, and lack of regular water supply and housing conditions. CONCLUSIONS This is the first HEV community-based seroprevalence study from Saudi Arabia. Results show that the HEV is endemic in Makkah and affects all age groups and occupations. HEV affects more males than females and those living in crowded accommodations without a regular supply of water. Further studies are required across all regions of Saudi Arabia to determine the country's seroprevalence of active or past infection using tests for HEV IgG, HEV IgM antibodies and/or HEV RNA and underlying determinants of transmission.
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El-Kafrawy SA, Hassan AM, El-Daly MM, Al-Hajri M, Farag E, Elnour FA, Khan A, Tolah AM, Alandijany TA, Othman NA, Memish ZA, Corman VM, Drosten C, Zumla A, Azhar EI. Genetic diversity of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in imported and domestic camels in Saudi Arabia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7005. [PMID: 35487943 PMCID: PMC9054814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Camels gained attention since the discovery of MERS-CoV as intermediary hosts for potentially epidemic zoonotic viruses. DcHEV is a novel zoonotic pathogen associated with camel contact. This study aimed to genetically characterize DcHEV in domestic and imported camels in Saudi Arabia. DcHEV was detected by RT-PCR in serum samples, PCR-positive samples were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. DcHEV was detected in 1.77% of samples with higher positivity in domestic DCs. All positive imported dromedaries were from Sudan with age declining prevalence. Domestic DcHEV sequences clustered with sequences from Kenya, Somalia, and UAE while imported sequences clustered with one DcHEV isolate from UAE and both sequences clustered away from isolates reported from Pakistan. Full-genome sequences showed 24 amino acid difference with reference sequences. Our results confirm the detection of DcHEV in domestic and imported DCs. Further investigations are needed in human and camel populations to identify DcHEV potential zoonosis threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif A El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai M El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Anas Khan
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Tolah
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamir A Alandijany
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noura A Othman
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziad A Memish
- King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Victor M Corman
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Treagus S, Wright C, Baker-Austin C, Longdon B, Lowther J. The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:127-145. [PMID: 33738770 PMCID: PMC8116281 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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Castaneda D, Gonzalez AJ, Alomari M, Tandon K, Zervos XB. From hepatitis A to E: A critical review of viral hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1691-1715. [PMID: 33967551 PMCID: PMC8072198 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i16.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections affecting the liver have had an important impact on humanity, as they have led to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with acute and chronic infections. Once an unknown etiology, the discovery of the viral agents triggered interest of the scientific community to establish the pathogenesis and diagnostic modalities to identify the affected population. With the rapid scientific and technological advances in the last centuries, controlling and even curing the infections became a possibility, with a large focus on preventive medicine through vaccination. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of hepatitis A, B, C, D and E is required by primary care physicians and gastroenterologists to provide care to these patients. The review article describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and current medication regimens, with a focus on upcoming treatment options and the role of liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Castaneda
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | | | - Mohammad Alomari
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Kanwarpreet Tandon
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
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Chen Y, Gong QL, Wang Q, Wang W, Wei XY, Jiang J, Ni HB. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus among swine in China from 2010 to 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2020; 150:104687. [PMID: 33301857 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen that has spread worldwide. The HEV reservoir associated with livestock hepatitis E poses a huge threat to public health. Awareness of the prevalence and spatial distribution of livestock hepatitis E is valuable to prevent and control diseases caused by HEV, especially human hepatitis E infection. Currently, swine, including pigs (Sus scrofa), are recognized as the major reservoir of HEV. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled prevalence of HEV among swine in China. A total of 71 published papers on HEV infection in swine in China (including data from 49,523 animals) from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019 met the standard after searching five databases including the Technology Periodical Database, the Wan Fang Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of HEV in swine. The results showed that the seroprevalence was 48.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 39.6-56.9) and the prevalence of HEV RNA was 14.4% (95% CI 10.7-18.5). The estimated overall prevalence was 34.1% (95% CI 27.2-41.4). Central China (68.0%, 95% CI 42.2-89.1) had a significantly higher prevalence than other regions. In the publication year subgroup, the prevalence in 2016 or later (27.2%, 95% CI 19.3-36.0) was significantly lower than that in 2011 or earlier (49.0%, 95% CI 36.2-61.8). The prevalence of IgG (42.9%, 95% CI 31.7-54.6) was significantly higher than that of IgM (4.9%, 95% CI 1.6-9.7). Suckling piglets (15.6%, 95% CI 6.6-27.1) had a lower prevalence compared with that in other age groups. In all sample types, body fluids showed the highest prevalence (50.5%, 95% CI 41.7-59.3). Moreover, the pooled prevalence of HEV in boars was higher than that in sows (35.4% > 17.3%). The analysis suggested that HEV infection is common among swine in China. Further strengthening HEV testing in boars, controlling environmental pollution, and reducing the mixed feeding of different stages could contribute to reducing HEV infection in pigs in China and the risk of porcine HEV infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China
| | - Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province, 130600, PR China.
