1
|
Gutiérrez SE, Arce LP, Bence AR, Matias Brancher J, Rivero M, Moran C, Vizoso-Pinto MG, Estein SM. Unraveling swine hepatitis E in the central region of Argentina through ELISA development and epidemiological insights. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 103:102082. [PMID: 37918283 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102082] [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] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health concern globally, causing acute viral hepatitis in humans. Genotype-3 HEV (HEV-3), the most frequently genotype detected in South America, is zoonotic and the main reservoirs are the domestic pig and wild boar. Circulation of HEV-3 in Argentina has been confirmed in humans as well as in pig herds, wild boar and environmental waters. However, data are scarce mainly due to the inaccessibility of serological assays in this country. In order to provide insights in the epidemiology of HEV in swine in Argentina, we developed an indirect ELISA based on the native recombinant protein ORF2 and conducted a serological survey to determine the prevalence of seropositive swine in small-scale pig farms in the central region of Argentina. The method was evaluated in a panel of 157 serum samples, resulting in relative sensitivity of 98.6 % (95 % CI 95 %-100 %) and relative specificity of 97.7 % (95 % CI 94 %-100 %) compared to a commercial test. An almost perfect agreement was obtained between the two tests (Kappa index of 0.961). A survey on 294 samples from 49 small-scale farms resulted in a seropositivity rate of 54 %. Seropositive animals were found in 34 out of 49 (69.4 %) farms. Most of the farms (70.6 %) had over 50 % of seropositive animals. The wide spreading of HEV in the swine population of Tandil, Argentina, underscore the need to better understand the epidemiology of HEV in the region, enabling the implementation of targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of this virus on public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvina Elena Gutiérrez
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, Tandil 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lorena Paola Arce
- Laboratorio de Biología de las Infecciones. INSIBIO (CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán), San Miguel de Tucumán 4000, Argentina
| | - Angel Ricardo Bence
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, Tandil 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Matias Brancher
- Laboratorio de Biología de las Infecciones. INSIBIO (CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán), San Miguel de Tucumán 4000, Argentina
| | - Mariana Rivero
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, Tandil 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celeste Moran
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, Tandil 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Guadalupe Vizoso-Pinto
- Laboratorio de Biología de las Infecciones. INSIBIO (CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán), San Miguel de Tucumán 4000, Argentina; Laboratorio Central de Ciencias Básicas, Or. Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán 4000, Argentina.
| | - Silvia Marcela Estein
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Pinto 399, Tandil 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pires H, Cardoso L, Lopes AP, Fontes MDC, Santos-Silva S, Matos M, Pintado C, Figueira L, Matos AC, Mesquita JR, Coelho AC. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boar and Red Deer in Portugal. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2576. [PMID: 37894234 PMCID: PMC10609178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102576] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic foodborne virus with an annual infection prevalence of 20 million human cases, which seriously affects public health and economic development in both developed and developing countries. To better understand the epidemiology of HEV in Central Portugal, a cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2023 with sera samples from wild ungulates. The seroprevalence and risk factors for HEV seropositivity were evaluated in the present study. Specifically, antibodies against HEV were determined by a commercial enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Our results show that in the 650 sera samples collected from 298 wild red deer and 352 wild boars in Portugal, 9.1% red deer and 1.7% wild boar were positive for antibodies to HEV. Regarding age, the seropositivity in juvenile wild ungulates was 1.3%, whereas it was 7.2% in adults. Logistic regression models investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds of being seropositive was 3.6 times higher in adults than in juveniles, and the risk was 4.2 times higher in red deer than in wild boar. Both wild ungulate species were exposed to HEV. The higher seroprevalence in red deer suggests that this species may make a major contribution to the ecology of HEV in Central Portugal. Further research is needed to understand how wildlife affects the epidemiology of HEV infections in Portugal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Pires
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (H.P.); (C.P.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria da Conceição Fontes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Manuela Matos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Cristina Pintado
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (H.P.); (C.P.); (A.C.M.)
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-RURAL), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Luís Figueira
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-RURAL), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Matos
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (H.P.); (C.P.); (A.C.M.)
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-RURAL), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - João Rodrigo Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (J.R.M.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zahmanova G, Takova K, Tonova V, Koynarski T, Lukov LL, Minkov I, Pishmisheva M, Kotsev S, Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Andonov AP. The Re-Emergence of Hepatitis E Virus in Europe and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2023; 15:1558. [PMID: 37515244 PMCID: PMC10383931 DOI: 10.3390/v15071558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis. Transmission of HEV mainly occurs via the fecal-oral route (ingesting contaminated water or food) or by contact with infected animals and their raw meat products. Some animals, such as pigs, wild boars, sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, rats, etc., are natural reservoirs of HEV, which places people in close contact with them at increased risk of HEV disease. Although hepatitis E is a self-limiting infection, it could also lead to severe illness, particularly among pregnant women, or chronic infection in immunocompromised people. A growing number of studies point out that HEV can be classified as a re-emerging virus in developed countries. Preventative efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of acute and chronic hepatitis E in non-endemic and endemic countries. There is a recombinant HEV vaccine, but it is approved for use and commercially available only in China and Pakistan. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the necessity of applying a preventive vaccine and to create conditions for reducing the spread of HEV. This review emphasizes the hepatitis E virus and its importance for public health in Europe, the methods of virus transmission and treatment, and summarizes the latest studies on HEV vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Valeria Tonova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetoslav Koynarski
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Laura L Lukov
- Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Pishmisheva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Stanislav Kotsev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anton P Andonov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Bangieva D, Khezzani B, Kundurzhiev T, Valeva B, Pepovich R. Serological Searching for Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Pig Liver Transudate from Bulgaria: An Alternative Method for Seroepidemiological Survey. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:596-599. [PMID: 36322875 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of this research was to perform a seroepidemiological survey of hepatitis E virus (HEV) by an alternative method-serological establishment of the virus from pig liver transudate. This is the first such research in Bulgaria. Moreover, no studies have been conducted on HEV in pig liver in our country. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 liver samples from healthy pigs were collected from slaughterhouses in three parts of the country (Sofia, Lovech, and Stara Zagora districts). An equal number of samples (n = 30) were obtained from each district. Results: The overall HEV seropositivity was 67.7% of all 90 tested pig liver transudate samples; in Sofia district 20.0%, in Lovech district 90.0%, and in Stara Zagora district 93.3%. Conclusion: These data are similar to our previous serological studies for HEV in serum samples from industrial pigs, wild boars, and East Balkan swine. In this regard, testing the liver transudate could be a fine alternative method for seroepidemiological survey on HEV in swine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Desislava Bangieva
- Department of Food Quality and Safety and Veterinary Legislation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Bachir Khezzani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of El Oued, El Oued, Algeria.,Laboratory of Biology, Environment and Health (LBEH), Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of El Oued, El Oued, Algeria
| | - Todor Kundurzhiev
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Betina Valeva
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Roman Pepovich
- Department of Infectious Pathology, Hygiene, Technology and Control of Foods from Animal Origin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kinast V, Klöhn M, Nocke MK, Todt D, Steinmann E. Hepatitis E virus species barriers: seeking viral and host determinants. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 56:101274. [PMID: 36283248 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The intimate relationship between virus and host cell can result in highly adapted viruses that are restricted to a single host. However, some viruses have the ability to infect multiple host species. Remarkably, hepatitis E viruses (HEV) comprise genotypes that are either 'single-host' or 'multi-host' genotypes, a trait that raises fundamental questions: Why do different genotypes differ in their host range, despite a high degree of genomic similarity? What are the underlying molecular determinants that shape species barriers? Here, we review the current knowledge of viral and host determinants that may affect the evolutionary trajectories of HEV. We also provide a perspective on techniques and methods that address open questions of HEV host range and adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volker Kinast
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Maximilian K Nocke
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Current Knowledge of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Epidemiology in Ruminants. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101124. [PMID: 36297181 PMCID: PMC9609093 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection represents an emerging public health concern worldwide. In industrialized countries, increasing numbers of autochthonous cases of human HEV infection are caused by zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly through the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked meat of infected pigs and wild boars, which are considered the main reservoirs of HEV. However, in the last few years, accumulating evidence seems to indicate that several other animals, including different ruminant species, may harbor HEV. Understanding the impact of HEV infection in ruminants and identifying the risk factors affecting transmission among animals and to humans is critical in order to determine their role in the epidemiological cycle of HEV. In this review, we provide a summary of current knowledge on HEV ecology in ruminants. A growing body of evidence has revealed that these animal species may be potential important hosts of HEV, raising concerns about the possible implications for public health.
