1
|
Klink P, Harms D, Altmann B, Dörffel Y, Morgera U, Zander S, Bock CT, Hofmann J. Molecular characterisation of a rabbit Hepatitis E Virus strain detected in a chronically HEV-infected individual from Germany. One Health 2023; 16:100528. [PMID: 37363232 PMCID: PMC10288053 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In immunocompromised individuals persisting viremia frequently leads to a chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Zoonotic transmission of HEV from pigs and wild boar to humans is proven and sporadic infections with rabbit HEV (raHEV) have recently been reported. Here, the molecular characterisation of a raHEV strain isolated from an immunocompromised, chronically HEV-infected, heart-transplanted patient is described. After successful ribavirin (RBV) treatment of a HEV infection in 2019, the patient was again tested HEV positive in 2021 and received a second RBV therapy cycle. Full-length HEV genome amplification and next generation sequencing was performed on a plasma sample taken between first and second cycle of RBV therapy and a stool sample taken two months after starting the second cycle. The sequence of plasma (raHEV-83) and stool (raHEV-99) derived virus showed the highest nucleotide sequence identity to a Chinese raHEV and a phylogenetic relationship to a raHEV strain isolated from a French patient. Furthermore, sequence analysis revealed the presence of RBV-associated substitutions V1479I and G1634K in the HEV sequences from plasma and additionally K1398R from stool. The results underline the role of rabbits as putative sources of HEV infection and emphasize the need of a one health concept for a better understanding of HEV epidemiology and to develop tools for prevention and control of HEV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Klink
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Harms
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Britta Altmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yvonne Dörffel
- Outpatient Clinic, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Morgera
- Outpatient Clinic, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Steffen Zander
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - C. Thomas Bock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, German Centre for Infection Research, Berlin, Germany
- Labor Berlin, Charité-Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao C, Wang Y. Laboratory Diagnosis of HEV Infection. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:199-213. [PMID: 37223868 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Serological and nucleic acid tests for detecting hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been developed for both epidemiologic and diagnostic purposes. The laboratory diagnosis of HEV infection depends on the detection of HEV antigen or HEV RNA in the blood, stool, and other body fluids, and serum antibodies against HEV (immunoglobulin [Ig]A, IgM, and IgG). Anti-HEV IgM antibodies and low avidity IgG can be detected during the acute phase of the illness and can last approximately 12 months, representing primary infection, whereas anti-HEV IgG antibodies can last more than several years, representing remote exposure. Thus, the diagnosis of acute infection is based on the presence of anti-HEV IgM, low avidity IgG, HEV antigen, and HEV RNA, while epidemiological investigations are mainly based on anti-HEV IgG. Although significant progress has been made in developing and optimizing different formats of HEV assays, improving their sensitivity and specificity, there are many shortcomings and challenges in inter-assay concordance, validation, and standardization. This article reviews the current knowledge on the diagnosis of HEV infection, including the most common available laboratory diagnostic techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Priemer G, Cierniak F, Wolf C, Ulrich RG, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Co-Circulation of Different Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Subtypes in Pigs and Wild Boar in North-East Germany, 2019. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070773. [PMID: 35890018 PMCID: PMC9317891 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a major cause of acute liver disease in humans worldwide. The infection is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) which is transmitted in Europe to humans primarily through zoonotic foodborne transmission from domestic pigs, wild boar, rabbits, and deer. HEV belongs to the family Hepeviridae, and possesses a positive-sense, single stranded RNA genome. This agent usually causes an acute self-limited infection in humans, but in people with low immunity, e.g., immunosuppressive therapy or underlying liver diseases, the infection can evolve to chronicity and is able to induce a variety of extrahepatic manifestations. Pig and wild boar have been identified as the primary animal reservoir in Europe, and consumption of raw and undercooked pork is known to pose a potential risk of foodborne HEV infection. In this study, we analysed pig and wild boar liver, faeces, and muscle samples collected in 2019 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, north-east Germany. A total of 393 animals of both species were investigated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), conventional nested RT-PCR and sequence analysis of amplification products. In 33 animals, HEV RNA was detected in liver and/or faeces. In one individual, viral RNA was detected in muscle tissue. Sequence analysis of a partial open reading frame 1 region demonstrated a broad variety of genotype 3 (HEV-3) subtypes. In conclusion, the study demonstrates a high, but varying prevalence of HEV RNA in swine populations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The associated risk of foodborne HEV infection needs the establishment of sustainable surveillance and treatment strategies at the interface between humans, animals, and the environment within a One Health framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grit Priemer
- Department 2—Animal Disease Diagnostics, State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries Mecklenburg—Western Pomerania, 18059 Rostock, Germany; (G.P.); (C.W.)
| | - Filip Cierniak
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.C.); (R.G.U.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Carola Wolf
- Department 2—Animal Disease Diagnostics, State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries Mecklenburg—Western Pomerania, 18059 Rostock, Germany; (G.P.); (C.W.)
| | - Rainer G. Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.C.); (R.G.U.); (M.H.G.)
- Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.C.); (R.G.U.); (M.H.G.)
- Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (F.C.); (R.G.U.); (M.H.G.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bahoussi AN, Guo YY, Wang PH, Dahdouh A, Wu C, Xing L. Genomic characteristics and recombination patterns of swine hepatitis E virus in China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3273-e3281. [PMID: 35511197 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic hepatitis E, mainly caused by swine hepatitis E virus (sHEV), is endemic in China, causing great economic disruption and public health threats. Although recombination is critical for the evolution of viruses, there is a limited assessment of its occurrence among sHEVs. Herein, we analyzed all available sHEV full-length genomes isolated in China during the past two decades (40 isolates) compared to 72 other sHEV strains isolated in different countries and determined that sHEV genotype 4 (sHEV4) dominates China. Eight potential natural recombination events were identified, four of which occurred in China and were mainly between sHEV4 strains, indicating the distinct character of China sHEV. One intergenotype recombination event was found in China, alarming the emergence of a new sHEV lineage that could become a critical threat to human health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amina Nawal Bahoussi
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030006, China
| | - Yan-Yan Guo
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030006, China
| | - Pei-Hua Wang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030006, China
| | - Amina Dahdouh
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030006, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030006, China.,Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, 030006, China.,Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Major Infectious Diseases, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Li Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030006, China.,Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, 030006, China.,Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Major Infectious Diseases, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li P, Ji Y, Li Y, Ma Z, Pan Q. Estimating the global prevalence of hepatitis E virus in swine and pork products. One Health 2022; 14:100362. [PMID: 34977322 PMCID: PMC8686068 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV), in particular the genotype (GT) 3 and GT4 strains, constitutes a major one health issue. Swine serves as an important reservoir and the processed pork products essentially contribute to foodborne transmission. This study comprehensively estimated HEV prevalence in domestic pigs, wild boars, and pork products. At global level, we found nearly 60% domestic pigs and 27% wild boars have ever encountered HEV infection based seroprevalence rate. Nearly 13% domestic and 9.5% wild swine are actively infected based on HEV RNA positivity. Importantly, about 10% of commercial pork products are HEV RNA positive, although available data are limited in this respect. Our results indicate the high prevalence rate of HEV infection in pigs and widespread contamination in pork products, although there are substantial variations at regional and country levels. These findings are important for better understanding the global epidemiology and clinical burden of HEV infection in human population related to zoonotic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yunpeng Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zhongren Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johne R, Althof N, Nöckler K, Falkenhagen A. [Hepatitis E virus-a zoonotic virus: distribution, transmission pathways, and relevance for food safety]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2022; 65:202-208. [PMID: 34982174 PMCID: PMC8813789 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03476-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Das Hepatitis-E-Virus (HEV) ist ein Erreger einer akuten Hepatitis beim Menschen. Darüber hinaus treten zunehmend auch chronische Infektionen mit fataler Leberzirrhose bei immunsupprimierten Transplantationspatienten auf. Die Zahl der gemeldeten Hepatitis-E-Fälle in Deutschland hat in den vergangenen Jahren stark zugenommen. Hier kommt vor allem der Genotyp 3 vor, der zoonotisch von Tieren auf den Menschen übertragen werden kann. Haus- und Wildschweine, die ohne die Ausbildung klinischer Symptome infiziert werden, stellen das Hauptreservoir dar. In diesem Artikel werden die Verbreitung von HEV in Tieren in Deutschland, mögliche Übertragungswege des Virus und insbesondere die Bedeutung von Lebensmitteln bei der Übertragung anhand der aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Literatur dargestellt. HEV ist in Haus- und Wildschweinen in Deutschland stark verbreitet und wird hauptsächlich über direkten Kontakt oder den Verzehr von Lebensmitteln, die aus diesen Tieren hergestellt wurden, auf den Menschen übertragen. Beim HEV-RNA-Nachweis in spezifischen Lebensmitteln bleibt allerdings oft unklar, ob das enthaltene Virus noch infektiös ist oder durch die Herstellungsbedingungen inaktiviert wurde. Neuere Studien weisen auf eine hohe Stabilität des HEV unter verschiedenen physikochemischen Bedingungen hin, wohingegen eine Inaktivierung unter anderem durch Erhitzung erreicht wird. Generell wird deshalb ein ausreichendes Erhitzen von Schweinefleisch und -leber vor dem Verzehr empfohlen und für Risikogruppen zusätzlich der Verzicht auf den Verzehr kurzgereifter Rohwürste. Weitere Forschungen sind nötig, um relevante Risikolebensmittel zu identifizieren, alternative Übertragungswege zu untersuchen und effiziente Maßnahmen zu entwickeln, die eine zoonotische Virusübertragung zukünftig verringern oder vermeiden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reimar Johne
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Nadine Althof
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Karsten Nöckler
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Deutschland
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Smith I, Said B, Vaughan A, Haywood B, Ijaz S, Reynolds C, Brailsford S, Russell K, Morgan D. Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Acquired Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Blood Donors, United Kingdom, 2018-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1654-1661. [PMID: 34013866 PMCID: PMC8153866 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.203964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in England. Substantial yearly increases of autochthonous infections were observed during 2003–2016 and again during 2017–2019. Previous studies associated acute HEV cases with consumption of processed pork products, we investigated risk factors for autochthonous HEV infections in the blood donor population in England. Study participants were 117 HEV RNA–positive blood donors and 564 HEV RNA–negative blood donors. No persons with positive results were vegetarian; 97.4% of persons with positive results reported eating pork products. Consuming bacon (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.7–5.5; p<0.0001), cured pork meats (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.2–5.4; p<0.0001), and pigs’ liver (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–8.3; p = 0.04) were significantly associated with HEV infection. Our findings confirm previous links to pork products and suggest that appropriate animal husbandry is essential to reduce the risk for HEV infection.
Collapse
|
8
|
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
|
9
|
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
|
10
|
Trojnar E, Kästner B, Johne R. No Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Farmed Deer in Germany. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:81-83. [PMID: 31625032 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-019-09407-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic agent, which is mainly transmitted by consumption of undercooked meat products originating from infected animals. Domestic pigs and wild boars are the major animal reservoirs, but HEV infections have been also repeatedly described in wild deer species. However, farmed deer has been only sparsely investigated so far. Here, 108 blood and 106 liver samples from fallow deer, red deer, and sika deer strictly hold in game enclosures from 11 farms in Germany were analyzed for markers of HEV infection. Using a commercial double antigen sandwich ELISA, 3/108 (2.7%) serum samples were scored borderline for HEV-specific antibodies, whereas the remaining samples were negative. No HEV-RNA (0%) was detected in the 106 liver samples. The results suggest a low risk of HEV infection in farmed deer in Germany.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Trojnar
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Kästner
- Thuringian State Office for Agriculture and Rural Area, Naumburger Straße 98, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Ciccozzi M, Pepovich R, Kundurzhiev T, Marutsov P, Dimitrov KK, Gospodinova K, Pishmisheva M, Pekova L. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Pigs from Southern Bulgaria. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:767-772. [PMID: 31017536 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been isolated from humans and several animals' species. During the last years, the knowledge of HEV infection dramatically changed and enriched. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of HEV in industrial pigs in different districts of Southern Bulgaria. Three hundred sixty swine serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG antibodies. The samples were collected from four industrial farms from three districts of Southern Bulgaria. HEV-specific antibodies in porcine serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PrioCHECK HEV Ab porcine). The overall HEV seroprevalence was 60.3%. The seropositivity varied widely depending on age groups and investigated farms. The overall prevalence in weaners was 25%, in fattening pigs 75.8%, and in group of sows was found the highest HEV positivity of 80%. The occurrence of HEV positivity in sows and fattening pigs presented odds ratio (OR) = 17.200 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.8-33.7) and OR = 11.342 (95% CI: 6.1-21.0), respectively, compared to weaners. The study indicated that HEV is widespread in industrial farms in Bulgaria and presented high seroprevalence in pigs. The results found that HEV seropositivity showed age dependency. The National Health Authorities should raise awareness of HEV and its zoonotic potential.