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266109, PR China.
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12
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Abstract
Recently, multiple infectious organisms have been identified as the cause of emerging diseases in lagomorphs. The most important of these emerging diseases is rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) type 2, a new variant with differences in pathogenicity to classical RHDV. Hepatitis E is considered an emerging zoonotic infectious disease, with widespread prevalence in many different rabbit populations. Mycobacteriosis has been recently reported in other captive domestic rabbit populations. This article provides a recent review of the published literature on emerging infectious diseases in rabbits, including farmed, laboratory, and pet rabbits, some of which have zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Gleeson
- Department of Avian and Exotic Pets, ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital, 9599 Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232, USA
| | - Olivia A Petritz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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13
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Trojnar E, Kästner B, Johne R. No Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Farmed Deer in Germany. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:81-83. [PMID: 31625032 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-019-09407-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic agent, which is mainly transmitted by consumption of undercooked meat products originating from infected animals. Domestic pigs and wild boars are the major animal reservoirs, but HEV infections have been also repeatedly described in wild deer species. However, farmed deer has been only sparsely investigated so far. Here, 108 blood and 106 liver samples from fallow deer, red deer, and sika deer strictly hold in game enclosures from 11 farms in Germany were analyzed for markers of HEV infection. Using a commercial double antigen sandwich ELISA, 3/108 (2.7%) serum samples were scored borderline for HEV-specific antibodies, whereas the remaining samples were negative. No HEV-RNA (0%) was detected in the 106 liver samples. The results suggest a low risk of HEV infection in farmed deer in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Trojnar
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Kästner
- Thuringian State Office for Agriculture and Rural Area, Naumburger Straße 98, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
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14
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Caballero-Gómez J, García Bocanegra I, Gómez-Guillamón F, Camacho-Sillero L, Zorrilla I, Lopez-Lopez P, Cano-Terriza D, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Frias M, Rivero-Juarez A. Absence of Hepatitis E virus circulation in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) in Mediterranean ecosystems in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:1422-1427. [PMID: 31930690 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, cases of autochthonous hepatitis E (HE) have sharply increased in European countries where foodborne transmission is considered the main route of HE virus (HEV) transmission. Although rabbits are considered the main reservoir of the zoonotic HEV-3ra subtype, information on the role of wild lagomorphs in the epidemiology of HEV remains scarce. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the circulation of HEV in European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis), the most important lagomorph species in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Liver samples from 372 wild rabbits and 78 Iberian hares were analysed using a broad-spectrum RT-PCR that detects HEV genotypes 1-8. None of the 450 lagomorphs tested were positive for HEV infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess HEV circulation in wild rabbits in Spain and the first to evaluate HEV infection in Iberian hares. Our results indicate absence of HEV circulation in wild rabbits and Iberian hares in southern Spain during the study period, which suggests that the risk of transmission of HEV from wild lagomorphs to other species, including humans, is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Félix Gómez-Guillamón
- Programa de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Fauna Silvestre (PVE), Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Leonor Camacho-Sillero
- Programa de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Fauna Silvestre (PVE), Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Irene Zorrilla
- Centro de Análisis y Diagnóstico de la Fauna Silvestre en Andalucía (CAD), Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua (AMAYA), Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,Grupo de Sanidad y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, (SaBio-IREC, UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Mario Frias
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
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15
