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Letafati A, Taghiabadi Z, Roushanzamir M, Memarpour B, Seyedi S, Farahani AV, Norouzi M, Karamian S, Zebardast A, Mehrabinia M, Ardekani OS, Fallah T, Khazry F, Daneshvar SF, Norouzi M. From discovery to treatment: tracing the path of hepatitis E virus. Virol J 2024; 21:194. [PMID: 39180020 PMCID: PMC11342613 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02470-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. HEV is classified into eight genotypes, labeled HEV-1 through HEV-8. Genotypes 1 and 2 exclusively infect humans, while genotypes 3, 4, and 7 can infect both humans and animals. In contrast, genotypes 5, 6, and 8 are restricted to infecting animals. While most individuals with a strong immune system experience a self-limiting infection, those who are immunosuppressed may develop chronic hepatitis. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and mortality due to HEV infection. In addition to liver-related complications, HEV can also cause extrahepatic manifestations, including neurological disorders. The immune response is vital in determining the outcome of HEV infection. Deficiencies in T cells, NK cells, and antibody responses are linked to poor prognosis. Interestingly, HEV itself contains microRNAs that regulate its replication and modify the host's antiviral response. Diagnosis of HEV infection involves the detection of HEV RNA and anti-HEV IgM/IgG antibodies. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment for acute infection, while chronic HEV infection may be cleared with the use of ribavirin and pegylated interferon. Prevention remains the best approach against HEV, focusing on sanitation infrastructure improvements and vaccination, with one vaccine already licensed in China. This comprehensive review provides insights into the spread, genotypes, prevalence, and clinical effects of HEV. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further research and attention to HEV, particularly in cases of acute hepatitis, especially among solid-organ transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Taghiabadi
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Roushanzamir
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Bahar Memarpour
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saba Seyedi
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoomeh Norouzi
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Karamian
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arghavan Zebardast
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Mehrabinia
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Salahi Ardekani
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tina Fallah
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khazry
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samin Fathi Daneshvar
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Norouzi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Borghi M, Pierboni E, Primavilla S, Scoccia E, Costantini C, Suffredini E, Graziani A, Macellari P, Macrì S, Farneti S, Valiani A. Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Game Meat (Wild Boar) Supply Chain in Umbria Region, Central Italy. Foods 2024; 13:2504. [PMID: 39200431 PMCID: PMC11353911 DOI: 10.3390/foods13162504] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Consumption of raw or undercooked wild boar (WB) meat is considered an important risk factor for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in humans. The possibility of HEV contamination during the slaughtering practices may pose an additional risk. Based on these assumptions, we evaluated HEV contamination of WB meat hunted in Umbria (central Italy) during the 2022-2023 hunting season by real-time RT-PCR. Herein, we show that 10.8% of livers from slaughtered WB were positive for HEV RNA, thus providing an estimate of HEV infection in WB in the Umbria region. Then, by evaluating paired liver-muscle samples from both HEV-positive and HEV-negative animals, we found evidence of muscle HEV contamination in 33% and 14% of cases, respectively. This is the first report on the detection of HEV in WB meat in Umbria, an Italian region with diffuse WB hunting and consumption. The evidence of contamination provided by our study underscores the importance of adopting good hygienic practices in the processing stages of hunted WB carcasses to significantly reduce meat contamination and the risk posed for the final consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Borghi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (S.P.); (E.S.); (S.F.); (A.V.)
| | - Elisa Pierboni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (S.P.); (E.S.); (S.F.); (A.V.)
| | - Sara Primavilla
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (S.P.); (E.S.); (S.F.); (A.V.)
| | - Eleonora Scoccia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (S.P.); (E.S.); (S.F.); (A.V.)
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Graziani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology Division, University of Perugia, L. Severi Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Piero Macellari
- Regione Umbria, Direzione Salute e Welfare—Servizio Prevenzione, Sanità Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, 06124 Perugia, Italy; (P.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Salvatore Macrì
- Regione Umbria, Direzione Salute e Welfare—Servizio Prevenzione, Sanità Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, 06124 Perugia, Italy; (P.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvana Farneti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (S.P.); (E.S.); (S.F.); (A.V.)
| | - Andrea Valiani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “T. Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (S.P.); (E.S.); (S.F.); (A.V.)