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
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Roman Pepovich
- Department of Infectious Pathology, Hygiene, Technology and Control of Foods from Animal Origin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Todor Kundurzhiev
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Marutsov
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Kiril K Dimitrov
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, 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
| | - Maria Pishmisheva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital, Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Liliya Pekova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Stara Zagora University Hospital, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
|
13
|
Detection of HEV-specific antibodies in four non-human primate species, including great apes, from different zoos in Germany. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 146:119-124. [PMID: 29168441 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817002606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been described in humans and various animal species in different regions of the world. However, the knowledge on natural HEV infection in non-human primates and the corresponding risk of zoonotic transmission is scarce. To determine whether primates in captivity are affected by HEV infection, we investigated 259 individual sera of clinically healthy non-human primates of 14 species from nine German zoos. Using a commercial double-antigen-sandwich ELISA and a commercial IgG ELISA, 10 animals (3·9%) reacted positive in at least one assay. Three ape species and one Old World monkey species were among the seropositive animals: bonobo (Pan paniscus), gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) and drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus). Testing for anti-HEV-IgM antibodies by commercial ELISA and for viral RNA by reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction resulted in negative results for all animals indicating the absence of acute HEV infections. In the past, no clinical signs of hepatitis were recorded for the seropositive animals. The results suggest that non-human primates in zoos can get naturally and subclinically infected with HEV or related hepeviruses. Future studies should evaluate potential sources and transmission routes of these infections and their impact on human health.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Serological and nucleic acid tests for detecting hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been developed for both epidemiologic and diagnostic purposes. The laboratory diagnosis of HEV infection depends on the detection of HEV antigen, HEV RNA, and serum antibodies against HEV (immunoglobulin [Ig]A, IgM, and IgG). Anti-HEV IgM antibodies can be detected during the acute phase of the illness and can last approximately 4 or 5 months, representing recent exposure, whereas anti-HEV IgG antibodies can last more than 10 years, representing remote exposure. Thus, the diagnosis of acute infection is based on the presence of anti-HEV IgM, HEV antigen, and HEV RNA, while epidemiological investigations are mainly based on anti-HEV IgG. Although significant progress has been made in developing and optimizing different formats of HEV assays, improving their sensitivity and specificity, there are many shortcomings and challenges in inter-assay concordance, validation, and standardization. This article reviews the current knowledge on the diagnosis of HEV infection, including the most common available laboratory diagnostic techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pork products associated with human infection caused by an emerging phylotype of hepatitis E virus in England and Wales. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2417-2423. [PMID: 28756783 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817001388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2010, human hepatitis E infections have increased in England and Wales. Most cases are locally acquired and caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV G3). HEV G3 is linked to the consumption of pork products. The increase is associated with the emergence of a new phylotype, HEV G3-group 2 (G3-2, also known as G3abcdhij). Sixty individuals with confirmed hepatitis E infection and no history of travel outside the UK were recruited: 19 were infected with HEV G3-group 1 (G3-1 or G3efg) and 41 with G3-2. Epidemiological data relating to usual shopping habits and consumption of ham and sausages were analysed together with typing data to identify any associations with HEV phylotype. Study participants who purchased ham and/or sausage from a major supermarket were more likely to have HEV G3-2 infection (Relative risks 1·85, P = 0·06, CI 0·97-3·53). The HEV G3-2 phylotype has not been detected in indigenous UK pigs and it is suggested that human infections could be the result of consumption of products made from pork originating outside the UK. This does not infer blame on the supermarket but the epidemiology of HEV is dynamic and reflects complex animal husbandry practices which need to be explored further.
Collapse
|
16
|
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
|
17
|
Sommerkorn FM, Schauer B, Schreiner T, Fickenscher H, Krumbholz A. Performance of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)-antibody tests: a comparative analysis based on samples from individuals with direct contact to domestic pigs or wild boar in Germany. Med Microbiol Immunol 2017; 206:277-286. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-017-0503-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
18
|
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
|
19
|
Denner J. Xenotransplantation - A special case of One Health. One Health 2017; 3:17-22. [PMID: 28616498 PMCID: PMC5454160 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic shortage of human transplants to treat tissue and organ failure has led to the development of xenotransplantation, the transplantation of cells, tissues and organs from another species to human recipients. For a number of reasons, pigs are best suited as donor animals. Successful, routine xenotransplantation would have an enormous impact on the health of the human population, including the young, who sometimes require a replacement organ or islet cells, but especially the elderly, who more often suffer the consequences of organ failure. The first form of xenotransplantation applied to humans is the use of pig islet cells to treat insulin-dependent diabetes, a procedure that will have a significant economic impact. However, although xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues and organs may save and prolong the lives of patients, it may also be associated with the transmission of porcine microorganisms to the recipient, eventually resulting in emerging infectious diseases. For this reason, the health of both the donor animals and the human recipients represents a special and sensitive case of the One Health concept. Basic research leading to strategies how to prevent transmission of porcine microorganisms by selection of virus-free animals, treatment of donor pigs by antiviral drugs, vaccines, colostrum deprivation, early weaning, Caesarean delivery, embryo transfer and/or gene editing should be undertaken to supply an increasing number of potential recipients with urgently required transplants. The methods developed for the detection and elimination of porcine microorganisms in the context of xenotransplantation will also contribute to an improvement in the health of pig populations in general and an increase in the quality of meat products. At present, there is evidence for transmission of porcine viruses to humans eating pork and having contact with pigs, however the impact of these viruses on public health is still unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Denner
- Corresponding author at: Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, D-13353 Berlin, Germany.Robert Koch InstituteNordufer 20BerlinD-13353Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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
|
21
|
Adlhoch C, Avellon A, Baylis SA, Ciccaglione AR, Couturier E, de Sousa R, Epštein J, Ethelberg S, Faber M, Fehér Á, Ijaz S, Lange H, Manďáková Z, Mellou K, Mozalevskis A, Rimhanen-Finne R, Rizzi V, Said B, Sundqvist L, Thornton L, Tosti ME, van Pelt W, Aspinall E, Domanovic D, Severi E, Takkinen J, Dalton HR. Hepatitis E virus: Assessment of the epidemiological situation in humans in Europe, 2014/15. J Clin Virol 2016; 82:9-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
22
|
Szabo K, Trojnar E, Anheyer-Behmenburg H, Binder A, Schotte U, Ellerbroek L, Klein G, Johne R. Detection of hepatitis E virus RNA in raw sausages and liver sausages from retail in Germany using an optimized method. Int J Food Microbiol 2015; 215:149-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
23
|
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a human pathogen that is primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route and causes a usually self-limiting acute viral hepatitis. The virus is endemic in developing countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America and is responsible for sporadic cases in industrialized countries. In western Europe, an increasing number of autochthonous cases have been associated with zoonotic transmissions of HEV from domestic and wild animals. In Germany, animal reservoirs for HEV have been mainly assigned to domestic pigs and wild boars. To investigate the potential role of deer as a reservoir of HEV, we surveyed HEV-specific antibodies and RNA in deer samples from geographic regions in Germany. We sampled red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during active surveillance in three forest districts in northern Hesse and southern Lower Saxony during 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. Additionally, archived samples of red, roe, and fallow deer (Dama dama), collected in 2000-01 in German national parks, were included in the study. Antibody prevalence ranged from 2-3.3% in red deer to 5.4-6.8% in roe deer. Viral RNA was detected in red deer and fallow deer at prevalences of 2.0-6.6% and 4.3%, respectively. The investigation confirmed the presence of HEV infections in three deer species in Germany. Red, roe, and fallow deer should be further monitored to assess their role as hosts and potential reservoirs of HEV in Germany.