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Rui P, Zhao F, Yan S, Wang C, Fu Q, Hao J, Zhou X, Zhong H, Tang M, Hui W, Li W, Shi D, Ma Z, Song T. Detection of hepatitis E virus genotypes 3 and 4 in donkeys in northern China. Equine Vet J 2019; 52:415-419. [PMID: 31746470 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of acute self-limiting hepatitis in humans in developing countries. Hepatitis E virus RNA was first detected in donkeys in Spain, but little is known about the possible presence of HEV in donkeys in China. OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of HEV in donkeys in northern China. STUDY DESIGN Investigation of the prevalence of HEV in donkeys using serological, molecular and phylogenetic approaches. METHODS A total of 401 donkey serum specimens were tested for serological and molecular detection of HEV via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The amplified products were cloned in pMD18-T vector and sequenced. The alignment and phylogenetic analysis of partial HEV ORF2 genes were compared with the corresponding sequences of the obtained HEV representative strains. RESULTS Serological results showed that 49 donkeys (12.22%, 95% CI: 9.18-15.83%) were positive for anti-HEV-specific antibodies, and 17 donkeys (4.24%, 95% CI: 2.49-6.70%) were positive for HEV viral RNA. On the basis of sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, all isolated HEV strains belonged to genotype 3 (HEV-3) or HEV-4, sharing more than 76.2-96.3% identities with 67 other HEV representative strains of HEV-1 to HEV-8. MAIN LIMITATIONS Further studies about the prevalence of HEV in organs or faecal samples from donkeys are needed to evaluate the possible role of HEV reservoir and to determine the risk factors associated with the transmission of this zoonotic virus in donkeys in China. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report documenting the molecular analysis of donkey HEV strains worldwide and the serological evidence of HEV infection in donkeys in northern China. The results suggest that young donkeys are more susceptible to HEV infection compared with older donkeys. Further investigation is required to determine whether donkeys should be considered reservoirs for zoonotic HEV. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rui
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - F Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based TCM, Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd., Donge, Shandong, China
| | - S Yan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - C Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Q Fu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - J Hao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - X Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based TCM, Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd., Donge, Shandong, China
| | - H Zhong
- College of Science, Henan University of Engineering, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - M Tang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - W Hui
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - W Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - D Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Z Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - T Song
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
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16
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Kwit E, Rzeżutka A. Molecular methods in detection and epidemiologic studies of rabbit and hare viruses: a review. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:497-508. [PMID: 31131728 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719852374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Various PCR-based assays for rabbit viruses have gradually replaced traditional virologic assays, such as virus isolation, because they offer high-throughput analysis, better test sensitivity and specificity, and allow vaccine and wild-type virus strains to be fully typed and differentiated. In addition, PCR is irreplaceable in the detection of uncultivable or fastidious rabbit pathogens or those occurring in low quantity in a tested sample. We provide herein an overview of the current state of the art in the molecular detection of lagomorph viral pathogens along with details of their targeted gene or nucleic acid sequence and recommendations for their application. Apart from the nucleic acids-based methods used for identification and comprehensive typing of rabbit viruses, novel methods such as microarray, next-generation sequencing, and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) could also be employed given that they offer greater throughput in sample screening for viral pathogens. Molecular methods should be provided with an appropriate set of controls, including an internal amplification control, to confirm the validity of the results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kwit
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Artur Rzeżutka
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
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17
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The Current Host Range of Hepatitis E Viruses. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050452. [PMID: 31108942 PMCID: PMC6563279 DOI: 10.3390/v11050452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen transmitting both human to human via the fecal oral route and from animals to humans through feces, direct contact, and consumption of contaminated meat products. Understanding the host range of the virus is critical for determining where potential threats to human health may be emerging from and where potential reservoirs for viral persistence in the environment may be hiding. Initially thought to be a human specific disease endemic to developing countries, the identification of swine as a primary host for genotypes 3 and 4 HEV in industrialized countries has begun a long journey of discovering novel strains of HEV and their animal hosts. As we continue identifying new strains of HEV in disparate animal species, it is becoming abundantly clear that HEV has a broad host range and many of these HEV strains can cross between differing animal species. These cross-species transmitting strains pose many unique challenges to human health as they are often unrecognized as sources of viral transmission.