Collapse
|
7
|
Boxman ILA, Verhoef L, Dop PY, Vennema H, Dirks RAM, Opsteegh M. High prevalence of acute hepatitis E virus infection in pigs in Dutch slaughterhouses. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 379:109830. [PMID: 35908493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV), one of the causes of acute viral hepatitis. Domestic pigs are considered as the main reservoir of HEV-3. The recently reported high prevalence of HEV in liver- and meat products on the Dutch market warranted a cross-sectional prevalence study on HEV infection among 5-6 months old pigs slaughtered in the Netherlands (n = 250). For this, liver, caecum content and blood samples were analyzed for the presence of genomic HEV RNA by RT-PCR. In addition, a serological test was performed to detect HEV IgG. Background information was retrieved on the corresponding farms to evaluate potential risk factors for HEV at pig slaughter age. HEV IgG was detected in sera from 167 pigs (67.6 %). HEV RNA was detected in 64 (25.6 %) caecum content samples, in 40 (16.1 %) serum samples and in 25 (11.0 %) liver samples. The average level of viral contamination in positive samples was log10 4.6 genome copies (gc)/g (range 3.0-8.2) in caecum content, log10 3.3 gc/ml (range 2.4-5.9) in serum and log10 3.2 gc/0.1 g (range 1.7-6.2) in liver samples. Sequence analyses revealed HEV-3c only. Ten times an identical strain was detected in two or three samples obtained from the same pig. Each animal in this study however appeared to be infected with a unique strain. The presence of sows and gilts and welfare rating at the farm of origin had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the distribution over the four groups representing different stages of HEV infection based on IgG or RNA in caecum and/or serum. The observed proportion of tested pigs with viremia (16 %) was higher than in other reported studies and was interestingly often observed in combination with a high number of HEV genome copies in liver and caecum content as detected by RT-qPCR. Data provided will be useful for risk assessment for food safety of pork products, will provide baseline data for future monitoring of HEV infections in pigs and new thoughts for mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg L A Boxman
- WFSR, Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University and Research, Mailbox 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Linda Verhoef
- NVWA, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Petra Y Dop
- NVWA, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Harry Vennema
- RIVM, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - René A M Dirks
- WFSR, Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University and Research, Mailbox 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- RIVM, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fonti N, Pacini MI, Forzan M, Parisi F, Periccioli M, Mazzei M, Poli A. Molecular and Pathological Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) and Fallow Deer (Dama dama) in Central Italy. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030100. [PMID: 35324829 PMCID: PMC8950858 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common causative agent of acute hepatitis in the world, with a serious public health burden in both developing and industrialized countries. Cervids, along with wild boars and lagomorphs, are the main wild hosts of HEV in Europe and constitute a documented source of infection for humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HEV in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) living in Tuscany, Central Italy. Liver samples from 48 roe deer and 60 fallow deer were collected from carcasses during the hunting seasons. Following the results obtained from molecular and histopathologic studies, 5/48 (10.4%) roe deer and 1/60 (1.7%) fallow deer liver samples were positive for the presence of HEV RNA. All PCR-positive livers were also IHC-positive for viral antigen presence, associated with degenerative and inflammatory lesions with predominantly CD3+ cellular infiltrates. This study represents the first identification in Italy of HEV RNA in roe and fallow deer and the first study in literature describing liver alterations associated with HEV infection in cervids. These results demonstrate that HEV is present in wild cervid populations in Italy and confirm the potential zoonotic role of these species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Fonti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Irene Pacini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Mario Forzan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Parisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcello Periccioli
- Unità Funzionale di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare Zona Distretto Grossetana, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, Amiata Grossetana e Colline Metallifere, Viale Cimabue, 109-58100 Grosseto, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Mazzei
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Identification of hepatitis E virus in wild sika deer in Japan. Virus Res 2022; 308:198645. [PMID: 34822952 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic agent mainly transmitted through the consumption of uncooked or undercooked meat products derived from infected animals. In Japan, domestic pigs and wild boars are the major animal reservoirs, and whether or not deer are an HEV reservoir remains controversial. We analyzed 395 serum and 199 liver samples from 405 sika deer (Cervus nippon) caught in the wild between 1997 and 2020 in 11 prefectures of Japan for markers of HEV infection. Overall, 17 deer had anti-HEV IgG (4.3%), while 1 (0.2%) had HEV RNA (genotype 3b), indicating the occurrence of ongoing HEV infection in wild deer in Japan. An analysis of the complete HEV genome (deJOI_14) recovered from a viremic deer in Oita Prefecture revealed only 88.8% identity with the first HEV strain in sika deer (JDEER-Hyo03L) in Japan, being closest (96.3%) to the HEV obtained from a hepatitis patient living in the same prefecture. Of note, the deJOI_14 strain was 8.7-9.0% different from the wild boar HEV strains obtained in the same habitat and the same year, suggesting that difference in infected HEV strains between boar and deer may be explained by the limited possibility of close contact with each other, although boars are a known source of HEV infection. Increased numbers of hepatitis E cases after consumption of raw or undercooked meat products of wild deer have been reported in Japan. These results suggest a low but nonnegligible zoonotic risk of HEV infection in wild deer in this country.
Collapse
|
10
|
MENDOZA MV, YONEMITSU K, ISHIJIMA K, KURODA Y, TATEMOTO K, INOUE Y, SHIMODA H, KUWATA R, TAKANO A, SUZUKI K, MAEDA K. Nationwide survey of hepatitis E virus infection among wildlife in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:992-1000. [PMID: 35675975 PMCID: PMC9353082 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In Japan, hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis in humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, including game meat. In the present study, nationwide surveillance of HEV
infection among a total of 5,557 wild animals, including 15 species, was conducted in Japan. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in wild boar was 12.4%, with higher positive rates in big
boars (over 50 kg, 18.4%) than in small individuals (less than 30 kg, 5.3%). Furthermore, HEV RNA was more frequently detected in piglets than in older boars. Interestingly, the detection of
HEV among wildlife by ELISA and RT-PCR suggested that HEV infection in Sika deer was a very rare event, and that there was no HEV infection among wild animals except for wild boar, Sika deer
and Japanese monkeys. In conclusion, wild boar, especially piglets, are at high risk of HEV infection, while other wild animals showed less risk or no risk of HEV transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenzo YONEMITSU
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Keita ISHIJIMA
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Yudai KURODA
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Kango TATEMOTO
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
| | - Yusuke INOUE
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
| | | | - Ryusei KUWATA
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science
| | - Ai TAKANO
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
| | | | - Ken MAEDA
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fanelli A, Tizzani P, Buonavoglia D. A systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in wild boars. Res Vet Sci 2021; 142:54-69. [PMID: 34864434 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis summarize the available information on Hepatitis E virus (HEV) -specific antibody seroprevalence and HEV RNA prevalence in wild boar, one of the most abundant game species worldwide. A literature search (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus) was performed to find relevant peer-reviewed works published during the period 1990-2020. A random-effect model was carried out to calculate the pooled HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence and HEV RNA prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, and I2 statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the data. Values by subgroups were compared according to the geographical area, age class (≤ 12 months old and > 12 months old), and sample type (bile, faeces, liver, meat/muscle, serum). Sixty-nine publications were selected, with the majority of the studies from Southern Europe (n = 27). The pooled HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence in wild boar was 28% (CI95% 23-34) and the HEV RNA prevalence 8% (CI95% 6-10). The analysis highlighted a significant heterogeneity among the estimates from the included studies (I2 = 98% and I2 = 95% for HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence and viral prevalence respectively). The moderator analysis indicated a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.03) for the HEV RNA prevalence according to the sample type, with the highest value in bile (17%, CI95% 9-27), followed by liver (10%, CI95% 7-14), serum (7%, CI95% 4-10), faeces (5%, CI95% 2-9), and meat/muscle (3%, CI95% 0.04-10). Finally, the HEV RNA prevalence in Europe (8.7, CI95% 6.7-11) was significantly (p-value = 0.04) higher than in Asia (4, CI95% 0.6-8). The analysis highlights the important role of wild boar in the epidemiology of HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Paolo Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Semi-Domesticated Eurasian Tundra Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Norway. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121542. [PMID: 34959497 PMCID: PMC8709481 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of viral hepatitis in humans. In developing countries, HEV-infections seem to be mainly associated with pigs, but other animal species may be involved in viral transmission. Recently, anti-HEV antibodies were detected in Norwegian wild reindeer. Here, we investigated anti-HEV seroprevalence in Norwegian semi-domesticated reindeer, animals in closer contact with humans than their wild counterparts. Blood samples (n = 516) were obtained from eight reindeer herds during the period 2013–2017 and analysed with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay designed for detecting anti-HEV antibodies in livestock. Antibodies were found in all herds and for all sampling seasons. The overall seroprevalence was 15.7% (81/516), with adults showing a slightly higher seroprevalence (18.0%, 46/256) than calves (13.5%, 35/260, p = 0.11). The seroprevalence was not influenced by gender or latitude, and there was no temporal trend (p > 0.15). A positive association between the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and antibodies against alphaherpesvirus and pestivirus, detected in a previous screening, was found (p < 0.05). We conclude that Norwegian semi-domesticated reindeer are exposed to HEV or an antigenically similar virus. Whether the virus is affecting reindeer health or infects humans and poses a threat for human health remains unknown and warrants further investigations.