Collapse
|
24
|
Costanzo N, Sarno E, Peretti V, Ciambrone L, Casalinuovo F, Santoro A. Serological and Molecular Investigation of Swine Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs Raised in Southern Italy. J Food Prot 2015; 78:2099-102. [PMID: 26555536 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common acute hepatitis transmitted by the fecal-oral route. In developed countries, the virus has a zoonotic potential, and domestic pigs and wild boars are considered main reservoirs. To assess the prevalence of HEV-positive animals in the Calabria region (southern Italy) on a serological and molecular level, a total of 216 autochthonous healthy pigs (Apulo-Calabrese breed) were sampled. Both sera and feces were collected. Pigs were grouped based on age: 117 pigs <6 months and 99 pigs >6 months. By using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system, a total of 173 (80%) of the 216 pigs tested seropositive. In all sampled farms (n = 8), pigs with antibodies (immunoglobulin G) against HEV were detected at a level higher than 60%, with a significant difference among age groups (P < 0.0001). Moreover, 16 fattening pigs were found to be nested reverse transcription PCR positive and thus to shed viral genomes in their feces. These positive findings resulted in a prevalence of 48.4% on the farm level (16 of 35 pigs) and an overall prevalence of 7.4% at the animal level (16 of 216 pigs). Based on the present study, HEV seems to circulate among the autochthonous domestic pig population of southern Italy with a low sharing rate. Further studies exploring the origin of infection are needed to minimize the risk of human exposure and to reduce consequences for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Costanzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Viale Europa-Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Sarno
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Univerity of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 272, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Peretti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università Federico II di Napoli, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Ciambrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno-Sezione di Catanzaro, viale Crotone, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Casalinuovo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno-Sezione di Catanzaro, viale Crotone, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Adriano Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università Federico II di Napoli, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schielke A, Ibrahim V, Czogiel I, Faber M, Schrader C, Dremsek P, Ulrich RG, Johne R. Hepatitis E virus antibody prevalence in hunters from a district in Central Germany, 2013: a cross-sectional study providing evidence for the benefit of protective gloves during disembowelling of wild boars. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:440. [PMID: 26493830 PMCID: PMC4619084 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1199-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Germany, 17 % of the general human population have antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) (recomLine HEV-IgG/IgM immunoassay [Mikrogen GmbH]). Wild boars represent an animal reservoir for HEV genotype 3, which is the common genotype in Germany. We estimated the seroprevalence among hunters with contact to wild boars to identify factors that may be associated with past or present HEV infection. Methods In 2013, the local veterinarian authority in a district in Central Germany attended meetings of hunters who provided blood specimens and completed a questionnaire collecting information on age, sex, hunting-related activities and consumption of wild boar meat. Specimens of wild boars were taken during drive hunts in this district during the season 2012/2013. All specimens were tested for HEV RNA and anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for the hunters. Results Of 126 hunters (median age 55; 94 % male) 21 % tested positive for anti-HEV IgG antibodies (95 % confidence interval [CI] 13–28 %) (recomWell HEV IgG assay [Mikrogen GmbH]). Anti-HEV prevalence was highest in the age group of the 70–79-year-olds (67 %; 95 % CI 39–95 %). Wild boars showed an average anti-HEV prevalence of 41 %. HEV RNA was detected in 4/22 (18 %) liver specimens and in 1/22 (4.5 %) muscle specimens. Most wild boars were tested positive for HEV RNA (3/10; 30 %) and HEV-specific antibodies (7/15; 47 %) in the southwestern part of the district. Hunters preferring this hunting ground had a lower anti-HEV prevalence when gloves were frequently used during disembowelling of wild boars compared to hunters using gloves never or infrequently (age-adjusted PR 0.12; 95 % CI 0.02–0.86). Conclusions Hunters may benefit from wearing gloves when in contact with blood or body fluids of HEV animal reservoirs. Anti-HEV prevalence among the hunters of this study did not significantly differ from that of the general population suggesting that other factors play a major role in the epidemiology of HEV in Germany. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-1199-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Schielke
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany. .,Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology (PAE, German Field Epidemiology Training Programme), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany. .,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - V Ibrahim
- Local Authority Wetteraukreis, Friedberg, Germany.
| | - I Czogiel
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany.
| | - M Faber
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany.
| | - C Schrader
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany.
| | - P Dremsek
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - R G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - R Johne
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu X, Saito M, Sayama Y, Suzuki E, Malbas FF, Galang HO, Furuse Y, Saito M, Li T, Suzuki A, Oshitani H. Seroprevalence and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus in household-raised pig population in the Philippines. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:11. [PMID: 25622684 PMCID: PMC4312430 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a significant public health concern in Asia, and swine is an important source of sporadic HEV infection in human. However, no epidemiological data are available regarding HEV infection among the swine or human population in the Philippines. To assess the HEV infection status among pigs in rural areas, we investigated the molecular characteristics and seroprevalence of HEV among household-raised pigs in San Jose, Tarlac Province, the Philippines. Result Serum and rectal swab samples were collected from 299 pigs aged 2–24 months from 155 households in four barangays (villages) between July 2010 and June 2011. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that 50.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 44.5–56.2%] and 22.9% (95% CI 18.2–28.1%) of pigs tested positive for anti-HEV IgG and IgM, respectively. HEV RNA was detected in the feces of 22 pigs (7.4%, 95% CI 4.7–10.9%). A total of 103 households (66.5%, 95% CI 58.4–73.8%) had at least one pig that tested positive for anti-HEV IgG or IgM or HEV RNA. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM in breeding pig (8–24 months) were higher than that in growing pigs (2–4 months) (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.008, respectively). HEV RNA was more frequently detected in 2–4-month-old pigs (9.2%, 95% CI 5.4–14.6%) than in ≥5-month-old pigs (4.8%, 95% CI 1.1–8.5%) without statistical significance (p = 0.142). HEV RNA showed 0–27.6% nucleotide difference at the partial ORF2 gene among the detected viruses, and a majority of them belonged to subtype 3a (20/22, 90.9%). Conclusion We found a high prevalence of HEV antibodies in the household-raised pig population in rural areas of the Philippines, which indicates the potential risk of HEV infection among local residents. Only genotype 3 of HEV was observed, and genetically diverse strains of HEV were found to be circulating in pigs in this study. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0322-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Liu
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Mariko Saito
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan. .,Tohoku-RITM Collaborating Research Center on Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, RITM compound, FCC, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, 1781, Philippines.
| | - Yusuke Sayama
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Ellie Suzuki
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Fedelino F Malbas
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, FCC, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, 1781, Philippines.
| | - Hazel O Galang
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, FCC, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, 1781, Philippines.