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18
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Hepatitis E: Current Status in India and Other Asian Countries. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.13.1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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19
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Fenaux H, Chassaing M, Berger S, Gantzer C, Bertrand I, Schvoerer E. Transmission of hepatitis E virus by water: An issue still pending in industrialized countries. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 151:144-157. [PMID: 30594083 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an enteric virus divided into eight genotypes. Genotype 1 (G1) and G2 are specific to humans; G3, G4 and G7 are zoonotic genotypes infecting humans and animals. Transmission to humans through water has been demonstrated for G1 and G2, mainly in developing countries, but is only suspected for the zoonotic genotypes. Thus, the water-related HEV hazard may be due to human and animal faeces. The high HEV genetic variability allows considering the presence in wastewater of not only different genotypes, but also quasispecies adding even greater diversity. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that HEV particles may be either quasi-enveloped or non-enveloped, potentially implying differential viral behaviours in the environment. The presence of HEV has been demonstrated at the different stages of the water cycle all over the world, especially for HEV G3 in Europe and the USA. Concerning HEV survival in water, the virus does not have higher resistance to inactivating factors (heat, UV, chlorine, physical removal), compared to viral indicators (MS2 phage) or other highly resistant enteric viruses (Hepatitis A virus). But the studies did not take into account genetic (genogroups, quasispecies) or structural (quasi- or non-enveloped forms) HEV variability. Viral variability could indeed modify HEV persistence in water by influencing its interaction with the environment, its infectivity and its pathogenicity, and subsequently its transmission by water. The cell culture methods used to study HEV survival still have drawbacks (challenging virus cultivation, time consuming, lack of sensitivity). As explained in the present review, the issue of HEV transmission to humans through water is similar to that of other enteric viruses because of their similar or lower survival. HEV transmission to animals through water and how the virus variability affects its survival and transmission remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Fenaux
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54511 Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement, LCPME UMR 7564 CNRS-UL, F-54600 Villers lès Nancy, France
| | - M Chassaing
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement, LCPME UMR 7564 CNRS-UL, F-54600 Villers lès Nancy, France
| | - S Berger
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54511 Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France
| | - C Gantzer
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement, LCPME UMR 7564 CNRS-UL, F-54600 Villers lès Nancy, France
| | - I Bertrand
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement, LCPME UMR 7564 CNRS-UL, F-54600 Villers lès Nancy, France
| | - E Schvoerer
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, F-54511 Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, France; Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement, LCPME UMR 7564 CNRS-UL, F-54600 Villers lès Nancy, France.
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20
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Molina CV, Heinemann MB, Kierulff C, Pissinatti A, da Silva TF, de Freitas DG, de Souza GO, Miotto BA, Cortez A, Semensato BDP, Moreno LZ, Catão-Dias JL, Bueno MG. Leptospira spp., rotavirus, norovirus, and hepatitis E virus surveillance in a wild invasive golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas; Kuhl, 1820) population from an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e22961. [PMID: 30828830 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The world currently faces severe biodiversity losses caused by anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, pollution, the introduction of exotic species, habitat fragmentation, and climate changes. Disease ecology in altered environments is still poorly understood. The golden-headed lion tamarin (GHLT, Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered species that became invasive in an urban park in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initially few invasive GHLT individuals became hundreds, adapted to living in proximity to humans and domestic animals. These GHLTs were captured as part of a conservation project; some animals were translocated to Bahia and some were kept in captivity. This study tested 593 GHLT for Leptospira serology; 100 and 95 GHLT for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) toLeptospira and hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3), respectively, and 101 familiar groups for PCR to viruses (rotavirus A, norovirus GI and GII, and HEV-3). One animal had antibodies for Leptospira serovar Shermani and another for serovar Hebdomadis. One saprophyticLeptospira was found by the 16S PCR and sequencing. Viruses were not detected in samples tested. Findings suggest that the epidemiological importance of such pathogens in this GHLT population is either low or nonexistent. These data are important to understand the local disease ecology, as well as monitoring a translocation project, and to contribute data for species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila V Molina
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia (VPT), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Instituto Pri-Matas para a Conservação da Biodiversidade, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Heinemann
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Kierulff
- Instituto Pri-Matas para a Conservação da Biodiversidade, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), São Mateus, ES, Brazil
| | - Alcides Pissinatti
- Centro de Primatologia do Rio de Janeiro (CPRJ), Instituto Estadual do Ambiente (INEA), Guapimirim, RJ, Brazil.,Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos, Teresópolis, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tiago F da Silva