Collapse
|
13
|
Crotta M, Pellicioli L, Gaffuri A, Trogu T, Formenti N, Tranquillo V, Luzzago C, Ferrari N, Lanfranchi P. Analysis of seroprevalence data on Hepatitis E virus and Toxoplasma gondii in wild ungulates for the assessment of human exposure to zoonotic meat-borne pathogens. Food Microbiol 2021; 101:103890. [PMID: 34579849 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Seroprevalence data for Toxoplasma gondii and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in wild boar (Sus scrofa), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), mouflon (Ovis aries/musimon) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) hunted/culled in northern Italy were used to fit seroprevalence distributions describing the exposure and co-exposure of the species to the two pathogens. The higher proportion of T. gondii and HEV seropositive animals was observed in wild boars with point estimate seroprevalence of 49% (N = 331) and 15% (N = 326) respectively. Data allowed comparisons by area (pre-Alpine Vs Alpine environment) for roe deer, red deer and mouflons. Contrasts between the distributions describing the uncertainty in seroprevalence suggest roe deer, red deer and mouflons have higher probability of being seropositive to T. gondii in pre-Alps. When considering HEV, few seropositive animals were detected and contrasts were symmetrically centred to zero for roe deer and red deer; mouflons shown higher probability of being seropositive in Alpine environment. HEV seropositive animals also included chamois (P = 5.1%, N = 97) in the Alpine districts, confirming circulation of HEV in remote areas. Evidence of HEV and T. gondii co-exposure was limited except for wild boars where it was observed in 30 samples representing 60% of the overall HEV-positive samples. Seroprevalence data of single infection and co-infection are extremely useful to investigate circulation of zoonotic pathogens in wild animals and estimate the foodborne risk of human exposure, however, these type of data do not directly translate into the presence/absence of the pathogen in seropositive and seronegative animals. At benefit of future development of quantitative risk assessments aiming at estimating the risk of human infection/co-infection via consumption of game meat, we developed and made available an online application that allows estimating the probability of the pathogen(s) being present as a function of seroprevalence data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Crotta
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, The Royal Veterinary College, UK
| | - Luca Pellicioli
- Dipartimento Veterinario e Sicurezza Degli Alimenti di Origine Animale, Agenzia Tutela Salute Bergamo, via Gallicciolli 4, 24121, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gaffuri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e Dell'emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Sezione diagnostica di Bergamo, 24125, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e Dell'emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Formenti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e Dell'emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vito Tranquillo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia e Dell'emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Sezione diagnostica di Bergamo, 24125, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Camilla Luzzago
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy; Coordinated Research Center ''EpiSoMI'', Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy; Coordinated Research Center ''EpiSoMI'', Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Lanfranchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Development and Optimization of an Enzyme Immunoassay to Detect Serum Antibodies against the Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs, Using Plant-Derived ORF2 Recombinant Protein. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9090991. [PMID: 34579228 PMCID: PMC8473109 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an emerging global disease, mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route in developing countries, and in a zoonotic manner in the developed world. Pigs and wild boar constitute the primary Hepatitis E virus (HEV) zoonotic reservoir. Consumption of undercooked animal meat or direct contact with infected animals is the most common source of HEV infection in European countries. The purpose of this study is to develop an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the detection of anti-hepatitis E virus IgG in pig serum, using plant-produced recombinant HEV-3 ORF2 as an antigenic coating protein, and also to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of this assay. A recombinant HEV-3 ORF2 110-610_6his capsid protein, transiently expressed by pEff vector in Nicotiana benthamiana plants was used to develop an in-house HEV EIA. The plant-derived HEV-3 ORF2 110-610_6his protein proved to be antigenically similar to the HEV ORF2 capsid protein and it can self-assemble into heterogeneous particulate structures. The optimal conditions for the in-house EIA (iEIA) were determined as follows: HEV-3 ORF2 110-610_6his antigen concentration (4 µg/mL), serum dilution (1:50), 3% BSA as a blocking agent, and secondary antibody dilution (1:20 000). The iEIA developed for this study showed a sensitivity of 97.1% (95% Cl: 89.9-99.65) and a specificity of 98.6% (95% Cl: 92.5-99.96) with a Youden index of 0.9571. A comparison between our iEIA and a commercial assay (PrioCHECK™ Porcine HEV Ab ELISA Kit, ThermoFisher Scientific, MA, USA) showed 97.8% agreement with a kappa index of 0.9399. The plant-based HEV-3 ORF2 iEIA assay was able to detect anti-HEV IgG in pig serum with a very good agreement compared to the commercially available kit.
Collapse
|
15
|
Genetic Diversity and Epidemiological Significance of Wild Boar HEV-3 Strains Circulating in Poland. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061176. [PMID: 34205456 PMCID: PMC8235543 DOI: 10.3390/v13061176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The wild boar is the most important reservoir of zoonotic HEV-3 strains among different wildlife species. The aim of the study was subtype identification of wild boar HEV-3 strains circulating in Poland. Wild boar liver was used in the study in the form of homogenates prepared from 57 samples positive for HEV in a real-time RT-PCR. These samples were collected from juvenile and adult wild boars hunted in the jurisdictions of different Regional Directorates of State Forests (RDSF) across Poland. Subtype identification of detected HEV strains was based on a phylogenetic analysis of the most conserved HEV ORF2 genome fragment. Out of 57 tested samples, consensus HEV ORF2 sequences of 348 bp were obtained for 45 strains. Nineteen strains were identified and belonged to the HEV gt 3a and 3i subtypes, whereas 26 were not assigned to any virus subtype. HEV gt 3i strains prevailed in the Polish wild boar population, 16 of such were identified, and they were significantly more often observed in the RDSF Katowice area (χ2 = 28.6, p = 0.027 (<0.05)) compared to other regions of the country. Circulation of 3a strains was limited only to the RDSF Gdańsk territory (χ2 = 48, p = 0.000 (<0.05)). The virus strains detected in the Polish population of wild boars representing previously identified HEV subtypes in wild boars, pigs, or humans in Europe are of epidemiological importance for public health.
Collapse
|
16
|
Long-Term Determinants of the Seroprevalence of the Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061805. [PMID: 34204315 PMCID: PMC8235029 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging multi-host pathogen whose main reservoir is suids, and the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans. This study evaluates the main long-term drivers of the exposure to HEV are in the wild boar population from Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain) during a 13-year period (2005–2018). For this purpose, we assay sera from 700 wild boar in which anti-HEV antibodies are widely distributed (46.7 ± 3.8%, 327 out of 700 sampled). The observed marked interannual fluctuations could be explained by the variations in the population control of the wild boar during the study period and its impact on abundance rates. Several factors operating in the medium and long-term (individual, environmental, populational and stochastic) and their interplay explained the exposure to HEV in wild boar. The preferential use of certain areas by wild boar together with its abundance and the meteorological conditions may be behind the level of exposure. Wild boar population control remains a challenge at the international level, and an increase of shared pathogen-related conflicts associated with this species is expected, as exemplified by HEV. Abstract The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen whose main reservoir is suids. Most of the ecological and epidemiological aspects of its sylvatic cycle remain unknown. Thus, in this work, we study the drivers of HEV exposure in the wild boar population of Doñana National Park (DNP, southwest Spain) operating in the medium and long-term (2005–2018). Anti-HEV antibodies are widely distributed throughout the wild boar (46.7 ± 3.8%, 327 out of 700 sampled), showing a statistically significant age-increasing pattern. The temporal pattern displayed important interannual fluctuations. This could be mediated by marked variations in the population control of the wild boar, and subsequent changes in abundance rates, and its interplay with climatic conditions; as wet years together with a low abundance of wild boar led to the lowest seroprevalence. The fact that seroprevalence is high during conditions of high abundance, and not affected by rainfall level, is probably due to the increased interactions among the animals, and possibly, the subsequent higher environmental contamination with HEV particles. The proximity to the marshland (the main water body of the study area) is associated with a higher risk of testing positive, which is probably mediated by the preferential use of this area during the dry season and the favourable environmental conditions for the survival of HEV particles. A deeper understanding of the epidemiology of HEV in host communities deserves future research concerning other susceptible species. Most importantly, wild boar population control remains a challenge at the international level, and an increase of shared pathogen-related conflicts associated with this species is expected, as exemplified by HEV. Therefore, surveillance of wild boar diseases, including integrated population monitoring and sustainable population control programmes, will be essential to control the associated risks.
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Marutsov P, Gospodinova K, Kundurzhiev T, Petrov V, Pepovich R. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Wild Boars in Western Bulgaria. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:441-445. [PMID: 33625897 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific evidence indicates that hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a zoonotic disease. Domestic pigs and wild boars are the main animal reservoir for HEV worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the seroprevalence of HEV infection among wild boars in western Bulgaria. Serum samples from 240 wild boars from two regions of the country (northwestern and southwestern) were tested for anti-HEV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. The overall HEV seroprevalence was 40.8% (98/240); northwestern region 40.0% (48/120); southwestern region 41.7% (50/120). HEV seropositivity in the southwestern region was higher than in the northwestern region: odds ratio = 1.071 (95% confidence interval: 0.640-1.793). This research provided the first seroprevalence study to HEV in wild boars from western Bulgaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Marutsov
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Krasimira Gospodinova
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Todor Kundurzhiev
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Vladimir Petrov
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Roman Pepovich
- Department of Infectious Pathology, Hygiene, Technology and Control of Foods from Animal Origin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Moose ( Alces alces), Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus), Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus), Roe Deer ( Capreolus capreolus), and Muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus) from Norway. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020224. [PMID: 33535675 PMCID: PMC7912786 DOI: 10.3390/v13020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of viral hepatitis worldwide, is considered an emerging foodborne zoonosis in Europe. Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) and wild boars (S. scrofa) are recognized as important HEV reservoirs. Additionally, HEV infection and exposure have been described in cervids. In Norway, HEV has been identified in pigs and humans; however, little is known regarding its presence in wild ungulates in the country. We used a species-independent double-antigen sandwich ELISA to detect antibodies against HEV in the sera of 715 wild ungulates from Norway, including 164 moose (Alces alces), 186 wild Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), 177 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 86 European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and 102 muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). The overall seroprevalence was 12.3% (88/715). Wild reindeer had the highest seropositivity (23.1%, 43/186), followed by moose (19.5%, 32/164), muskoxen (5.9%, 6/102), and red deer (4%, 7/177). All roe deer were negative. According to our results, HEV is circulating in wild ungulates in Norway. The high seroprevalence observed in wild reindeer and moose indicates that these species may be potential reservoirs of HEV. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of HEV exposure in reindeer from Europe and in muskoxen worldwide.