| | - Yuki Furuse
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Mayuko Saito
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Tiancheng Li
- Depatment of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-7-1Gakuen, Musashimurayama-shi, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Oshitani
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan. .,Tohoku-RITM Collaborating Research Center on Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, RITM compound, FCC, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, 1781, Philippines.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Forero JE, Parra JE, López A. DETECCIÓN DEL GENOMA DEL VIRUS DE LA HEPAITIS E (VHE) EN MUESTRAS DE HECES DE CERDOS EN PLANTAS DE BENEFICIO DE ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y DE ZOOTECNIA 2014. [DOI: 10.15446/rfmvz.v61n3.46868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
|
28
|
Johne R, Dremsek P, Reetz J, Heckel G, Hess M, Ulrich RG. Hepeviridae: an expanding family of vertebrate viruses. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 27:212-29. [PMID: 25050488 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) was first identified in 1990, although hepatitis E-like diseases in humans have been recorded for a long time dating back to the 18th century. The HEV genotypes 1-4 have been subsequently detected in human hepatitis E cases with different geographical distribution and different modes of transmission. Genotypes 3 and 4 have been identified in parallel in pigs, wild boars and other animal species and their zoonotic potential has been confirmed. Until 2010, these genotypes along with avian HEV strains infecting chicken were the only known representatives of the family Hepeviridae. Thereafter, additional HEV-related viruses have been detected in wild boars, distinct HEV-like viruses were identified in rats, rabbit, ferret, mink, fox, bats and moose, and a distantly related agent was described from closely related salmonid fish. This review summarizes the characteristics of the so far known HEV-like viruses, their phylogenetic relationship, host association and proposed involvement in diseases. Based on the reviewed knowledge, a suggestion for a new taxonomic grouping scheme of the viruses within the family Hepeviridae is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reimar Johne
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Dremsek
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jochen Reetz
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerald Heckel
- University of Bern, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Bern, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Genopode, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Thiry D, Mauroy A, Saegerman C, Thomas I, Wautier M, Miry C, Czaplicki G, Berkvens D, Praet N, van der Poel W, Cariolet R, Brochier B, Thiry E. Estimation of hepatitis E virus (HEV) pig seroprevalence using ELISA and Western blot and comparison between human and pig HEV sequences in Belgium. Vet Microbiol 2014; 172:407-14. [PMID: 24975642 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is of special concern, particularly in high income countries were waterborne infections are less frequent than in developing countries. High HEV seroprevalences can be found in European pig populations. The aims of this study were to obtain prevalence data on HEV infection in swine in Belgium and to phylogenetically compare Belgian human HEV sequences with those obtained from swine. An ELISA screening prevalence of 73% (95% CI 68.8-77.5) was determined in Belgian pigs and a part of the results were re-evaluated by Western blot (WB). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed and scenarios varying the ELISA specificity relative to WB were analysed. The seroprevalences estimated by the different scenarios ranged between 69 and 81% and are in agreement with the high exposure of the European pig population to HEV. Pig HEV sequences were genetically compared to those detected in humans in Belgium and a predominance of genotype 3 subtype f was shown in both swine and humans. The high HEV seroprevalence in swine and the close phylogenetic relationships between pig and human HEV sequences further support the risk for zoonotic transmission of HEV between humans and pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damien Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Axel Mauroy
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULg), Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Thomas
- National Reference Centre for Hepatitis viruses, Viral Diseases, Operational Directorate Communicable and Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magali Wautier
- National Reference Centre for Hepatitis viruses, Viral Diseases, Operational Directorate Communicable and Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cora Miry
- Veterinary Pathology, Dierengezondheidszorg Vlaanderen, B-8820 Torhout, Belgium
| | - Guy Czaplicki
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Agency for Animal Health and Identification, B-4431 Loncin, Belgium
| | - Dirk Berkvens
- Unit of Veterinary Helminthology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Praet
- Unit of Veterinary Helminthology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim van der Poel
- Division Virology, Central Veterinary Institute, Wageningen University Research, NL-8200 AB Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Cariolet
- Department of Production of Specific Pathogen-Free Decontaminated Pigs and Experimentation, Ploufragan/Plouzané Laboratory, Anses, BP 53, F-22440 Ploufragan, France
| | - Bernard Brochier
- National Reference Centre for Hepatitis viruses, Viral Diseases, Operational Directorate Communicable and Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in humans living in high pig density areas of Germany. Med Microbiol Immunol 2014; 203:273-82. [PMID: 24744181 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-014-0336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An increase in acute autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections has been recorded in Germany. These are suspected to be zoonotically transmitted from wild boar, deer and domestic pig. The latter may represent a major reservoir for HEV. In this study, 537 sera from humans living in Westphalia and Lower Saxony, representing areas of high pig density in Germany, were tested for the presence of HEV-specific antibodies. Among them were 302 individuals with occupational, direct contact to pigs and 235 individuals without direct contact to pigs. Two commercial tests and one in-house assay were applied for the detection of HEV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Sera were also tested in an assay that detects all classes of HEV-specific antibodies. Depending on the test used, the seroprevalence ranged from 4.1 to 27.9 %. Exposition to pigs was found to be associated with a significantly higher seroprevalence in subjects with contact to pigs (13.2-32.8 %) compared with that in non-exposed humans (7.7-21.7 %). In particular, individuals younger than 40 years with occupational exposure exhibited a markedly higher HEV seroprevalence compared with non-exposed individuals of that age group. In general, HEV seroprevalence increased with age resulting in a similar prevalence level in the age group of ≥ 50 years for exposed and non-exposed individuals. Analysis of all sera by a commercial anti-HEV IgM ELISA revealed 35 positive and 25 borderline samples. However, only one positive serum could be confirmed by an IgM line assay. Selected samples from IgM and/or IgG as well as total HEV antibody-positive individuals were also tested for the presence of HEV RNA. In one of the 78 samples, the only IgM ELISA positive and IgM line assay confirmed sample, RNA of HEV genotype 3 was detected. This sequence has high similarity to HEV sequences obtained from wild boars and domestic pigs from Germany and The Netherlands. This study demonstrates that in addition to the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, direct contact to pigs has to be considered as an additional risk factor for HEV infection.
Collapse
|
31
|
Larska M, Krzysiak MK, Jabłoński A, Kęsik J, Bednarski M, Rola J. Hepatitis E Virus Antibody Prevalence in Wildlife in Poland. Zoonoses Public Health 2014; 62:105-10. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Larska
- Department of Virology; National Veterinary Research Institute; Puławy Poland
| | - M. K. Krzysiak
- European Bison Breeding Center; Białowieża National Park; Białowieża Poland
| | - A. Jabłoński
- Department of Swine Diseases; National Veterinary Research Institute; Puławy Poland
| | - J. Kęsik
- Department of Virology; National Veterinary Research Institute; Puławy Poland
| | - M. Bednarski
- Department of Epizootiology with Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals; The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Wrocław Poland
| | - J. Rola