- Instituto Pri-Matas para a Conservação da Biodiversidade, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Danilo G de Freitas
- Instituto Pri-Matas para a Conservação da Biodiversidade, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gisele O de Souza
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno A Miotto
- Departamento de Clínica Médica (VCM), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Cortez
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Santo Amaro (UNISA), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Luisa Z Moreno
- Laboratório de Sanidade Suína, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José L Catão-Dias
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia (VPT), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina G Bueno
- Instituto Pri-Matas para a Conservação da Biodiversidade, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Presidência, Plataforma Institucional Biodiversidade e Saúde Silvestre, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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21
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Zhang H, Zhou Y, Liu J. Molecular features of hepatitis E virus from farmed rabbits in Shandong province, China. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2018.10225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
<p>This study was undertaken to investigate the genetic variability of hepatitis E virus (HEV) from farmed rabbits in Shandong province, China. A total of 50 fresh faecal samples from 5 rabbit farms were collected and subjected to reverse transcription and nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) for a fragment sequence of HEV capsid gene. The results demonstrated that HEV RNA was observed in 6 faecal samples (6/50, 12.0%). In addition, the result of phylogenetic analysis showed that the 6 HEV isolates were classified into HEV-3 genotype with other rabbit HEV isolates from other countries, and shared 85.2-87.2%, 81.5-83.1%, and 77.0-78.6% nucleotide similarities with rabbit HEV isolates from Korea, the United States and France, respectively. To sum up, the HEV isolated in this study from farmed rabbits belongs to the HEV-3 genotype, and the zoonotic ability and pathogenesis of the rabbit HEV merit further study due to the fact that HEV-3 genotype has the potential to trigger zoonotic infections.</p>
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Zhang L, Huang S, Li K, Rehman MU, Jiang X, Tong X, Zhang H, Iqbal MK, Mehmood K, Liu S, Shen Y, Li J. Molecular Detection of Indigenous Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) from Tibetan Pigs in Tibet, China. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:373-377. [PMID: 30051235 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-9352-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an important public health concern throughout the world. Many molecular and serological surveys have reported the prevalence and genotypic characteristics of HEV in humans and animals worldwide. However, the genotypic characterization of this virus is very limited in Tibetan pigs. Hence, we aimed to explore the genotype of HEV, prevailing among Tibetan pigs in China. For this purpose, 253 bile samples of Tibetan pigs (free-range animals) were collected from different slaughterhouses during 2017-2018 and subsequently tested for HEV RNA by RT-nPCR. A total of 11 out of 253 (4.35%) samples tested were positive for HEV RNA. Based on the sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, all the isolated HEV strains belonged to genotype 4 and clustered into subtype 4b by sharing more than 84.8-95.2% identities with other reported strains. Our results concluded that HEV genotype 4 is prevailing among Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shucheng Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Mujeeb Ur Rehman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiong Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaole Tong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Kashif Iqbal
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Suozhu Liu
- Laboratory of Detection and Monitoring of Highland Animal Disease, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, 860000, Tibet, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoqin Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiakui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Detection and Monitoring of Highland Animal Disease, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, 860000, Tibet, People's Republic of China.
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Syed SF, Zhao Q, Umer M, Alagawany M, Ujjan IA, Soomro F, Bangulzai N, Baloch AH, Abd El-Hack M, Zhou EM, Arain MA. Past, present and future of hepatitis E virus infection: Zoonotic perspectives. Microb Pathog 2018; 119:103-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Liu L, Xiao D, Yu JH, Shen R, Wang M, Li Q. Clinical course of sporadic acute hepatitis E in a hepatitis B virus endemic region. Int J Infect Dis 2018; 70:107-114. [PMID: 29551632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In China, the epidemic pattern of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has changed from waterborne outbreaks to foodborne sporadic cases. However, the clinical course of sporadic acute hepatitis E (AHE) has not been well defined. METHODS Consecutive patients with AHE who were admitted to the Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province between January 2003 and December 2014 were evaluated and followed. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, results of laboratory tests, and outcomes were recorded. Risk factors for liver failure and death were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 680 patients with AHE were identified during the study period. The incidence was highest in February, March, and April, accounting for about 41% of the cases. The male to female ratio was 5.1:1 (574/106). The average age was 50.9±12.8years. The prevalence rates of prodromal fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice were 25.6%, 85.6%, 83.8%, and 92.8%, respectively. The median (range) serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, albumin, and platelet levels were 727 (8-6270) U/l, 300 (17-6226) U/l, 196.8 (8.0-1083) μmol/l, 33.0 (15.2-45.8) g/l, and 162 (10-589)×109/l, respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 18.5% (126/680) and of liver cirrhosis was 9.4% (64/680). Thirteen percent (89/680) of the cases progressed to liver failure, including 4.1% (28/680) with acute liver failure (ALF) and 9.0% (61/680) with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Among patients with HBsAg positivity or cirrhosis, 28.6% (36/126) and 36.0% (23/64), respectively, progressed to ACLF. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age >53years, prodromal fever, HBsAg positivity, cirrhosis, and thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150×109/l) were independently associated with the development of liver failure, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.5 (1.5-4.3), 1.9 (1.1-3.2), 3.7 (2.0-6.7), 2.1 (1.1-4.2), and 5.9 (3.3-10.4), respectively. The overall mortality was 5.6% (38/680), and the mortality rates in patients with and without underlying liver disease were 9.3% (22/237) and 3.6% (16/443), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that hepatic encephalopathy, bilirubin >500μmol/l, international normalized ratio (INR)>2, and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100×109/l) were independently associated with death, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 7.2 (2.4-21.8), 5.8 (1.9-17.2), 24.1 (7.9-73.3), and 10.8 (3.6-32.9), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In areas that are dual endemic for hepatitis B virus and HEV, the HEV vaccine for patients with obvious liver diseases is of significance. Thrombocytopenia is an important predictor of liver failure and mortality in sporadic AHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Division of Liver Diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Di Xiao
- Division of Liver Diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jin-Hong Yu
- Division of Liver Diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rui Shen
- Division of Liver Diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Division of Infectious Diseases, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Division of Liver Diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Nan Y, Wu C, Zhao Q, Sun Y, Zhang YJ, Zhou EM. Vaccine Development against Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: Open Questions and Remaining Challenges. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:266. [PMID: 29520257 PMCID: PMC5827553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a fecal-orally transmitted foodborne viral pathogen that causes acute hepatitis in humans and is responsible for hepatitis E outbreaks worldwide. Since the discovery of HEV as a zoonotic agent, this virus has been isolated from a variety of hosts with an ever-expanding host range. Recently, a subunit HEV vaccine developed for the prevention of human disease was approved in China, but is not yet available to the rest of the world. Meanwhile, notable progress and knowledge has been made and revealed in recent years to better understand HEV biology and infection, including discoveries of quasi-enveloped HEV virions and of a new function of the HEV-ORF3 product. However, the impact of these new findings on the development of a protective vaccine against zoonotic HEV infection requires further discussion. In this review, hallmark characteristics of HEV zoonosis, the history of HEV vaccine development, and recent discoveries in HEV virology are described. Moreover, special attention is focused on quasi-enveloped HEV virions and the potential role of the HEV-ORF3 product as antibody-neutralization target on the surface of quasi-enveloped HEV virions to provide new insights for the future development of improved vaccines against zoonotic HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yani Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yan-Jin Zhang
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
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Detection and Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus in Goats at Slaughterhouse in Tai'an Region, China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:3723650. [PMID: 29379797 PMCID: PMC5742876 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3723650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant pathogen of viral hepatitis and can be transmitted through fecal-oral route. Epidemiological data concerning HEV in goats, however, are relatively sparse to date. Here, the prevalence and characteristics of HEV isolated from goats at slaughterhouse were investigated in Tai'an region, China. Methods Anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood samples and HEV RNA in the liver samples were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. In addition, partial nucleotide sequences of open reading frame 2 (ORF-2) of HEV isolates were analyzed. Results Fifty goat blood samples (46.7%, 50/120) were masculine for anti-HEV IgG. HEV RNA was detected in 2 liver samples (4.0%, 2/50) and belonged to genotype 4 subtype 4 h, with high identity (91.2-93%) with cow HEV strains detected in the same province, China. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that goats may be an important reservoir for HEV and can become a major source of HEV infection in humans via food chain.
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27
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Wang L, Liu L, Wang L. An overview: Rabbit hepatitis E virus (HEV) and rabbit providing an animal model for HEV study. Rev Med Virol 2017; 28. [PMID: 29148605 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus and the causative agent of hepatitis E. The virus belongs to genus Orthohepevirus in the family Hepeviridae, which contains 4 major genotypes closely relating to humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 only infect humans whereas genotypes 3 and 4 HEV are harbored in a wide range of animal species worldwide and are zoonotic to humans. Recently, a novel animal strain of HEV has been isolated in farmed rabbits in China, and subsequently more strains were discovered in the rabbit populations in at least 7 other countries. Due to high sequence similarity to genotype 3 HEV, rabbit HEV (rHEV) has been assigned to genotype 3. Experimental study showed that rHEV could infect non-human primate and human, which pose a direct threat to human. Further pathogenesis studies showed laboratory rabbits infected with rHEV and genotype 4 HEV could present similar signs of acute and chronic hepatitis E along with extra-hepatic replication as observed in humans. High mortality and vertical transmission were reproduced in rHEV infected pregnant rabbits. Furthermore, rabbit model was also found suitable for evaluating HEV vaccine efficacy in order to manage zoonotic transmission. These data showed laboratory rabbits could serve as an alternative animal model for HEV study under the current circumstances that HEV propagation is limited in vitro. In general, this review aims at presenting comprehensive up-to-date information about rHEV strains and rabbit model for HEV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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28