Collapse
|
20
|
Loikkanen E, Oristo S, Hämäläinen N, Jokelainen P, Kantala T, Sukura A, Maunula L. Antibodies Against Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in European Moose and White-Tailed Deer in Finland. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:333-341. [PMID: 32894411 PMCID: PMC7658061 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The main animal reservoirs of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) are domestic pigs and wild boars, but HEV also infects cervids. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of HEV in Finnish cervid species that are commonly hunted for human consumption. We investigated sera from 342 European moose (Alces alces), 70 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and 12 European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The samples had been collected from legally hunted animals from different districts of Finland during 2008-2009. We analysed the samples for total anti-HEV antibodies using a double-sandwich ELISA assay. Seropositive sera were analysed with RT-qPCR for HEV RNA. HEV seroprevalence was 9.1% (31/342) in moose and 1.4% (1/70) in white-tailed deer. None of the European roe deer were HEV seropositive (0/12). No HEV RNA was detected from samples of seropositive animals. HEV seropositive moose were detected in all districts. Statistically, HEV seroprevalence in moose was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the North-East area compared to the South-West area. The highest HEV seroprevalence (20.0%) in district level was more than six times higher than the lowest (3.1%). We demonstrated the presence of total anti-HEV antibodies in European moose and white-tailed deer in Finland. Our results suggest that HEV is circulating among the moose population. Infections may occur also in white-tailed deer. We were the first to report a HEV seropositive white-tailed deer from Europe. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the HEV genotypes in cervids in Finland and to evaluate the importance of the findings in relation to food safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emil Loikkanen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Satu Oristo
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Natalia Hämäläinen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuija Kantala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Virology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Sukura
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leena Maunula
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kozyra I, Jabłoński A, Bigoraj E, Rzeżutka A. Wild Boar as a Sylvatic Reservoir of Hepatitis E Virus in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Population Study. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101113. [PMID: 33008103 PMCID: PMC7600272 DOI: 10.3390/v12101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important wildlife species in the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are wild boars, which are also the main reservoir of the virus in a sylvatic environment. The aim of the study was a serological and molecular assessment of the prevalence of HEV infections in wild boars in Poland. In total, 470 pairs of samples (wild boar blood and livers) and 433 samples of faeces were tested. An ELISA (ID.vet, France) was used for serological analysis. For the detection of HEV RNA, real-time (RT)-qPCR was employed. The presence of specific anti-HEV IgG antibodies was found in 232 (49.4%; 95%CI: 44.7–54%) sera, with regional differences observed in the seroprevalence of infections. HEV RNA was detected in 57 (12.1%, 95%CI: 9.3–15.4%) livers and in 27 (6.2%, 95%CI: 4.1–8.9%) faecal samples, with the viral load ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 × 1011 G.C./g and 38 to 9.3 × 107 G.C./mL, respectively. A correlation between serological and molecular results of testing of wild boars infected with HEV was shown. HEV infections in wild boars appeared to be common in Poland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kozyra
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100 Puławy, Poland; (I.K.); (E.B.)
| | - Artur Jabłoński
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska Street 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ewelina Bigoraj
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100 Puławy, Poland; (I.K.); (E.B.)
| | - Artur Rzeżutka
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100 Puławy, Poland; (I.K.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48–081-889–3036
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Takova K, Koynarski T, Minkov I, Ivanova Z, Toneva V, Zahmanova G. Increasing Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence in Domestic Pigs and Wild Boar in Bulgaria. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091521. [PMID: 32872096 PMCID: PMC7552291 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a lesser-known hepatitis virus, but its worldwide spread is undisputed and has increased in recent years. The zoonotic spread of HEV, mainly due to genotype (gt) 3, emerged in developed countries in the past decade. In addition, transmission via contaminated meat from pigs and boars was also established. Detailed analysis of viral dynamics and distribution is needed in order to identify associated risk factors. The aim of the current study is to present new and additional data on the HEV distribution among pigs, and for the first-time, also among the wild boar population in Bulgaria. Abstract (1) Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a causative agent of acute viral hepatitis, predominantly transmitted by the fecal–oral route. In developed countries, HEV is considered to be an emerging pathogen since the number of autochthonous cases is rising. Hepatitis E is a viral disease with a proven zoonotic potential for some of its genotypes. The main viral reservoirs are domestic pigs and wild boar. Consumption of undercooked meat, as well as occupational exposure, are key factors for the spread of HEV. In order to evaluate the risks of future viral evolution, a detailed examination of the ecology and distribution of the virus is needed. The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG Ab in domestic pigs and wild boar in Bulgaria; (2) Methods: In this study, during the period of three years between 2017 and 2019, 433 serum samples from 19 different pig farms and 1 slaughterhouse were collected and analyzed. In addition, 32 samples from wild boar were also collected and analyzed during the 2018–2019 hunting season. All samples were analyzed by commercial indirect ELISA; (3) Results: Overall, HEV seroprevalence was 60% (95% CI 42.7–77.1) in domestic pigs and 12.5% (4/32) in wild boar. The observed seroprevalence of the slaughter-aged pigs was 73.65% (95% Cl 58.7–87.3). Prevalence in domestic pigs was significantly higher in the samples collected during 2019 (98% (95% Cl 96.1–99.9)) compared to those collected during 2017 (45.33% (95% CI 2.7–87.3)) and 2018 (38.46% (95% CI 29.1–49.7.); (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that domesticated pigs and wild boar might be the reason for the increased HEV transmission across Bulgaria. The genotypic characterization of HEV found in pigs, wild boar and humans will give a more accurate view of the zoonotic transmission of this virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (V.T.)
| | - Tsvetoslav Koynarski
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.M.); (Z.I.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zdravka Ivanova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.M.); (Z.I.)
| | - Valentina Toneva
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (V.T.)
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.M.); (Z.I.)
| | - Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (V.T.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-32-261529
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Prevalence and genotype/subtype distribution of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among wild boars in Japan: Identification of a genotype 5 HEV strain. Virus Res 2020; 287:198106. [PMID: 32777387 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To further investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and characterize HEV genomes among Japanese wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax), 1880 boars captured in 17 prefectures in Japan from 2013 to 2019 were studied. Overall, anti-HEV IgG was detected in 8.9 % and HEV RNA was detected in 3.9 % of boars, which was comparable with our previous studies during 2003-2013 (10.3 % and 3.5 %, respectively). Among 74 boar HEV strains obtained from infected boars in the present study, 50 (68 %) were classified into genotype 3 (3a and 3b), 23 (31 %) were classified into genotype 4 (4i), and the remaining strain (wbJGF_19-1) was classified into genotype 5. The wbGF_19-1 strain shared 92.7 % identity over the entire genome with the prototype genotype 5 strain (JBOAR135-Shiz09). The identification of the second genotype 5 HEV strain in a place that is located only 100 km from the site at which JBOAR135-Shiz09 was identified, suggests that genotype 5 HEV circulates within a relatively close range in Japan. Genetically similar HEV strains forming a clade were identified from wild boars living in each area during the observation period of 11-13 years, although the nucleotide sequence changed gradually, accounting for up to 3.4-3.6 % within the 412-nucleotide ORF2 sequence. Eight groups of boars with a cluster of HEV infections were observed, consisting of two, three or four infected offspring, presumably born to the same mother or offspring with their mother. These results suggest that wild boars continue to be important reservoirs for HEV infection in humans in Japan.
Collapse
|
24
|
Sooryanarain H, Meng XJ. Swine hepatitis E virus: Cross-species infection, pork safety and chronic infection. Virus Res 2020; 284:197985. [PMID: 32333941 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Swine hepatitis E virus (swine HEV) belongs to the species Orthohepevirus A within the genus Orthohepevirus in the family Hepeviridae. Four different genotypes of swine HEV within the species Orthohepevirus A have been identified so far from domesticated and wild swine population: genotypes 3 (HEV-3) and 4 (HEV-4) swine HEVs are zoonotic and infect humans, whereas HEV-5 and HEV-6 are only identified from swine. As a zoonotic agent, swine HEV is an emerging public health concern in many industrialized countries. Pigs are natural reservoir for HEV, consumption of raw or undercooked pork is an important route of foodborne HEV transmission. Occupational risks such as direct contact with infected pigs also increase the risk of HEV transmission in humans. Cross-species infection of HEV-3 and HEV-4 have been documented under experimental and natural conditions. Both swine HEV-3 and swine HEV-4 infect non-human primates, the surrogates of man. Swine HEV, predominantly HEV-3, can establish chronic infection in immunocompromised patients especially in solid organ transplant recipients. The zoonotic HEV-3, and to lesser extent HEV-4, have also been shown to cause neurological diseases and kidney injury. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology of swine HEV, host and viral determinants influencing cross-species HEV infection, zoonotic infection and its associated pork safety concern, as well as swine HEV-associated chronic infection and neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harini Sooryanarain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bonardi S, Filipello V, Pavoni E, Carta V, Bolzoni L, Corradi M, Gilioli S, Losio MN. Geographical restriction of Hepatitis E virus circulation in wild boars ( Sus scrofa) in Emilia-Romagna region, Northern Italy. Ital J Food Saf 2020; 9:8463. [PMID: 32300568 PMCID: PMC7154598 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2020.8463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a singlestrand RNA virus that causes an acute viral hepatitis in humans. Among its eight recognized genotypes, HEV-3 and HEV-4 are zoonotic, infecting humans, pigs and wild boars. Recently, HEV-3 has been also detected in red deer, which represents another reservoir of HEV. Consumption of raw pork products (mainly liver sausages), undercooked wild boar meat, raw wild boar liver and deer meat has been responsible for foodborne HEV human worldwide. From November 2018 to March 2019, liver samples collected from 97 wild boars hunted in Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy) were tested for HEV RNA. The hunting area included two territories for an extension of 33 km2, named A (about 13 km2,natural park, deciduous wood) and B (about 20 km2, cultivated fields in proximity of a river) areas. Distance between the two areas ranged between 8 to 10 km. A total of 73 wild boars were hunted in area A, and 24 in area B. HEV RNA was detected by Real-time RT- PCR in 23/73 liver samples of wild boars living in area A only (31.5% - 95% CI: 22.0-42.8%). The HEV sequences (n=13) clustered within genotype 3. The majority of positives belonged to animals < 12 months (12/25; 48%), followed by subadults (13-24 months) (7/16; 43.8%) and adults (4/32; 12.5%). This difference was found to be statistically significant (p=0.0024). In absence of pig farms, the restriction of HEV-positive animals to a well-defined territory of 13 km2 (Boschi di Carrega Regional Park) could hypothetically be related to the presence of red deer (Cervus elaphus), which lived in area A at the beginning of the hunting season. Further studies are needed to confirm or deny our hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bonardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Unit of Food Inspection, University of Parma
| | - Virginia Filipello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
| | - Enrico Pavoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
| | - Valentina Carta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
| | - Luca Bolzoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Parma
| | - Margherita Corradi
- Management Body for Parks and Biodiversity “Emilia Occidentale”, Sala Baganza, Italy
| | - Stefano Gilioli
- Management Body for Parks and Biodiversity “Emilia Occidentale”, Sala Baganza, Italy
| | - Marina Nadia Losio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liver Transudate, a Potential Alternative to Detect Anti-Hepatitis E Virus Antibodies in Pigs and Wild Boars ( Sus scrofa). Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8030450. [PMID: 32210090 PMCID: PMC7144013 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cases of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection have increased in Europe in association with the consumption of contaminated food, mainly from pork products but also from wild boars. The animal’s serum is usually tested for the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and viral RNA but, in many cases such as during hunting, an adequate serum sample cannot be obtained. In the present study, liver transudate was evaluated as an alternative matrix to serum for HEV detection. A total of 125 sera and liver transudates were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at different dilutions (1:2, 1:10, 1:20), while 58 samples of serum and liver transudate were checked for the presence of HEV RNA by RT-qPCR. Anti- HEV antibodies were detected by ELISA in 68.0% of the serum samples, and in 61.6% of the undiluted transudate, and in 70.4%, 56.8%, and 44.8% of 1:2, 1:10, or 1:20 diluted transudate, respectively. The best results were obtained for the liver transudate at 1:10 dilution, based on the Kappa statistic (0.630) and intraclass correlation coefficient (0.841). HEV RNA was detected by RT-qPCR in 22.4% of the serum samples and 6.9% of the transudate samples, all samples used for RT-qPCR were positive by ELISA. Our results indicate that liver transudate may be an alternative matrix to serum for the detection of anti-HEV antibodies.