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3
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Bienz M, Renaud C, Liu JR, Wong P, Pelletier P. Hepatitis E Virus in the United States and Canada: Is It Time to Consider Blood Donation Screening? Transfus Med Rev 2024; 38:150835. [PMID: 39059853 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2024.150835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the world and can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals. HEV is primarily transmitted through eating pork, which has led to an increased in anti-HEV IgG seropositivity in the general population of Europe in particular. However, it can also be transmitted intravenously, such as through transfusions. The growing evidence of HEV contamination of blood products and documented cases of transmission have given rise to practice changes and blood product screening of HEV in many European countries. This review covers the abundant European literature and focuses on the most recent data pertaining to the prevalence of HEV RNA positivity and IgG seropositivity in the North American general population and in blood products from Canada and the United States. Currently, Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration do not require testing of HEV in blood products. For this reason, awareness among blood product prescribers about the possibility of HEV transmission through blood products is crucial. However, we also demonstrate that the province of Quebec has a prevalence of anti-HEV and HEV RNA positivity similar to some European countries. In light of this, we believe that HEV RNA blood donation screening be reevaluated with the availability of more cost-effective assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Bienz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Christian Renaud
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious diseases, and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jia Ru Liu
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philip Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patricia Pelletier
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Dubbert T, Meester M, Smith RP, Tobias TJ, Di Bartolo I, Johne R, Pavoni E, Krumova-Valcheva G, Sassu EL, Prigge C, Aprea G, May H, Althof N, Ianiro G, Żmudzki J, Dimitrova A, Alborali GL, D'Angelantonio D, Scattolini S, Battistelli N, Burow E. Biosecurity measures to control hepatitis E virus on European pig farms. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1328284. [PMID: 38983773 PMCID: PMC11231669 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1328284] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is a prevalent zoonotic pathogen in European pig farms, posing a significant public health risk primarily through the foodborne route. The study aimed to identify effective biosecurity measures for controlling HEV transmission on pig farms, addressing a critical gap in current knowledge. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, fecal samples from gilts, dry sows, and fatteners were collected on 231 pig farms of all farm types across nine European countries. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to test these samples for HEV. Simultaneously, a comprehensive biosecurity questionnaire captured data on various potential measures to control HEV. The dependent variable was HEV risk, categorized as lower or higher based on the percentage of positive pooled fecal samples on each farm (25% cut-off). The data were analyzed using generalized linear models (one for finisher samples and one for all samples) with a logit link function with country and farm type as a priori fixed factors. The results of the final multivariable models identified key biosecurity measures associated with lower HEV risk, which were the use of a hygienogram in the breeding (OR: 0.06, p = 0.001) and/or fattening area after cleaning (OR: 0.21, p = 0.019), the presence of a quarantine area (OR: 0.29, p = 0.025), testing and/or treating purchased feed against Salmonella (OR: 0.35, p = 0.021), the presence of other livestock species on the farm, and having five or fewer persons in charge of the pigs. Contrary to expectations, some biosecurity measures were associated with higher HEV risk, e.g., downtime of 3 days or longer after cleaning in the fattening area (OR: 3.49, p = 0.005) or mandatory handwashing for farm personnel when changing barn sections (OR: 3.4, p = 0.026). This novel study unveils critical insights into biosecurity measures effective in controlling HEV on European pig farms. The identification of both protective and risk-associated measures contributes to improving strategies for managing HEV and underscores the complexity of biosecurity in pig farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamino Dubbert
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Meester
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University (UU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Richard Piers Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Tijs J Tobias
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University (UU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Reimar Johne
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Pavoni
- Food Safety Department, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Gergana Krumova-Valcheva
- National Food Safety Center, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute (NDRVMI), Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Lucia Sassu
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Christopher Prigge
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Aprea
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Hannah May
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Althof
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Jacek Żmudzki
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet), Puławy, Poland
| | - Albena Dimitrova
- National Food Safety Center, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute (NDRVMI), Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Giovanni Loris Alborali
- Food Safety Department, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela D'Angelantonio
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Silvia Scattolini