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Spahr C, Knauf-Witzens T, Vahlenkamp T, Ulrich RG, Johne R. Hepatitis E virus and related viruses in wild, domestic and zoo animals: A review. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 65:11-29. [PMID: 28944602 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a human disease mainly characterized by acute liver illness, which is caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Large hepatitis E outbreaks have been described in developing countries; however, the disease is also increasingly recognized in industrialized countries. Mortality rates up to 25% have been described for pregnant women during outbreaks in developing countries. In addition, chronic disease courses could be observed in immunocompromised transplant patients. Whereas the HEV genotypes 1 and 2 are mainly confined to humans, genotypes 3 and 4 are also found in animals and can be zoonotically transmitted to humans. Domestic pig and wild boar represent the most important reservoirs for these genotypes. A distinct subtype of genotype 3 has been repeatedly detected in rabbits and a few human patients. Recently, HEV genotype 7 has been identified in dromedary camels and in an immunocompromised transplant patient. The reservoir animals get infected with HEV without showing any clinical symptoms. Besides these well-known animal reservoirs, HEV-specific antibodies and/or the genome of HEV or HEV-related viruses have also been detected in many other animal species, including primates, other mammals and birds. In particular, genotypes 3 and 4 infections are documented in many domestic, wildlife and zoo animal species. In most cases, the presence of HEV in these animals can be explained by spillover infections, but a risk of virus transmission through contact with humans cannot be excluded. This review gives a general overview on the transmission pathways of HEV to humans. It particularly focuses on reported serological and molecular evidence of infections in wild, domestic and zoo animals with HEV or HEV-related viruses. The role of these animals for transmission of HEV to humans and other animals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Spahr
- Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Gardens, Stuttgart, Germany.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - T Vahlenkamp
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - R G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - R Johne
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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Zhang Y, Gong W, Song WT, Fu H, Wang L, Li M, Wang L, Zhuang H. Different susceptibility and pathogenesis of rabbit genotype 3 hepatitis E virus (HEV-3) and human HEV-3 (JRC-HE3) in SPF rabbits. Vet Microbiol 2017; 207:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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30
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Ahn HS, Park BJ, Han SH, Kim YH, Kim DH, Kim BS, Lee JB, Park SY, Song CS, Lee SW, Choi IS. Prevalence and genetic features of rabbit hepatitis E virus in Korea. J Med Virol 2017; 89:1995-2002. [PMID: 28617964 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health concern worldwide. HEV strains have been isolated from several animal species, some of which induce zoonosis. Recently, the isolation of HEV from rabbits was reported. Here, the partial capsid gene (320 bp) of HEV was detected in rabbit feces via reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Rabbit HEV was found in two of six rabbit farms and 17 of 264 rabbit fecal samples (6.4%). A phylogenetic analysis of the partial capsid gene classified the 17 HEV isolates into the putative rabbit HEV clade. A full genomic sequence, KOR-Rb-1, was obtained from one rabbit HEV isolate by 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends-PCR and RT-PCR, and comprised 7275 bp excluding the 3' poly(A) tail. It shared 77.5-86.8%, 86.6%, and 80.2-84.3% nucleotide identities with rabbit HEV isolates from China, the US, and France, respectively. It also shared 72.3-73.0%, 71.4%, 76.7-78.3%, 72.8-73.3%, and 47.1-47.2% nucleotide identities with representative strains of HEV-1, HEV-2, HEV-3, HEV-4, and avian HEV, respectively. A full-genome phylogenetic analysis classified KOR-Rb-1 into the provisional rabbit HEV clade. This isolate could be used to study the pathogenesis and zoonotic potential of rabbit HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Seop Ahn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Hwi Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo-Sook Kim
- Animal Planning Division, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, Gyenggi, Korea
| | - Joong-Bok Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Yong Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Soo Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Huang F, Li Y, Yu W, Jing S, Wang J, Long F, He Z, Yang C, Bi Y, Cao W, Liu C, Hua X, Pan Q. Excretion of infectious hepatitis E virus into milk in cows imposes high risks of zoonosis. Hepatology 2016; 64:350-9. [PMID: 27286751 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents the main cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. HEV infection in immunocompromised patients involves a high risk for the development of chronic hepatitis. Because HEV is recognized as a zoonotic pathogen, it is currently believed that swine is the primary reservoir. However, this is not sufficient to justify the strikingly high seroprevalence of HEV in both developing and Western countries. Thus, this study aimed to identify new zoonotic sources that bear a high risk of transmission to humans. We collected fecal, blood, and milk samples of cows in a typical rural region of Yunnan Province in southwest China, where mixed farming of domestic animals is a common practice. HEV RNA was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the whole genome was sequenced. HEV infectivity was assessed in rhesus macaques. We found a high prevalence of active HEV infection in cows as determined by viral RNA positivity in fecal samples. Surprisingly, we discovered that HEV is excreted into milk that is produced by infected cows. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all HEV isolates from cow/milk belong to genotype 4 and subtype 4h. Gavage with HEV-contaminated raw and even pasteurized milk resulted in active infection in rhesus macaques. Importantly, a short period of boiling, but not pasteurization, could completely inactivate HEV. CONCLUSION Infectious HEV-contaminated cow milk is recognized as a new zoonotic source that bears a high risk of transmission to humans; these results call attention to understanding and establishing proper measurement and control of HEV zoonotic transmission, particularly in the setting of mixed farming of domestic animals. (Hepatology 2016;64:350-359).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Huang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wenhai Yu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
| | - Shenrong Jing
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Jue Wang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Feiyan Long
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Zhanlong He
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
| | - Chenchen Yang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yanhong Bi
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wentao Cao
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Chengbo Liu
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Xiuguo Hua
- Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR, China
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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A Novel Blocking ELISA for Detection of Antibodies against Hepatitis E Virus in Domestic Pigs. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152639. [PMID: 27023902 PMCID: PMC4811412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects both humans and animals, with an overall human mortality rate generally less than 1%, but as high as 20% among pregnant women. HEV strains fall into 4 major genotypes. Zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 associate with sporadic human and animal HEV cases in many industrialized countries. To date, collective evidence implicates pigs as the main HEV reservoir, justifying the importance of monitoring HEV infection rates in pig herds to prevent human illness. Due to the lack of a robust in vitro cell culture system for viral propagation, no “gold standard” assay has yet been developed to detect HEV infection in domestic pigs. 1E4, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for the C-terminal 268 amino acids of HEV genotype 4 ORF2 capsid protein (sORF2-C), was generated and conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for use in a blocking ELISA (bELISA). Optimal sORF2-C coating antigen concentration (8 μg/ml), HRP-1E4 dilution (1:1000), and test pig serum dilution (1:20) were determined using a checkerboard titration test. A cut-off value of 16.9% was chosen to differentiate between positive vs. negative sera after mean percent inhibition (PI) testing of 230 negative pig sera. Compared with the indirect ELISA (iELISA), western blot, and a commercial ELISA kit for detecting anti-HEV antibodies in human sera, the bELISA showed no statistical differences and statistically high coincidence of 93.23%, 92%, and 95% with the other tests, respectively. A blocking ELISA (bELISA) for detecting anti-HEV antibodies in pig serum samples was developed with high sensitivity and high specificity comparable to that of the indirect ELISA. The bELISA results exhibited high agreement with iELISA, western blot, and a commercial ELISA kit designed to detect human anti-HEV antibodies. Therefore, bELISA should serve as an ideal method for large-scale serological investigation of anti-HEV antibodies in domestic pigs.
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Pankovics P, Boros Á, Bíró H, Horváth KB, Phan TG, Delwart E, Reuter G. Novel picornavirus in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus var. domestica). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 37:117-22. [PMID: 26588888 PMCID: PMC7172602 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Picornaviruses (family Picornaviridae) are small, non-enveloped viruses with positive sense, single-stranded RNA genomes. The numbers of the novel picornavirus species and genera are continuously increasing. Picornaviruses infect numerous vertebrate species from fish to mammals, but have not been identified in a member of the Lagomorpha order (pikas, hares and rabbits). In this study, a novel picornavirus was identified in 16 (28.6%) out of 56 faecal samples collected from clinically healthy rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus var. domestica) in two (one commercial and one family farms) of four rabbit farms in Hungary. The 8364 nucleotide (2486 amino acid) long complete genome sequence of strain Rabbit01/2013/HUN (KT325852) has typical picornavirus genome organization with type-V IRES at the 5'UTR, encodes a leader (L) and a single 2A(H-box/NC) proteins, contains a hepatitis-A-virus-like cis-acting replication element (CRE) in the 2A, but it does not contain the sequence forming a "barbell-like" secondary structure in the 3'UTR. Rabbit01/2013/HUN has 52.9%, 52% and 57.2% amino acid identity to corresponding proteins of species Aichivirus A (genus Kobuvirus): to murine Kobuvirus (JF755427) in P1, to canine Kobuvirus (JN387133) in P2 and to feline Kobuvirus (KF831027) in P3, respectively. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that Rabbit01/2013/HUN represents a novel picornavirus species possibly in genus Kobuvirus. This is the first report of detection of picornavirus in rabbit. Further study is needed to clarify whether this novel picornavirus plays a part in any diseases in domestic or wild rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Pankovics
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Boros
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Katalin Barbara Horváth
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tung Gia Phan
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Delwart
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gábor Reuter
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary.
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