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang H, Kjellberg I, Sikora P, Rydberg H, Lindh M, Bergstedt O, Norder H. Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 strains and a plethora of other viruses detected in raw and still in tap water. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 168:115141. [PMID: 31590036 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, next generation sequencing was used to explore the virome in 20L up to 10,000L water from different purification steps at two Swedish drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), and in tap water. One DWTP used ultrafiltration (UF) with 20 nm pores, the other UV light treatment after conventional treatment of the water. Viruses belonging to 26 different families were detected in raw water, in which 6-9 times more sequence reads were found for phages than for known environmental, plant or vertebrate viruses. The total number of viral reads was reduced more than 4-log10 after UF and 3-log10 over UV treatment. However, for some viruses the reduction was 3.5-log10 after UF, as for hepatitis E virus (HEV), which was also detected in tap water, with sequences similar to those in raw water and after treatment. This indicates that HEV had passed through the treatment and entered into the supply network. However, the viability of the viruses is unknown. In tap water 10-130 International Units of HEV RNA/mL were identified, which is a comparable low amount of virus. The risk of getting infected through consumption of tap water is probably negligible, but needs to be investigated. The HEV strains in the waters belonged to subtypes HEV3a and HEV3c/i, which is associated with unknown source of infection in humans infected in Sweden. None of these subtypes are common among pigs or wild boar, the major reservoirs for HEV, indicating that water may play a role in transmitting this virus. The results indicate that monitoring small fecal/oral transmitted viruses in DWTPs may be considered, especially during community outbreaks, to prevent potential transmission by tap water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Per Sikora
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Genomics Gothenburg, SciLife Labs, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Magnus Lindh
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olof Bergstedt
- Göteborgs Stad Kretslopp och vatten, Gothenburg, Sweden; City of Gothenburg and DRICKS Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Heléne Norder
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Choe S, Song S, Park GN, Shin J, Kim KS, Cha RM, Hyun BH, Park BK, An DJ. Detection of subtypes (3a, 4a and 4d) and high prevalence of hepatitis E virus in Korean wild boar. Vet Microbiol 2019; 240:108531. [PMID: 31902495 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is known to have 4 genotypes but only one serotype. Genotype 1 and 2 infect humans only and genotype 3 and 4 infect humans, pigs and other animal species. Pig and wild boar are also known as reservoirs of HEV infection. Of the 2736 wild boars captured from 2011 to 2016 to investigate the HEV prevalence among Korean wild boars, 1041 serum samples were high seropositive (38.1%; 95% CI: 35.5-40.5) for HEV, which were detected using the anti-HEV antibody ELISA and the highest prevalence rate was 40.6% (684/1683) in 2016. Twenty four HEV strains were also identified from 1859 wild boar bloods captured between 2015 and 2016. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the partial ORF2 gene revealed that the 23 Korean wild boar HEV strains belonged to genotype 4 (4a and 4d) showing the nucleotide sequences identities 83.4-100 %. The one Korean wild boar HEV strain belonged to genotype 3, segregated into subgenotype 3a. This suggested that major circulating in Korean wild boars is genotype 4a whereas genotype 3a and -4d is minor. It is important to the human public health that HEV with wild boar have potential high risk factor for transmission to human due to eating culture of Korean people with undercooked wild boar gallbladder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- SeEun Choe
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea
| | - Sok Song
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea
| | - Gyu-Nam Park
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea
| | - Jihye Shin
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea
| | - Ki-Sun Kim
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea
| | - Ra Mi Cha
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea
| | - Bang-Hun Hyun
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kyun Park
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Dong-Jun An
- Virus Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimchen, Gyeongbuk-do, 39660, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Low Serologic Prevalences Suggest Sporadic Infections of Hepatitis E Virus in Chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra) and Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus) in the Italian Alps. J Wildl Dis 2019. [PMID: 31658433 DOI: 10.7589/2019-02-036] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a worldwide public health concern, with an increase in human autochthonous cases in Europe. Although domestic pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa) are the main reservoirs of HEV, the constant expansion of wild ruminants increases the potential for HEV transmission. We investigated HEV infection in chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Italian Alps using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We detected HEV antibodies from 2013 to 2015 in both host species, with seroprevalences of 1.2% and 0.8% in chamois and red deer, respectively. All serum samples that were positive to HEV antibodies by ELISA were negative when tested by real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR to detect HEV RNA. The observed low seroprevalence of HEV suggested a sporadic circulation of HEV in the alpine environment, and it was consistent with the low seroprevalence observed in wild boar in the Alps. Our observations supported the role of chamois and red deer as spillover hosts of HEV infections in the Italian Alps.