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Noemi Battistelli
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Elke Burow
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Department for Rural Development and Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection of the State of Brandenburg (MLUK), Potsdam, Germany
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Caballero-Gómez J, Rivero-Juárez A, Cano-Terriza D, Fajardo T, Buono F, Jose-Cunilleras E, García J, Alguacil E, Rivero A, García-Bocanegra I. Epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with Paslahepevirus balayani in equines in Europe. One Health 2023; 17:100619. [PMID: 38024277 PMCID: PMC10665168 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Paslahepevirus balayani (HEV) is an important emerging zoonotic virus in Europe. Although domestic pigs and wild boar are the main reservoirs of this pathogen, susceptibility to this virus has been confirmed in a growing number of animal species, including equines. However, their role in the epidemiology of this virus remains poorly understood. Our aim was to assess HEV circulation and identify potential risk factors associated with exposure in equid species in different European countries. A total of 596 equines, including 496 horses, 63 donkeys and 37 mules/hinnies bred in four European countries (Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Ireland) were sampled. Thirty-three animals (5.5%; 95%CI: 3.7-7.4) had anti-HEV antibodies. Seropositivity was found in 4.6% of horses, 11.1% of donkeys and 8.1% of mules/hinnies tested. By country, 6.3%, 5.4%, 5.0% and 4.0% of the equines sampled in Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Ireland, respectively, were seropositive, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that "species" and "drinking water from ponds and streams" were potential risk factors associated with HEV seropositivity in equines in Europe. HEV RNA was not detected in any (0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0-1.8) of the 202 equines tested. Our results provide evidence of a low, spatially homogeneous and widespread viral circulation that is not equal across species in equid populations in the European countries analyzed and indicate that these species appear to play a limited role in the epidemiology of this virus. Further studies are required to elucidate the differences in seroprevalence between donkeys, mules/hinnies and horses and to determine the risk of zoonotic transmission of this pathogen from equid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juárez
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tomás Fajardo
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Eduard Jose-Cunilleras
- Servei de Medicina Interna Equina, Departament de Medicina Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Antonio Rivero
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Monini M, Di Bartolo I, De Sabato L, Ianiro G, Agostinelli F, Ostanello F. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Heavy Pigs in Slaughterhouses of Northern Italy: Investigation of Seroprevalence, Viraemia, and Faecal Shedding. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2942. [PMID: 37760342 PMCID: PMC10525452 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging threat in Europe, owing to the increased number of human cases and the widespread presence of the virus in pigs at farms. Most cases in industrialized countries are caused by the zoonotic HEV-3 genotype. The main transmission route of HEV-3 in Europe is foodborne, through consumption of raw or undercooked liver pork and wild boar meat. Pigs become susceptible to HEV infection after the loss of maternal immunity, and the majority of adult pigs test positive for IgG anti-HEV antibodies. Nonetheless, HEV-infected pigs in terms of liver, faeces, and rarely blood are identified at slaughterhouses. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HEV-positive batches of Italian heavy pigs at slaughterhouses, assessing the presence of animals still shedding HEV upon their arrival at the slaughterhouse by sampling faeces collected from the floor of the trucks used for their transport. The occurrence of viraemic animals and the seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies were also assessed. The results obtained indicated the presence of anti-HEV IgM (1.9%), and a high seroprevalence of anti-HEV total antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA; 89.2%, n = 260). HEV RNA was not detected in either plasma or faecal samples. Nevertheless, seropositive animals were identified in all eight batches investigated, confirming the widespread exposure of pigs to HEV at both individual and farm levels. Future studies are needed to assess the factors associated with the risk of HEV presence on farms, with the aim to prevent virus introduction and spread within farms, thereby eliminating the risk at slaughterhouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesca Agostinelli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
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7
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Smith RP, May HE, Burow E, Meester M, Tobias TJ, Sassu EL, Pavoni E, Di Bartolo I, Prigge C, Wasyl D, Zmudzki J, Viltrop A, Nurmoja I, Zoche-Golob V, Alborali GL, Romantini R, Dors A, Krumova-Valcheva G, Koláčková I, Aprea G, Daskalov H. Assessing pig farm biosecurity measures for the control of Salmonella on European farms. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e130. [PMID: 37439254 PMCID: PMC10540172 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001115] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. is a common zoonotic pathogen, causing gastrointestinal infections in people. Pigs and pig meat are a major source of infection. Although farm biosecurity is believed to be important for controlling Salmonella transmission, robust evidence is lacking on which measures are most effective. This study enrolled 250 pig farms across nine European countries. From each farm, 20 pooled faecal samples (or similar information) were collected and analysed for Salmonella presence. Based on the proportion of positive results, farms were categorised as at higher or lower Salmonella risk, and associations with variables from a comprehensive questionnaire investigated. Multivariable analysis indicated that farms were less likely to be in the higher-risk category if they had '<400 sows'; used rodent baits close to pig enclosures; isolated stay-behind (sick) pigs; did not answer that the hygiene lock/ anteroom was easy to clean; did not have a full perimeter fence; did apply downtime of at least 3 days between farrowing batches; and had fully slatted flooring in all fattener buildings. A principal components analysis assessed the sources of variation between farms, and correlation between variables. The study results suggest simple control measures that could be prioritised on European pig farms to control Salmonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P. Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Hannah E. May
