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Nardini R, Pacchiarotti G, Svicher V, Salpini R, Bellocchi MC, Conti R, Sala MG, La Rocca D, Carioti L, Cersini A, Manna G, Scicluna MT. First National Prevalence in Italian Horse Population and Phylogenesis Highlight a Fourth Sub-Type Candidate of Equine Hepacivirus. Viruses 2024; 16:616. [PMID: 38675957 PMCID: PMC11054338 DOI: 10.3390/v16040616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV, Flaviviridae, hepacivirus) is a small, enveloped RNA virus generally causing sub-clinical hepatitis with occasional fatalities. EqHV is reported in equids worldwide, but for Italy data are limited. To address this, a survey study was set up to estimate prevalence at a national level and among different production categories (equestrian; competition; work and meat; reproduction) and national macro-regions (North, Central, South, and Islands). Data obtained testing 1801 horse serum samples by Real-Time RT PCR were compared within the categories and regions. The NS3 fragment of the PCR-positive samples was sequenced by Sanger protocol for phylogenetic and mutational analysis. The tertiary structure of the NS3 protein was also assessed. The estimated national prevalence was 4.27% [1.97-6.59, 95% CI] and no statistical differences were detected among production categories and macro-regions. The phylogenesis confirmed the distribution in Italy of the three known EqHV subtypes, also suggesting a possible fourth sub-type that, however, requires further confirmation. Mutational profiles that could also affect the NS3 binding affinity to the viral RNA were detected. The present paper demonstrates that EqHV should be included in diagnostic protocols when investigating causes of hepatitis, and in quality control protocols for blood derived products due to its parental transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giulia Pacchiarotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Maria Concetta Bellocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Raffaella Conti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Marcello Giovanni Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Davide La Rocca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | | | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
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Pacchiarotti G, Nardini R, Scicluna MT. Equine Hepacivirus: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of Serological and Biomolecular Prevalence and a Phylogenetic Update. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2486. [PMID: 36230228 PMCID: PMC9558973 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis has recently assumed relevance for equine veterinary medicine since a variety of new viruses have been discovered. Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family that can cause subclinical hepatitis in horses, occasionally evolving into a chronic disease. EqHV, to date, is considered the closest known relative of human HCV. EqHV has been reported worldwide therefore assessing its features is relevant, considering both the wide use of blood products and transfusions in veterinary therapies and its similitude to HCV. The present review resumes the actual knowledge on EqHV epidemiology, risk factors and immunology, together with potential diagnostics and good practices for prevention. Moreover, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews a meta-analysis of serological and biomolecular prevalence and an updated phylogenetic description is presented as a benchmark for further studies.
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A Highly Divergent Hepacivirus Identified in Domestic Ducks Further Reveals the Genetic Diversity of Hepaciviruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020371. [PMID: 35215964 PMCID: PMC8879383 DOI: 10.3390/v14020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepaciviruses represent a group of viruses that pose a significant threat to the health of humans and animals. During the last decade, new members of the genus Hepacivirus have been identified in various host species worldwide, indicating the widespread distribution of genetically diversified hepaciviruses among animals. By applying unbiased high-throughput sequencing, a novel hepacivirus, provisionally designated Hepacivirus Q, was discovered in duck liver samples collected in Guangdong province of China. Genetic analysis revealed that the complete polyprotein of Hepacivirus Q shares 23.9–46.6% amino acid identity with other representatives of the genus Hepacivirus. Considering the species demarcation criteria for hepaciviruses, Hepacivirus Q should be regarded as a novel hepacivirus species of the genus Hepacivirus within the family Flaviviridae. Phylogenetic analyses also indicate the large genetic distance between Hepacivirus Q and other known hepaciviruses. Molecular detection of this novel hepacivirus showed an overall prevalence of 15.9% in duck populations in partial areas of Guangdong province. These results expand knowledge about the genetic diversity and evolution of hepaciviruses and indicate that genetically divergent hepaciviruses are circulating in duck populations in China.