- Department of Virology; National Veterinary Research Institute; Puławy Poland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Burri C, Vial F, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Schwermer H, Darling K, Reist M, Wu N, Beerli O, Schöning J, Cavassini M, Waldvogel A. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in domestic pigs and wild boars in Switzerland. Zoonoses Public Health 2014; 61:537-44. [PMID: 24499160 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is considered an emerging human viral disease in industrialized countries. Studies from Switzerland report a human seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) of 2.6-21%, a range lower than in adjacent European countries. The aim of this study was to determine whether HEV seroprevalence in domestic pigs and wild boars is also lower in Switzerland and whether it is increasing and thus indicating that this zoonotic viral infection is emerging. Serum samples collected from 2,001 pigs in 2006 and 2011 and from 303 wild boars from 2008 to 2012 were analysed by ELISA for the presence of HEV-specific antibodies. Overall HEV seroprevalence was 58.1% in domestic pigs and 12.5% in wild boars. Prevalence in domestic pigs was significantly higher in 2006 than in 2011. In conclusion, HEV seroprevalence in domestic pigs and wild boars in Switzerland is comparable with the seroprevalence in other countries and not increasing. Therefore, prevalence of HEV in humans must be related to other factors than prevalence in pigs or wild boars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Burri
- Biology Institute, Eco-epidemiology Laboratory, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dreier J, Juhl D. Autochthonous hepatitis e virus infections: a new transfusion-associated risk? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 41:29-39. [PMID: 24659945 DOI: 10.1159/000357098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been recognized since 2004 as a transfusion-transmissible infectious agent, and recent epidemiological data suggest that it may pose a safety threat to the blood supply. It has recently become obvious that hepatitis E is endemic in industrialized countries, and that more infections are autochthonous than travel-associated. Epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis suggests that HEV infection has to be considered as a zoonosis and that viral transmission from animals (pigs, wild animals) occurs through food or direct contact. The seroprevalence and incidence of HEV in the general population and blood donors in European countries indicate an underestimated risk for transfusion transmissions. Recently reported cases of transfusion transmission of HEV infection, and detection of viremic, asymptomatic blood donors in nucleic acid amplification technique screening programs give an indication of the importance of this virus. Diagnostic assays for detection of anti-HEV antibodies, HEV antigens and RNA are discussed. Recent studies support the idea that active immunization can prevent hepatitis E, highlighting the need for vaccination programs. Here we review current knowledge of HEV and its epidemiology, blood transmission and prevention of this disease with emphasis on blood supply.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Dreier
- Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - David Juhl
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Machnowska P, Ellerbroek L, Johne R. Detection and characterization of potentially zoonotic viruses in faeces of pigs at slaughter in Germany. Vet Microbiol 2013; 168:60-8. [PMID: 24247020 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pigs can harbour a variety of viruses in their gastrointestinal tract. Some of them are closely related to human viruses and are therefore suspected to have a zoonotic potential. Only little is known about the presence of those viruses in pigs at slaughter. However, by contamination of meat with zoonotic viruses during the slaughtering process, food-borne transmission to humans may be possible. Here we analyzed 120 faecal samples of pigs at slaughter from 3 different geographical regions of Germany for the presence of astrovirus (AstV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII) and group A rotavirus (GARV). Using real-time RT-PCR, the most frequently detected virus was AstV, which was present in 20.8% of the samples, followed by NoV GII with a detection rate of 14.2%. EMCV, HEV and GARV were found only occasionally with detection rates of 4.2%, 2.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Analyses of partial genome sequences of the viruses indicated that the detected AstV and NoV GII mainly represented typical pig virus strains, which have not been detected in humans so far. However, the GARV and HEV strains were more closely related to human strains. The results indicate that enteric viruses, some of them with zoonotic potential, are present in pig faeces at slaughter. Application of good hygiene practice is necessary to minimize the risk of introducing these viruses into the food and to prevent virus transmission to highly exposed persons such as slaughterers and veterinarians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Machnowska
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lüppo Ellerbroek
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - Reimar Johne
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Krumbholz A, Joel S, Neubert A, Dremsek P, Dürrwald R, Johne R, Hlinak A, Walther M, Lange J, Wutzler P, Sauerbrei A, Ulrich RG, Zell R. Age-related and regional differences in the prevalence of hepatitis E virus-specific antibodies in pigs in Germany. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:394-402. [PMID: 24238666 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of acute autochthonous human hepatitis E virus (HEV)-infections was noticed in Germany and other developed countries, most likely the result of a zoonotic virus transmission from pig, wild boar and deer. Currently there is still a lack of profound data concerning the actual prevalence of HEV-specific antibodies in domestic pig herds in Germany, in particular for regions with high pig density, and its age-dependency. 2273 domestic pig sera were collected in 2011 mainly from Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony from areas having a high pig density. Initially, 420 randomly selected pig sera were tested in three commercially available and in two in-house HEV-antibody ELISAs. 43.6% (183/420) to 65.5% (275/420) of the sera were demonstrated to be reactive against human pathogenic HEV genotypes 1 and/or 3. The majority of sera reacted only weakly or not at all with the rat HEV antigen with very few sera showing a stronger reactivity to this antigen compared to the genotype 3 antigen. The results of all three HEV-IgG tests, i.e. the PrioCHECK(®) HEV Ab porcine ELISA kit, the ID Screen(®) Hepatitis E Indirect Multi-species ELISA kit and the genotype 3 in-house ELISA were in good accordance. Therefore, the remaining sera were tested using the PrioCHECK(®) HEV Ab porcine ELISA kit. Samples with a borderline result were finally determined by application of the conjugate-modified recomLine HEV IgG assay. A total of 1065 of the 2273 sera (46.9%) were found to be anti-HEV IgG-positive. While 38.4% (306/796) of fatteners (age between 3 and 9 months) exhibited HEV-specific antibodies, 51.4% (759/1477) of sows (age older than 9 months) exhibited anti-HEV antibodies (P<0.001). Fatteners kept in Southern Germany had a significantly higher HEV IgG prevalence compared to fatteners kept in the high pig density federal states North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony but also in German federal states with a low pig density. In conclusion, the present study clearly demonstrates that a high percentage of domestic pigs in Germany have had contact with HEV. Seroprevalence depends on the pig's age and herd origin with the most significant regional variations for fatteners. The presence of anti-HEV-free herds may indicate that it is feasible to establish and sustain HEV-free pig herds. HEV seroprevalence still depends on the assay used for testing. This demonstrates an urgent need for test validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andi Krumbholz
- Institute for Infection Medicine, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany; Department of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07740 Jena, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Baechlein C, Meemken D, Pezzoni G, Engemann C, Grummer B. Expression of a truncated hepatitis E virus capsid protein in the protozoan organism Leishmania tarentolae and its application in a serological assay. J Virol Methods 2013; 193:238-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
37
|
Owolodun OA, Giménez-Lirola LG, Gerber PF, Sanford BJ, Feagins AR, Meng XJ, Halbur PG, Opriessnig T. Development of a fluorescent microbead-based immunoassay for the detection of hepatitis E virus IgG antibodies in pigs and comparison to an enzyme-linked immunoassay. J Virol Methods 2013; 193:278-83. [PMID: 23773809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Swine hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic virus and pigs are considered as an important reservoir. Swine HEV infection is widespread and most pig herds are infected. Humans can be infected with swine HEV via consumption of undercooked pork or through direct contact with infected pigs. To minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission, sensitive tools to assess the HEV infection status of pigs and pork products are needed. The objective of this study was to develop a fluorescent microbead-based immunoassay (FMIA) for the detection of IgG antibodies against swine HEV and compare it to an in-house enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Three sets of samples were utilized: (A) samples from pigs infected experimentally with different strains of HEV (positive controls, n=72), (B) samples from known HEV-negative pigs (negative controls, n=62) and (C) samples from pigs of unknown HEV infection status (n=182). All samples were tested by both ELISA and FMIA. The results on the experimental samples with known HEV exposure indicate that both assays have a specificity of 100% while the sensitivity ranges from 84.6% (ELISA) to 92.3% (FMIA). The overall prevalence of HEV IgG antibodies in field samples from pigs with unknown HEV exposure was 21.9% (40/182) for the ELISA and 21.4% (39/182) for the FMIA. The two assays had an almost perfect overall agreement (Kappa=0.92).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olajide A Owolodun