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Elke Burow
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (MLUK), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marina Meester
- Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tijs J. Tobias
- Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elena-Lucia Sassu
- Division for Animal Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Enrico Pavoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e Dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Christopher Prigge
- Division for Animal Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dariusz Wasyl
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Jacek Zmudzki
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Imbi Nurmoja
- National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Veit Zoche-Golob
- Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection (MLUK), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Giovanni L. Alborali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e Dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Romina Romantini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise Giuseppe Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Arkadiusz Dors
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Ivana Koláčková
- Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Public Health, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Guiseppe Aprea
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise Giuseppe Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Hristo Daskalov
- National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medicine Institute, Sofia, Bulgaria
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8
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Meester M, Tobias TJ, van den Broek J, Meulenbroek CB, Bouwknegt M, van der Poel WH, Stegeman A. Farm biosecurity measures to prevent hepatitis E virus infection in finishing pigs on endemically infected pig farms. One Health 2023; 16:100570. [PMID: 37363225 PMCID: PMC10288132 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100570] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be transmitted from pigs to humans and cause liver inflammation. Pigs are a major reservoir of HEV and most slaughter pigs show evidence of infection by presence of antibodies (ELISA) or viral RNA (PCR). Reducing the number of HEV infected pigs at slaughter would likely reduce human exposure, yet how this can be achieved, is unknown. We aimed to identify and quantify the effect of biosecurity measures to deliver HEV negative batches of pigs to slaughter. A case-control study was performed with Dutch pig farms selected based on results of multiple slaughter batches. Case farms delivered at least one PCR and ELISA negative batch to slaughter (PCR-ELISA-), indicating absence of HEV infection, and control farms had the highest proportion of PCR and/or ELISA positive batches (PCR+ELISA+), indicating high within-farm transmission. Data about biosecurity and housing were collected via a questionnaire and an audit. Variables were selected by regularization (LASSO regression) and ranked, based the frequency of variable selection. The odds ratios (OR) for the relation between case-control status and the highest ranked variables were determined via grouped logistic regression. Thirty-five case farms, with 10 to 60% PCR-ELISA- batches, and 38 control farms with on average 40% PCR+ELISA+ batches, were included. Rubber and steel floor material in fattening pens had the highest ranking and increased the odds of a PCR-ELISA- batch by 5.87 (95%CI 3.03-11.6) and 7.13 (95%CI 3.05-16.9) respectively. Cleaning pig driving boards weekly (OR 1.99 (95%CI 1.07-3.80)), and fly control with predatory flies (OR 4.52 (95%CI 1.59-13.5)) were protective, whereas a long fattening period was a risk. This study shows that cleaning and cleanability of floors and fomites and adequate fly control are measures to consider for HEV control in infected farms. Yet, intervention studies are needed to confirm the robustness of these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Meester
- Farm Animal Health Unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tijs J. Tobias
- Farm Animal Health Unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Royal GD, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Jan van den Broek
- Farm Animal Health Unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Carmijn B. Meulenbroek
- Farm Animal Health Unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Arjan Stegeman
- Farm Animal Health Unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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9