Collapse
|
30
|
Caballero-Gómez J, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Lopez-Lopez P, Vicente J, Risalde MA, Cano-Terriza D, Frias M, Barasona JA, Rivero A, García-Bocanegra I, Rivero-Juarez A. Emergent subtype of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in wild boar in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1803-1808. [PMID: 31127865 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is considered as the main wildlife reservoir of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the circulation of HEV in free-ranging wild boar in the Doñana National Park (DNP), Spain. Blood samples were collected from 99 wild boar in the DNP during 2015. Sera were analysed in parallel using indirect ELISA and real-time RT-PCR. A total of 57 of the 99 tested animals (57.6%; 95%CI: 47.8%-67.3%) had anti-HEV antibodies, indicating that this virus is widespread in wild boar in the DNP. HEV RNA was detected in one animal and phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequence isolated belonged to subtype 3r. The results suggest a potential risk of zoonotic transmission of this novel HEV-3 subtype, which could be of public health concern. Further studies are required to assess the role of wild boar in the epidemiology of HEV-3r and to determine the infectivity of this emergent HEV subtype in other species, including humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Animal Health Department, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Unit and Clinical Virology and Zoonoses Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Saul Jiménez-Ruiz
- Animal Health Department, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.,Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute (IREC; CSIC-UCLM-JCCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Infectious Diseases Unit and Clinical Virology and Zoonoses Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Joaquin Vicente
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute (IREC; CSIC-UCLM-JCCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Maria A Risalde
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Mario Frias
- Infectious Diseases Unit and Clinical Virology and Zoonoses Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jose A Barasona
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute (IREC; CSIC-UCLM-JCCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,VISAVET Center and Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit and Clinical Virology and Zoonoses Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit and Clinical Virology and Zoonoses Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tulen AD, Vennema H, van Pelt W, Franz E, Hofhuis A. A case-control study into risk factors for acute hepatitis E in the Netherlands, 2015–2017. J Infect 2019; 78:373-381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
32
|
Wang H, Castillo-Contreras R, Saguti F, López-Olvera JR, Karlsson M, Mentaberre G, Lindh M, Serra-Cobo J, Norder H. Genetically similar hepatitis E virus strains infect both humans and wild boars in the Barcelona area, Spain, and Sweden. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:978-985. [PMID: 30597741 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a hepatotropic virus, endemic in Europe where it infects humans and animals, with domestic pigs and wild boars as main reservoirs. The number of HEV-infected cases with unknown source of infection increases in Europe. There are human HEV strains genetically similar to viruses from domestic pigs, and zoonotic transmission via consumption of uncooked pork meat has been shown. Due to continuous growth of the wild boar populations in Europe, another route may be through direct or indirect contacts with wild boars. In the Collserola Natural Park near Barcelona, Spain, the wild boars have spread into Barcelona city. In Sweden, they are entering into farmlands and villages. To investigate the prevalence of HEV and the risk for zoonotic transmissions, the presence of antibodies against HEV and HEV RNA were analysed in serum and faecal samples from 398 wild boars, 264 from Spain and 134 from Sweden and in sera from 48 Swedish patients with HEV infection without known source of infection. Anti-HEV was more commonly found in Spanish wild boars (59% vs. 8%; p < 0.0001) while HEV RNA had similar prevalence (20% in Spanish vs. 15% in Swedish wild boars). Seven Swedish and three Spanish wild boars were infected with subtype 3f, and nine Spanish with subtype 3c/i. There were three clades in the phylogenetic tree formed by strains from wild boars and domestic pigs; another four clades were formed by strains from humans and wild boars. One strain from a Spanish wild boar was similar to strains from chronically infected humans. The high prevalence of HEV infections among wild boars and the similarity between wild boar HEV strains and those from humans and domestic pigs indicate that zoonotic transmission from wild boar may be more common than previously anticipated, which may develop into public health concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Raquel Castillo-Contreras
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group and Servei d' Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Department de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fredy Saguti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jorge R López-Olvera
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group and Servei d' Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Department de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marie Karlsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gregorio Mentaberre
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group and Servei d' Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Department de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magnus Lindh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jordi Serra-Cobo
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Heléne Norder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhou JH, Shang Y, Cao XA, Wang YN, Liu Y, Hu Y, Lan X. Potential effects of hepatitis E virus infection in swine on public health in China. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 68:113-118. [PMID: 30562577 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a zoonotic pathogen, is the main cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Swine serves as the main reservoir, and its infection is mainly transmitted via fecal-oral route. Due to huge consumption of pork in China, close human-swine interactions at pig farms likely contribute to high risk in zoonotic transmission of HEV. Thus, we aim to investigate the HEV prevalence in pig farm in seven provinces across the east to west China and estimate the potential effects of swine HEV on public health in China. In this study, serum samples of pig were collected for detection of anti-HEV antibodies from the seven provinces. A high seroprevalence of 67.1% was found, and no clear difference was observed among these regions. However, the age and the breeding purpose (for meat supplier or breeding offspring) play significant roles in the risk of swine HEV infection. In addition, sequence comparison of various HEV genomes isolated in China displayed that swine HEV posed obvious threats to ruminant breeding and public health. The high level of seroprevalence of swine HEV strongly plays an important role in cross-species of HEV infection. Therefore, effective measures should be performed to prevent HEV infection from infected pigs to human and other ruminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Youjun Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Xiao-An Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Yi-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Yonghao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China.
| | - Xi Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dähnert L, Eiden M, Schlosser J, Fast C, Schröder C, Lange E, Gröner A, Schäfer W, Groschup MH. High sensitivity of domestic pigs to intravenous infection with HEV. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:381. [PMID: 30514313 PMCID: PMC6278151 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1713-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one major cause of acute clinical hepatitis among humans throughout the world. In industrialized countries an increasing number of autochthonous HEV infections have been identified over the last years triggered by food borne as well as – to a much lower degree – by human to human transmission via blood transfusion. Pigs have been recognised as main reservoir for HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3), and zoonotic transmission to humans through undercooked/raw meat is reported repeatedly. The minimal infectious dose of HEV-3 for pigs is so far unknown. Results The minimum infectious dose of HEV-3 in a pig infection model was determined by intravenous inoculation of pigs with a dilution series of a liver homogenate of a HEV infected wild boar. Seroconversion, virus replication and shedding were determined by analysis of blood and faeces samples, collected over a maximum period of 91 days. A dose dependent incubation period was observed in faecal shedding of viruses employing a specific and sensitive PCR method. Faecal viral shedding and seroconversion was detected in animals inoculated with dilutions of up to 10− 7. This correlates with an intravenously (i.v.) administered infectious dose of only 6.5 copies in 2 ml (corresponding to 24 IU HEV RNA/ml). Furthermore the first detectable shedding of HEV RNA in faeces is clearly dose dependent. Unexpectedly one group infected with a 10− 4 dilution exhibited prolonged virus shedding for more than 60 days suggesting a persistent infection. Conclusion The results indicate that pigs are highly susceptible to i.v. infection with HEV and that the swine model represents the most sensitive infectivity assay for HEV so far. Considering a minimum infectious dose of 24 IU RNA/ml our findings highlights the potential risk of HEV transmission via blood and blood products. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1713-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dähnert
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Josephine Schlosser
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Immunology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Charlotte Schröder
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elke Lange
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Albrecht Gröner
- PathoGuard Consult, Fasanenweg 6, 64342, Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany
| | - Wolfram Schäfer
- CSL Behring Biotherapies for Life™, P.O. Box 1230, 35002, Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
De Sabato L, Ostanello F, De Grossi L, Marcario A, Franzetti B, Monini M, Di Bartolo I. Molecular survey of HEV infection in wild boar population in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:1749-1756. [PMID: 30207081 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus causing an acute generally self-limited disease in humans. An increasing number of autochthonous cases linked to zoonotic transmission of HEV genotype 3 have been reported over the last 10 years in Europe. Pigs and wild boars are considered the main reservoirs. The principal route of transmission in Europe is food-borne, linked by direct or indirect evidence to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork products and wild boar meat. In this study, we sampled 92 wild boar (Sus scrofa) livers during active surveillance in five municipalities in Central Italy throughout the hunting season 2016-2017. HEV RNA was detected in 52.2% of liver sampled with prevalence ranging from 0.0% to 65.7%. HEV-positive wild boars were detected in all but one area of hunting. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strains clustered within the two subtypes HEV-3c and HEV-3f and displayed a wide range of phylogenetic diversity. Several strains were circulating in the areas investigated; animals possibly belonging to the same family group hunted by the same team were infected with a unique strain (100% nucleotide identity). As wild animals are a proven source of HEV transmission to humans and pigs, the high prevalence observed (mean 52.2%) poses a question on the risk of consuming raw or undercooked wild boar meat, and thus, this subject deserves further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Luigi De Grossi
- Zooprophylaxis and Research Institute of Latium and Tuscany "M. Aleandri'', Viterbo, Italy
| | - Anita Marcario
- Zooprophylaxis and Research Institute of Latium and Tuscany "M. Aleandri'', Viterbo, Italy
| | - Barbara Franzetti
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Navas-Suárez PE, Díaz-Delgado J, Matushima ER, Fávero CM, Sánchez Sarmiento AM, Sacristán C, Ewbank AC, Marques Joppert A, Barbanti Duarte JM, dos Santos-Cirqueira C, Cogliati B, Mesquita L, Maiorka PC, Catão-Dias JL. A retrospective pathology study of two Neotropical deer species (1995-2015), Brazil: Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) and brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198670. [PMID: 29879222 PMCID: PMC5991706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This retrospective study describes the biological and epidemiological aspects, gross and microscopical findings, and most likely causes of death (CD) in two species of Neotropical deer in Brazil. The animals were collected between 1995 and 2015 and represented 75 marsh deer (MD) and 136 brown brocket deer (BBD). Summarized, pneumonia was diagnosed microscopically in 48 MD and 52 BBD; 76 deer suffered trauma, involving dog attack (14 BBD) and vehicle-collision (14 BBD). Pulmonary edema (50 MD; 55 BBD) and congestion (57 MD; 78 BBD) were the most common findings for both species. Additionally, we diagnosed ruminal and myocardial mycosis in MD and BBD, respectively; ovarian dysgerminoma and pancreatic trematodiasis in BBD; and lesions suggestive of malignant catarrhal fever and orbiviral hemorrhagic disease in both species. The main CD in MD was: respiratory (41/75), alimentary, nutritional, trauma and euthanasia (3/75 each). Correspondingly, in BBD were: trauma (34/131), respiratory (30/131) and euthanasia (9/131). Respiratory disease was often defined by pulmonary edema and pneumonia. We provide evidence that respiratory disease, mainly pneumonia, is a critical pathological process in these Neotropical deer species. Although no etiological agents were identified, there is evidence of bacterial and viral involvement. Our results show trauma, mainly anthropogenic, as a common ailment in BBD. We propose to prioritize respiratory disease in future research focused on South American deer health aspects. We believe anthropogenic trauma may be a primary threat for populations of BBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Enrique Navas-Suárez
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana Reiko Matushima
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cintia Maria Fávero
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angélica Maria Sánchez Sarmiento
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Sacristán
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Ewbank
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Marques Joppert
- Divisão Técnica de Medicina Veterinária e Manejo da Fauna Silvestre (DEPAVE-3), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Mauricio Barbanti Duarte
- Deer Research and Conservation Center (NUPECCE), Department of Animal Science, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Cogliati
- Laboratory of Morphological and Molecular Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Mesquita
- Laboratory of Animal Models, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo César Maiorka
- Laboratory of Animal Models, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
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]
|
38
|
Preliminary serological and molecular investigation of selected viral pathogens in Croatian cervid species. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2018-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A total of 131 blood samples and 175 spleen samples were collected from three cervid species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) inhabiting the continental part of Croatia. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against bovine herpesvirus 1, parainfluenza-3 virus, bluetongue virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis E virus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and enzootic bovine leukosis virus. The tested sera were negative for bovine viral diarrhoea virus, enzootic bovine leukosis virus, bluetongue virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus and hepatitis E virus antybodies. The antibody prevalence in roe deer and red deer samples was 21.11% for bovine herpesvirus 1 and 75.55% for parainfluenza-3 virus. Sera from bovine herpesvirus 1 positive animals were subsequenty tested with comparative virus neutralization test and bovine herpesvirus 1 neutralising antibodies were found in 18 (out of 19) sera. In fallow deer, no antibodies against any of the viral pathogens were detected. All spleen samples tested for bovine viral diarrhoea virus and enzootic bovine leukosis virus came back negative, except for one red deer spleen sample found to be weakly diarrhoea virus-positive. Our findings provide the first information on the exposure of Croatia-inhabiting cervid species to viral pathogens, and could serve as valuable baseline data for future investigations regarding deer exposure to various pathogens and the distribution of diseases shared between wildlife and livestock. As of now, the epidemiology of these viruses in the Croatian cervid population has been only poorly understood, so that further research is recommended.