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Applied Molecular Biology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dremsek P, Joel S, Baechlein C, Pavio N, Schielke A, Ziller M, Dürrwald R, Renner C, Groschup MH, Johne R, Krumbholz A, Ulrich RG. Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence of domestic pigs in Germany determined by a novel in-house and two reference ELISAs. J Virol Methods 2013; 190:11-6. [PMID: 23523888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections by zoonotic transmission of genotype 3 (GT3) have been reported increasingly from industrialized countries. In this paper the development and validation of an IgG ELISA for the detection of HEV-specific antibodies in domestic pigs is described. Comparison of the diagnostic value of Escherichia coli-expressed HEV-GT3 capsid protein (CP) derivatives revealed a carboxy-terminal derivative as most suitable. Validation of the in-house assay using a commercially available IgG ELISA revealed a high diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. The average HEV seroprevalence of domestic pigs from Germany and the federal state Baden-Wuerttemberg determined by the in-house test was 42.7% and 50.3%, respectively. The seroprevalence in different districts of Baden-Wuerttemberg ranged from 34.9% to 60%, but from 0% to 100% between different herds. These data were compared to those achieved by two commercially available ELISA kits and an in-house ratHEV-based ELISA. In conclusion, the CP-based in-house test proved sensitive and specific, indicating that the ORF3-encoded protein might be dispensable for diagnostics. The novel assay also allowed a parallel analysis by a homologous ratHEV-derived antigen. Thus, the novel IgG ELISA represents a useful tool for future standardized seroprevalence studies in domestic pigs from Germany and other regions of Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dremsek
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Gauss A, Wenzel JJ, Flechtenmacher C, Navid MH, Eisenbach C, Jilg W, Stremmel W, Schnitzler P. Chronic hepatitis E virus infection in a patient with leukemia and elevated transaminases: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2012; 6:334. [PMID: 23031738 PMCID: PMC3485110 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-6-334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute hepatitis E virus infection may cause mild, self-limiting hepatitis, either as epidemic outbreaks or sporadic cases, the latter of which have been reported in industrialized countries. Chronic infections are uncommon and have been reported in immunosuppressed patients, patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, and patients with hematological malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION A 46-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to the gastroenterology clinic with a history of increasing transaminases, persistent exhaustion, and occasional right-side abdominal pain over the course of a 6-month period. B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia had been diagnosed several years earlier, and the patient was treated with rituximab, pentostatin, and cyclophosphamide. A diagnostic workup ruled out autoimmune and metabolic liver disease, hepatitis A-C, and herpes virus infection. A physical examination revealed enlarged axillary lymph nodes. The results of an abdominal ultrasound examination were otherwise unremarkable. Hepatitis E virus infection was diagnosed by detection of hepatitis E virus-specific antibodies. Blood samples were positive for hepatitis E virus ribonucleic acid with high viral loads for at least 8 months, demonstrating a rare chronic hepatitis E virus infection. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed hepatitis E virus genotype 3c with homologies to other European isolates from humans and swine, indicating an autochthonous infection. CONCLUSIONS Usually, hepatitis E virus infection appears as an acute infection; rare chronic infections have been reported for transplant patients, patients with human immunodeficiency virus, and patients with hematological malignancies. The chronic nature of hepatitis E infection in our patient was most likely induced by the immunosuppressive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment. The differential diagnosis in patients with unexplained hepatitis should include hepatitis E virus infection, and appropriate laboratory analyses should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Gauss
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wacheck S, Sarno E, Märtlbauer E, Zweifel C, Stephan R. Seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus and anti-Salmonella antibodies in pigs at slaughter in Switzerland. J Food Prot 2012; 75:1483-5. [PMID: 22856574 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-12-058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Salmonella bacteria are zoonotic pathogens that can be acquired by foodborne transmission because food animals, for example pigs, are recognized as a reservoir. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-Salmonella antibodies from healthy pigs at slaughter in Switzerland, a country with a good health status of pig herds (e.g., eradication of enzootic pneumonia) compared with those of many countries in the European Union, and a rate of importation of live pigs that is very low (<1%). Based on pooled (diaphragm muscles from 3 to 5 animals per producer) meat juice samples, 120 (60%) of 200 and 8 (4%) of 200 samples were positive for anti-HEV IgG and anti-Salmonella antibodies, respectively. HEV seems to be highly prevalent among fattening pigs in Switzerland, whereas the low seroprevalence of anti-Salmonella IgG has not changed in recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Wacheck
- Institute of Food Science, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wacheck S, Werres C, Mohn U, Dorn S, Soutschek E, Fredriksson-Ahomaa M, Märtlbauer E. Detection of IgM and IgG against hepatitis E virus in serum and meat juice samples from pigs at slaughter in Bavaria, Germany. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2012; 9:655-60. [PMID: 22690762 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2012.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging foodborne pathogen with domestic and wild pigs (and likely other species such as deer or rabbits) recognized as reservoir. Pathogenesis in pigs usually leads to an asymptomatic course of disease. Since there is no enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for the detection of anti-HEV antibodies in pigs commercially available, the objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence in fattening pigs at slaughter and at herd level using a newly developed ELISA based on genotype (GT) 1 and GT 3 in Bavaria, Germany. Based on 516 serum and 198 meat juice samples collected from different herds at four different Bavarian slaughterhouses, the overall seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG in serum and meat juice samples was 68.6% and 67.6%, respectively. Analyzing the serum for the presence of anti-HEV IgM, 36/516 (7%) were positive for anti-HEV IgM. At herd level, most of the herds were seropositive for anti-HEV antibodies. The present study shows that HEV is widespread among the Bavarian pig population and that some pigs might test positive for anti-HEV IgM even at the age of slaughter. Also, meat juice serves as an equivalent matrix to serum to test for anti-HEV antibodies in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Wacheck
- Institute of Food Science, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Characterization of hepatitis E virus recombinant ORF2 proteins expressed by vaccinia viruses. J Virol 2012; 86:7880-6. [PMID: 22593167 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00610-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an enterically transmitted pathogen, is one of the major causes of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide, being responsible for outbreaks and epidemics in regions with suboptimal sanitary conditions, in many of which it is endemic. In industrialized countries, hepatitis E is rarely reported, but recent studies have revealed quite high human seroprevalence rates and the possibility of porcine zoonotic transmission. There is currently no specific therapy or licensed vaccine against HEV infection, and little is known about its intracellular growth cycle, as until very recently no efficient cell culture system has been available. In the present study, vaccinia viruses have been used to express recombinant HEV ORF2 proteins, allowing the study of their glycosylation patterns and subcellular localization. Furthermore, the expressed proteins have been shown to be good antigens for diagnostic purposes and to elicit high and long-lasting specific anti-HEV titers of antibodies in mice that are passively transferred to the offspring by both transplacental and lactation routes.