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Chen Y, Cai S, Zhang Y, Lai Z, Zhong L, Sun X, Li S, Lu G. First identification and genomic characterization of equine hepacivirus subtype 2 in China. Arch Virol 2021; 166:3221-3224. [PMID: 34515865 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is a newly discovered hepatitis C virus-like virus that can infect equines. EqHV strains circulating worldwide have been classified into subtypes 1-3. In previous studies, we detected the presence of EqHV strains of subtype 1 and 3 in China. To determine whether EqHV strains of subtype 2 are prevalent in China, serum samples were collected from 133 racehorses in Guangdong province in 2021 and were tested for EqHV RNA by RT-PCR, and the positive rate was 9% (12/133). Sequencing of the NS3 gene revealed that one field strain (GD2021) had a high degree of genetic similarity to EqHV strains of subtype 2. Subsequent genome sequencing and analysis demonstrated that strain GD2021 belongs to subtype 2. The present study enriches our knowledge about the genetic diversity of EqHV in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of animal science and technology, Guangdong polytechnic of science and trade, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiying Lai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lintao Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingrong Sun
- Daqing Branches of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Daqing, 163316, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Wu L, Ou J, Cai S, Ji J, Ren Z, Shao R, Li S. First identification and genomic characterization of equine hepacivirus sub-type 3 strain in China. Virus Genes 2020; 56:777-780. [PMID: 32964346 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01792-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is a newly discovered equine virus that is classified under the Hepacivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. There are three sub-types of EqHV worldwide namely; sub-types 1-3. The majority of EqHV sub-type 1 strains were found in China. While different sub-types have been found in Japan and USA, therefore, to investigate whether the other sub-types of EqHV strains were present in China, a total of 60 horse serum samples were collected and screened for EqHV RNA through RT-PCR. The results revealed that 19 serum samples were RNA-positive (19/60) and the EqHV detection rate was 31.67%. One EqHV strain named GD23 was obtained and its near-complete genome sequence was acquired. Analysis of nucleotide p-distance with reference to the entire polyprotein gene revealed that GD23 was classified into sub-type 3. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that GD23 was clustered together with EqHV strains of sub-type 3 in other countries. The present study is the first to identify an EqHV sub-type 3 strain in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Ou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhao Ji
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixin Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Novel HCV-Like Virus Detected in Avian Livers in Southern China and Its Implications for Natural Recombination Events. Virol Sin 2020; 36:149-151. [PMID: 32617899 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Elia G, Caringella F, Lanave G, Martella V, Losurdo M, Tittarelli M, Colitti B, Decaro N, Buonavoglia C. Genetic heterogeneity of bovine hepacivirus in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2731-2740. [PMID: 32426936 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viruses similar to human hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Hepacivirus genus have been identified in several animal hosts, including cattle. Since its first discovery in Germany, bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) has been described in several countries globally. However, limited data are available on BovHepV epidemiology and genetic variability. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of BovHepV in Italy. Viral RNA was identified in 37 (0.15%) of 24,820 bovine sera, with titres ranging from 1.09 × 103 to 8.27 × 106 RNA copies/ml. Upon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 5'UTR and NS3 genomic portions, the Italian BovHepV strains segregated into at least four distinct subtypes (A, B, C and F) that are also co-circulating globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Elia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | | | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Michele Losurdo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Manuela Tittarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Colitti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco (Torino), Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Canio Buonavoglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
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Presence of a Novel Subtype of Bovine Hepacivirus in China and Expanded Classification of Bovine Hepacivirus Strains Worldwide into 7 Subtypes. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090843. [PMID: 31514278 PMCID: PMC6784114 DOI: 10.3390/v11090843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The newest member of the Hepacivirus genus, bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV), was first identified in cattle in 2015 and is a novel hepacivirus C virus (HCV)-like virus. This virus has been detected in five countries so far and is classified into four subtypes. Bovine serum is commonly used for cell cultures and is considered the major source of viral contamination of pharmaceutical products. In this study, bovine serum samples were collected from seven countries located in Asia, America, Oceania, and Europe and were tested for BovHepV RNA using nested PCR, in order to: (i) obtain more knowledge on the geographical distribution and subtypes of BovHepV; and (ii) detect the potential contamination of BovHepV in commercial bovine serum samples used for cell culture propagation. The results demonstrated that bovine serum samples from individual donor cattle in China contained BovHepV RNA. After PCR, sequencing, and assembly, the genomes of the Chinese BovHepV strains were obtained. Genetic analysis of the polyprotein gene revealed a protein identity of <77% and a nucleotide identity of <85% between the Chinese BovHepV strains and all other previously reported BovHepV strains. Using cut-off values for determination of HCV genotypes and subtypes, BovHepV strains worldwide were classified into one unique genotype and seven subtypes. The BovHepV strains identified in the present study were classified into a novel subtype, which was provisionally designated subtype G. The genetic relationships among the different BovHepV subtypes were further confirmed through phylogenetic analysis. The present study provides critical insights into BovHepV’s geographical distribution and genetic variability.
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