Collapse
|
39
|
Gonçalves D, Pereira-Vaz J, Duque V, Bandeira V, Fonseca C, Donato A, Luxo C, Matos AM. First Serological Evidence on Endemicity of HEV Infection in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Populations from Portugal. Virol Sin 2018; 33:197-200. [PMID: 29569145 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-018-0008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Virology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pereira-Vaz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Clinical Pathology Unit, Hospital and University Centre of Coimbra, 3000-602, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor Duque
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital and University Centre of Coimbra, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Victor Bandeira
- Biology Department and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Biology Department and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Donato
- Clinical Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Luxo
- Research Centre on Chemical Processes Engineering and Forest Products (CIEPQF), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Miguel Matos
- Research Centre on Chemical Processes Engineering and Forest Products (CIEPQF), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rivero-Juarez A, Risalde MA, Frias M, García-Bocanegra I, Lopez-Lopez P, Cano-Terriza D, Camacho A, Jimenez-Ruiz S, Gomez-Villamandos JC, Rivero A. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in wild boars from Spain: a possible seasonal pattern? BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:54. [PMID: 29482645 PMCID: PMC5828074 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that wildlife can serve as natural reservoirs of hepatitis E virus (HEV). The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is probably the main natural reservoir of HEV and could therefore represent an important route of transmission in Europe, especially in regions where game meat is widely consumed. We evaluated the prevalence of HEV infection in wild boar in the south of Spain, with the aim of identifying associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study that included hunted wild boar was carried out during the 2015/2016 hunting season (October 15 to February 15) in Andalusia (southern Spain). The outcome variable was HEV infection, defined as amplification of HEV RNA in serum by RT-PCR. RESULTS A total of 142 animals, selected from 12 hunting areas, were included and formed the study population. Thirty-three wild boars (23.2%; 95% CI: 16.8%-30.7%) were positive for HEV infection. Prevalence peaked in October and November, then gradually declined until the end of December. After multivariate analysis, only hunting date was independently associated with HEV infection across sex and age. CONCLUSIONS Our study found a relatively high prevalence of HEV infection in wild boar in the south of Spain, suggesting that prevalence may depend on the season when the animal is hunted. In consequence, the potential risk of zoonotic transmission could fluctuate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Universidad de Córdoba, 2° Floor. Box 134.Avenida Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - María A Risalde
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Universidad de Córdoba, 2° Floor. Box 134.Avenida Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mario Frias
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Universidad de Córdoba, 2° Floor. Box 134.Avenida Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health Department. Veterinary Science College, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Universidad de Córdoba, 2° Floor. Box 134.Avenida Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health Department. Veterinary Science College, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Angela Camacho
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Universidad de Córdoba, 2° Floor. Box 134.Avenida Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Saul Jimenez-Ruiz
- Animal Health Department. Veterinary Science College, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Universidad de Córdoba, 2° Floor. Box 134.Avenida Menendez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain.,Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Hospital Provincial, Complejo Hospitalario reina Sofía de Córdoba, Avenida Menendez Pidal s/n, 14006, Cordoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Spancerniene U, Grigas J, Buitkuviene J, Zymantiene J, Juozaitiene V, Stankeviciute M, Razukevicius D, Zienius D, Stankevicius A. Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis E virus in pigs, wild boars, roe deer, red deer and moose in Lithuania. Acta Vet Scand 2018; 60:13. [PMID: 29471843 PMCID: PMC5824565 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-018-0367-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the major causes of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In Europe, food-borne zoonotic transmission of HEV genotype 3 has been associated with domestic pigs and wild boar. Controversial data are available on the circulation of the virus in animals that are used for human consumption, and to date, no gold standard has yet been defined for the diagnosis of HEV-associated hepatitis. To investigate the current HEV infection status in Lithuanian pigs and wild ungulates, the presence of viral RNA was analyzed by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) in randomly selected samples, and the viral RNA was subsequently genotyped. Results In total, 32.98 and 22.55% of the domestic pig samples were HEV-positive using RT-nPCR targeting the ORF1 and ORF2 fragments, respectively. Among ungulates, 25.94% of the wild boar samples, 22.58% of the roe deer samples, 6.67% of the red deer samples and 7.69% of the moose samples were positive for HEV RNA using primers targeting the ORF1 fragment. Using primers targeting the ORF2 fragment of the HEV genome, viral RNA was only detected in 17.03% of the wild boar samples and 12.90% of the roe deer samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on a 348-nucleotide-long region of the HEV ORF2 showed that all obtained sequences detected in Lithuanian domestic pigs and wildlife belonged to genotype 3. In this study, the sequences identified from pigs, wild boars and roe deer clustered within the 3i subtype reference sequences from the GenBank database. The sequences obtained from pig farms located in two different counties of Lithuania were of the HEV 3f subtype. The wild boar sequences clustered within subtypes 3i and 3h, clearly indicating that wild boars can harbor additional subtypes of HEV. For the first time, the ORF2 nucleotide sequences obtained from roe deer proved that HEV subtype 3i can be found in a novel host. Conclusion The results of the viral prevalence and phylogenetic analyses clearly demonstrated viral infection in Lithuanian pigs and wild ungulates, thus highlighting a significant concern for zoonotic virus transmission through both the food chain and direct contact with animals. Unexpected HEV genotype 3 subtype diversity in Lithuania and neighboring countries revealed that further studies are necessary to understand the mode of HEV transmission between animals and humans in the Baltic States region.
Collapse
|
42
|
Pavio N, Doceul V, Bagdassarian E, Johne R. Recent knowledge on hepatitis E virus in Suidae reservoirs and transmission routes to human. Vet Res 2017; 48:78. [PMID: 29157309 PMCID: PMC5696788 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0483-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes self-limiting acute hepatitis in humans that can eventually result in acute liver failures or progress to chronic infections. While in tropical and sub-tropical areas, HEV infections are associated with important waterborne epidemics, in Northern countries, HEV infections are autochthonous with a zoonotic origin. In the past decade, it has become clear that certain HEV genotypes are zoonotic and that swine, and more generally Suidae, are the main reservoir. Zoonotic transmissions of the virus may occur via direct contact with infected pigs, wild boars or consumption of contaminated meat. This review describes the current knowledge on domestic and wild Suidae as reservoirs of HEV and the evidence of the different routes of HEV transmission between these animals and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pavio
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Virginie Doceul
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eugénie Bagdassarian
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Risalde MA, Rivero-Juárez A, Romero-Palomo F, Frías M, López-López P, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I, Jiménez-Ruíz S, Camacho Á, Machuca I, Gomez-Villamandos JC, Rivero A. Persistence of hepatitis E virus in the liver of non-viremic naturally infected wild boar. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186858. [PMID: 29117209 PMCID: PMC5678868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with pigs and wild boar serving as reservoirs for human infection through direct contact with infected animals or the consumption of raw or undercooked pork products. The liver is considered the main target site of HEV replication in swine and an important organ in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this study was to characterize the target liver cells for HEV entry in naturally infected wild boar and to evaluate the type and severity of the pathological changes in order to reach a better understanding of the hepatic pathogenic mechanisms involved in hepatitis E. In total, 58 livers from hunted wild boar were histopathologically evaluated. The presence of specific HEV antibodies in serum was determined by indirect ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used for the detection of HEV antigen and Real time RT-PCR to detect HEV RNA in liver and serum. HEV seroprevalence in these animals was of 5.197% (CI95%: 1.77–14.14). By Real time RT-PCR, HEV was detected in the liver tissue of four wild boar (6.8%; CI95%: 2.7–16.4) and only one animal was also positive in serum (1.7%; CI95%: 0.3–9.1). The non-viremic animals naturally infected with HEV presented evidence of liver infection, mainly in Kupffer cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, without apparent associated hepatitis lesions. This study supports the hypothesis that low viral titers may persist in the liver of non-viremic individuals, giving thus the possibility of consumption of contaminated liver of animals diagnosed as HEV-negative in serum. Further immunopathogenic studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this process and to evaluate the protocols of HEV diagnosis in animals destined for human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María A. Risalde
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juárez
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fernando Romero-Palomo
- Dpto. de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO)—Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mario Frías
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pedro López-López
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCO—ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruíz
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCO—ceiA3, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ángela Camacho
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Isabel Machuca
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - José C. Gomez-Villamandos
- Dpto. de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO)—Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Porea D, Anita A, Demange A, Raileanu C, Oslobanu Ludu L, Anita D, Savuta G, Pavio N. Molecular detection of hepatitis E virus in wild boar population in eastern Romania. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:527-533. [PMID: 29027370 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In industrialized countries, Hepatitis E is a recognized zoonosis, with wild boar and swine representing the main reservoirs for zoonotic genotype HEV-3 in Europe. Data related to HEV infection in wild boar population in Romania are restricted to serological surveys. Therefore, our main goal was to determine the HEV prevalence in wild boar population and to characterize HEV strains circulating in Romania. Using TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay, we analyzed the presence of RNA HEV in 45 liver samples and five spleen samples collected from 50 wild boars. Samples were collected during the 2013-2015 hunting seasons. Nine samples of 50 were tested positive for HEV RNA, resulting an overall prevalence of 18%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates clustered in different HEV-3 monophyletic groups, depending on the sampling county. This is the first study signalling, based on molecular analysis, the presence of HEV in wild boar population from Romania. Also, in this study, we report the detection of HEV in splenic tissue from wild boar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Porea
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - A Anita
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - A Demange
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - C Raileanu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - L Oslobanu Ludu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - D Anita
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - G Savuta
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania
| | - N Pavio
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ricci A, Allende A, Bolton D, Chemaly M, Davies R, Fernandez Escamez PS, Herman L, Koutsoumanis K, Lindqvist R, Nørrung B, Robertson L, Ru G, Sanaa M, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Snary E, Speybroeck N, Ter Kuile B, Threlfall J, Wahlström H, Di Bartolo I, Johne R, Pavio N, Rutjes S, van der Poel W, Vasickova P, Hempen M, Messens W, Rizzi V, Latronico F, Girones R. Public health risks associated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) as a food-borne pathogen. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04886. [PMID: 32625551 PMCID: PMC7010180 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important infection in humans in EU/EEA countries, and over the last 10 years more than 21,000 acute clinical cases with 28 fatalities have been notified with an overall 10-fold increase in reported HEV cases; the majority (80%) of cases were reported from France, Germany and the UK. However, as infection in humans is not notifiable in all Member States, and surveillance differs between countries, the number of reported cases is not comparable and the true number of cases would probably be higher. Food-borne transmission of HEV appears to be a major route in Europe; pigs and wild boars are the main source of HEV. Outbreaks and sporadic cases have been identified in immune-competent persons as well as in recognised risk groups such as those with pre-existing liver damage, immunosuppressive illness or receiving immunosuppressive treatments. The opinion reviews current methods for the detection, identification, characterisation and tracing of HEV in food-producing animals and foods, reviews literature on HEV reservoirs and food-borne pathways, examines information on the epidemiology of HEV and its occurrence and persistence in foods, and investigates possible control measures along the food chain. Presently, the only efficient control option for HEV infection from consumption of meat, liver and products derived from animal reservoirs is sufficient heat treatment. The development of validated quantitative and qualitative detection methods, including infectivity assays and consensus molecular typing protocols, is required for the development of quantitative microbial risk assessments and efficient control measures. More research on the epidemiology and control of HEV in pig herds is required in order to minimise the proportion of pigs that remain viraemic or carry high levels of virus in intestinal contents at the time of slaughter. Consumption of raw pig, wild boar and deer meat products should be avoided.