Collapse
|
43
|
Koenecke C, Pischke S, Heim A, Raggub L, Bremer B, Raupach R, Buchholz S, Schulz T, Manns M, Ganser A, Wedemeyer H. Chronic hepatitis E in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients in a low-endemic country? Transpl Infect Dis 2011; 14:103-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2011.00702.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Koenecke
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - S. Pischke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - A. Heim
- Institute of Virology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - L. Raggub
- Institute of Virology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - B. Bremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - R. Raupach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - S. Buchholz
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - T. Schulz
- Institute of Virology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - M.P. Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - A. Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| | - H. Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover; Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Schielke A, Filter M, Appel B, Johne R. Thermal stability of hepatitis E virus assessed by a molecular biological approach. Virol J 2011; 8:487. [PMID: 22040359 PMCID: PMC3215939 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a pathogen of emerging concern in industrialized countries. The consumption of wild boar meat has been identified as one risk factor for autochthonous HEV infections. Only limited information is available about thermal stability of HEV, mainly due to the lack of rapid and efficient cell culture systems for measurement of HEV infectivity. Methods A molecular biological method was implemented in order to distinguish disassembled from intact viral particles using RNase treatment followed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The method was applied to a wild boar liver suspension containing HEV genotype 3. Results Time-course analyses indicated that the decline of protected RNA could be described by a biphasic model with an initial decrease followed by a stationary phase. The stationary phase was reached after 1 hour at 4°C, 3 days at 22°C and 7 days at 37°C with log reductions of 0.34, 0.45 and 1.24, respectively. Protected RNA was detectable until the end of the experiments at day 50 or 70. Heat exposure for 1 minute resulted in a log reduction of 0.48 at 70°C and increased with higher temperatures to 3.67 at 95°C. Although HEV infectivity titration by inoculation of the liver suspension onto three cell lines did not succeed, the results of the RNase-based method are in accordance with published cell culture-based data. Conclusions Measurement of intact viral particles using the RNase-based method may provide data on the stability of RNA viruses when cell culture-based infectivity titrations are not efficient or not available. The method enables processing of large sample numbers and may be suitable to estimate stability of HEV in different types of food.
Collapse
|
45
|
Hepatitis E: are psychiatric patients on special risk? Med Microbiol Immunol 2011; 201:171-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-011-0218-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
46
|
Krumbholz A, Mohn U, Lange J, Motz M, Wenzel JJ, Jilg W, Walther M, Straube E, Wutzler P, Zell R. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus-specific antibodies in humans with occupational exposure to pigs. Med Microbiol Immunol 2011; 201:239-44. [PMID: 21773797 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-011-0210-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing number of non-travel-associated hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections observed in several industrialised countries including Germany, there is a substantial interest in the characterisation of risk factors and transmission routes relevant to autochthonous HEV infections. Autochthonous cases are believed to be the result of a zoonotic HEV transmission from pigs, wild boars and deer. Recently, a high prevalence of HEV-specific antibodies in the German domestic pig population has been demonstrated. Thus, one may assume a higher prevalence of HEV-specific antibodies in humans with occupational exposure to pigs. In this study, sera obtained from 24 slaughterers, 14 meat inspectors, 46 pig farmers and 22 veterinarians were tested for the presence of HEV-specific antibodies using a line immunoassay. For comparison, sera obtained from 116 age- and gender-matched blood donors were also included. Twenty eight per cent (28.3%; 30/106) of the swine-exposed humans and 15.5% (18/116) of the blood donors without contact to pigs exhibited IgG-antibodies determined as reactive (i.e. borderline or positive) against HEV. Thus, an increased risk of HEV infection in humans occupationally exposed to pigs and particularly for slaughterers (41.7%; 10/24) was demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andi Krumbholz
- Department of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wenzel JJ, Preiss J, Schemmerer M, Huber B, Plentz A, Jilg W. Detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) from porcine livers in Southeastern Germany and high sequence homology to human HEV isolates. J Clin Virol 2011; 52:50-4. [PMID: 21742549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been identified as an emerging cause of infectious hepatitis over the last years in developed countries. In contrast to travel associated hepatitis E, zoonotic sources of infection are suspected for autochthonous cases in Europe. OBJECTIVE Since pigs are known reservoirs of HEV, we tested porcine livers sold as food in Southeastern Germany for the presence of hepatitis E virus RNA. STUDY DESIGN We purchased 200 porcine liver samples in 81 butcher shops and grocery stores in Regensburg, Germany. Nucleic acid preparations were tested for the presence of HEV RNA by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). HEV isolates from positive samples were characterized by partial sequencing of ORF1 and ORF2 regions in the HEV genome and by phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Specimens from eight (4%) of 200 purchased pig livers had detectable HEV RNA amounts. Sequence determination and phylogenetic analysis allowed two novel isolates to be classified as HEV genotype 3, subgenotype 3a (swR437) and 3c (swR269), respectively. Both novel swine HEV isolates showed high sequence homology to isolates obtained from patients with acute HEV infection from the same geographic region. CONCLUSIONS These results support the suggested role of undercooked pig products in food as a source of zoonotic HEV infection for humans. It remains to be clarified if this mechanism of transmission is responsible for the surprisingly high anti-HEV IgG prevalence recently observed in some European countries and the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen J Wenzel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Serological diagnostics of hepatitis E virus infection. Virus Res 2011; 161:84-92. [PMID: 21704091 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of accurate diagnostic assays for the detection of serological markers of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection remains challenging. In the course of nearly 20 years after the discovery of HEV, significant progress has been made in characterizing the antigenic structure of HEV proteins, engineering highly immunoreactive diagnostic antigens, and devising efficient serological assays. However, many outstanding issues related to sensitivity and specificity of these assays in clinical and epidemiological settings remain to be resolved. Complexity of antigenic composition, viral genetic heterogeneity and varying epidemiological patterns of hepatitis E in different parts of the world present challenges to the refinement of HEV serological diagnostic assays. Development of antigens specially designed for the identification of serological markers specific to acute infection and of IgG anti-HEV specific to the convalescent phase of infection would greatly facilitate accurate identification of active, recent and past HEV infections.
Collapse
|
49
|
Utsumi T, Hayashi Y, Lusida MI, Amin M, Hendra A, Yano Y, Hotta H. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus among swine and humans in two different ethnic communities in Indonesia. Arch Virol 2010; 156:689-93. [PMID: 21191625 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-010-0883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in swine and humans in different environments in Java and Bali, Indonesia. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in people over 20 years old living in communities in Bali was significantly higher than that in Java. While 68.8% and 90.0% of swine in Bali were anti-HEV positive at 1 and 2 months of age, respectively, swine in Java were at significantly lower risk of HEV infection by the age of 2 months. Our present data suggest that substantial differences in swine-breeding conditions and human living environments affect the rate of HEV infection in humans and swine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takako Utsumi
- Indonesia-Japan Collaborative Research Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in humans, pigs and wild boars in Sweden. Epidemiol Infect 2010; 139:361-71. [PMID: 20546635 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268810001342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E infections in humans are usually acquired in endemic countries in Asia or Africa. In Sweden 17 cases infected in Europe, between 1993 and 2009, were identified. All had clinical hepatitis E with unknown source of infection. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was identified in faecal samples from 63 piglets in 12 pig farms in Sweden. HEV was also identified in blood from 13 out of 159 investigated Swedish wild boars from nine counties. Partial HEV genomes from humans, pigs and wild boars were sequenced and compared by phylogeny. The results showed close relatedness between HEV strains from piglets from the same farm and from wild boars from the same county. HEV strains from humans showed relatedness with strains from pigs and wild boars from the same county. This study showed that HEV strains form geographical clusters in the phylogenetic tree. The methods used in this study may thus be used for tracing the origin of an infecting strain. Furthermore, this study indicated that there are endemic sources of human HEV infections in Sweden.
Collapse
|