Collapse
|
47
|
Hammerschmidt F, Schwaiger K, Dähnert L, Vina-Rodriguez A, Höper D, Gareis M, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Hepatitis E virus in wild rabbits and European brown hares in Germany. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 64:612-622. [PMID: 28371421 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a change of hepatitis E from being a typical travel-associated disease to an autochthonous zoonosis in Germany was observed. An increasing number of autochthonous infections with the hepatitis E Virus (HEV) have been recognized in developed countries. Venison from wild boar is already known to be a potential source of infection, if not prepared properly by the consumer. In Germany, certain wild animals are known to be a reservoir for HEV. However, current information is missing about European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Thus, a total of 833 hunting-harvested animals (European brown hares n = 669; wild rabbits n = 164) were tested for the occurrence of HEV RNA and HEV antibodies. For this, liver and blood specimens were taken after hunts in six German federal states. HEV antibodies were found by ELISA in 2.2% (624/14) of European brown hares, but no HEV RNA was detectable by nested real-time RT-PCR. In contrast, a seroprevalence of 37.3% (126/47) was observed for wild rabbits, and 17.1% (164/28) of the samples were HEV RNA positive. Genomic analysis revealed that these partial sequences clustered within the rabbit clade of HEV-3 genotype. In addition, one rabbit sequence segregated into subtype 3g of HEV-3. Highest seroprevalences for hares and rabbits were detected in the federal states of Bavaria and of Schleswig-Holstein, respectively. Comparing urban, rural and insular areas, the highest seroprevalence was shown for wild rabbits in rural areas and for European brown hares on the northern island Fehmarn. This study provides evidence that European brown hares and wild rabbits from Germany can be infected with HEV. The different prevalences indicate that wild rabbits are a potential reservoir for HEV in Germany, whereas European brown hares seem to be only of minor importance for the epidemiology of HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Hammerschmidt
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - K Schwaiger
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - L Dähnert
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - A Vina-Rodriguez
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - D Höper
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Gareis
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - M H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an important public health concern disease that causes acute hepatitis in humans with different hepatitis E virus strains reported among domestic and wild animals. In Lithuania, seroprevalence studies on animals considered to be possible virus reservoirs, particularly in wildlife species, had never been investigated before. In order to assess the actual distribution of the virus in the domestic pig and wildlife species, serum samples originating from different geographic areas of Lithuania were tested for the presence of antibodies to the virus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study results proved that hepatitis E virus infection is prevalent among domestic pigs, wild boar, moose, and roe deer in Lithuania, with the overall prevalence of IgG antibodies against hepatitis E virus being 43.75%, 57.05%, 11.76%, and 1.20%, respectively. Significantly higher (P< 0.01) seroprevalence values of 53.66% and 80% were observed in weaned pigs and adult wild boar. Herds with 15 001–30 000 pigs were 2.4 times more likely (P< 0.01) to test positive for hepatitis E virus antibodies (70.18%), than herds with ≤ 500 pigs (21.11%). The differences in seroprevalence rates between domestic pigs (from 25 to 66.67%) and wild boar (from 42.86 to 73.33% ) in all 10 counties were not significant (P> 0.05). Estimated low seroprevalence rate in moose, roe deer and absence of antibodies in red deer suggest that such wildlife species are accidental hosts of hepatitis E virus or at least hepatitis E virus is not present in Lithuanian cervides.
Collapse
|
49
|
Hepatitis E Virus in Industrialized Countries: The Silent Threat. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9838041. [PMID: 28070522 PMCID: PMC5192302 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9838041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Its presence in developing countries has been documented for decades. Developed countries were supposed to be virus-free and initially only imported cases were detected in those areas. However, sporadic and autochthonous cases of HEV infection have been identified and studies reveal that the virus is worldwide spread. Chronic hepatitis and multiple extrahepatic manifestations have also been associated with HEV. We review the data from European countries, where human, animal, and environmental data have been collected since the 90s. In Europe, autochthonous HEV strains were first detected in the late 90s and early 2000s. Since then, serological data have shown that the virus infects quite frequently the European population and that some species, such as pigs, wild boars, and deer, are reservoirs. HEV strains can be isolated from environmental samples and reach the food chain, as shown by the detection of the virus in mussels and in contaminated pork products as sausages or meat. All these data highlight the need of studies directed to control the sources of HEV to protect immunocompromised individuals that seem the weakest link of the HEV epidemiology in industrialized regions.
Collapse
|
50
|
Sadik S, van Rijckevorsel GGC, van Rooijen MS, Sonder GJB, Bruisten SM. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus differs in Dutch and first generation migrant populations in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:659. [PMID: 27825308 PMCID: PMC5101818 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the last decade hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly recognized as a cause of acute viral hepatitis in developed countries. HEV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. In countries like the Netherlands, HEV infection is suspected to be a zoonosis but HEV may also be introduced by migrants. We studied the seroprevalence of HEV among different migrants, mainly Moroccans and Turks, and compared this to that of the native Dutch population in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Methods Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of the adult Amsterdam population performed in 2004; the Amsterdam Health Monitor. A total of 1199 plasma samples were tested for IgG-and IgM antibodies to HEV using the Wantai kit according to instructions of the manufacturer. Basic demographic data (gender, age, country of birth, and age at immigration) were used in the analyses. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) serology data were available from a previous study. Results The total weighted anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in the overall Amsterdam population was 26.7 %, based on 1199 samples. In the study population (not-weighted) this HEV seroprevalence was 157/426 (36.9 %) for the Dutch participants and it was 161/257 (62.6 %) for Moroccans, 99/296 (33.4 %) for Turks and 42/220 (19.1 %) for other ethnicities. HEV seroprevalence increased significantly with age. First-generation Moroccan migrants (44.0 %) had a significantly higher weighted HEV seroprevalence than the Dutch participants (29.7 %). In the first generation Turks (20.3 %) and first generation migrants from other countries (16.7 %) this weighted seroprevalence was lower, but this was only significant for the ‘other ethnicities’. The median age of migration was significantly higher in the Moroccan and Turkish migrants who were HEV IgG positive versus HEV IgG negative. However, when stratifying for age at time of study, median migration age was only significantly different for HEV sero-status for younger Turks and younger ‘other ethnicities’. HEV IgM antibodies were found in 0.6 % (n = 7) of participants and none were positive for HEV RNA, showing that there were no acute infections. Despite the common route of fecal-oral transmission for both viruses, there was no relation between HEV and HAV seropositivity. Conclusion Within the multi-ethnical capital city of Amsterdam the HEV seroprevalence in first generation migrant populations differed from each other and from the autochthonous Dutch population. The relation between being HEV seropositive and a higher median age of migration suggests that younger migrants got more often infected in their country of origin than in the Netherlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sadik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G G C van Rijckevorsel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - M S van Rooijen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G J B Sonder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Academic Medical Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S M Bruisten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Academic Medical Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|