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Krumova-Valcheva GL, Di Bartolo I, Smith RP, Gyurova E, Mateva G, Milanov M, Dimitrova A, Burow E, Daskalov H. Detection of HEV RNA Using One-Step Real-Time RT-PCR in Farrow-to-Finish Pig Farms in Bulgaria. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050673. [PMID: 37242343 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: HEV is a zoonotic, foodborne pathogen. It is spread worldwide and represents a public health risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HEV RNA in farrow-to-finish pig farms in different regions of Bulgaria; (2) Methods: Isolation of HEV RNA from pooled samples of feces was performed using a QIAamp® Viral RNA Mini Kit followed by HEV RNA detection using a single-step real-time RT-PCR with primers and probes targeting the ORF 3 HEV genome; (3) Results: HEV RNA was detected in 12 out of 32 tested farms in Bulgaria (37.5%). The overall percentage of HEV-positive pooled fecal samples was 10.8% (68 of 630 samples). HEV was detected mostly in pooled fecal samples from finisher pigs (66/320, 20.6%) and sporadically from dry sows (1/62, 1.6%) and gilts (1/248, 0.4%); (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm that HEV circulates in farrow-to-finish pig farms in Bulgaria. In our study, we found HEV RNA in pooled fecal samples from fattening pigs (4-6-months age), shortly before their transport to the slaughterhouse indicating a potential risk to public health. The possible circulation of HEV throughout pork production requires monitoring and containment measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Departement of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Eva Gyurova
- National Centre for Food Safety, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Gergana Mateva
- National Centre for Food Safety, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mihail Milanov
- National Centre for Food Safety, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Albena Dimitrova
- National Centre for Food Safety, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elke Burow
- Department Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hristo Daskalov
- National Centre for Food Safety, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
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10
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Locus T, Lambrecht E, Peeters M, Suin V, Verhaegen B, Van Hoorde K, Lamoral S, Vanwolleghem T, Van Gucht S. Hepatitis E virus in pork meat products and exposure assessment in Belgium. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 397:110198. [PMID: 37086528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections are the predominant cause of acute viral hepatitis in Europe, mostly associated with the consumption of HEV contaminated pork meat. In this study we looked at the HEV RNA positivity rate of pork meat products readily available from Belgian supermarkets and evaluated the overall HEV consumer exposure in a Belgian context. Two basic assessments were performed in a 'worst-case' scenario setting: one solely focusing on the contamination level of the product itself (ingredients and processing parameters) and another estimating the overall consumer exposure, taking into account consumption habits in Belgium. Non-thermal-processed ready-to-eat (i.e. ready for consumption without additional cooking step by consumer) pork meat products (e.g. raw dried sausages), had a high estimated HEV contamination level, while thermal-processed ready-to-eat pork meat products (e.g. pork liver pâté) had the highest overall consumer exposure estimates. Following these assessments, pork liver pâtés, raw dried hams and raw dried sausages (n = 54) were purchased from Belgian supermarkets (n = 3) and analyzed for HEV RNA by RT-PCR. In total, 31 % (n = 17) products tested positive. HEV RNA was found in 65 % of the pork liver pâtés, 15 % of raw dried hams and 0 % of raw dried sausages. Phylogenetic analysis of four isolates (all gt3c) from pork liver pâté samples showed similarities with human clinical cases from Germany and Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Locus
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium; ILVO, Flemish Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Technology and Food Unit, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ellen Lambrecht
- ILVO, Flemish Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Technology and Food Unit, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Michael Peeters
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Suin
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Bavo Verhaegen
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Foodborne Pathogens, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
| | - Koenraad Van Hoorde
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Foodborne Pathogens, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lamoral
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Gucht
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, Engelandstraat 642, 1180 Ukkel, Belgium.
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11
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Galipó E, Zoche-Golob V, Sassu EL, Prigge C, Sjölund M, Tobias T, Rzeżutka A, Smith RP, Burow E. Prioritization of pig farm biosecurity for control of Salmonella and hepatitis E virus infections: results of a European expert opinion elicitation. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:8. [PMID: 36872376 PMCID: PMC9987137 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00306-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the literature, there is absent or weak evidence on the effectiveness of biosecurity measures to the control of Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV) on pig farms. Therefore, the present study aimed to collect, weigh, and compare opinions from experts on the relevance of several biosecurity measures. An online questionnaire was submitted to selected experts, from multiple European countries, knowledgeable on either HEV or Salmonella spp., in either indoor or outdoor pig farming systems (settings). The experts ranked the relevance of eight biosecurity categories with regards to effectiveness in reducing the two pathogens separately, by assigning a score from a total of 80, and within each biosecurity category they scored the relevance of specific biosecurity measures (scale 1-5). Agreement among experts was analysed across pathogens and across settings. RESULTS After filtering for completeness and expertise, 46 responses were analysed, with 52% of the experts identified as researchers/scientists, whereas the remaining 48% consisted of non-researchers, veterinary practitioners and advisors, governmental staff, and consultant/industrial experts. The experts self-declared their level of knowledge but neither Multidimensional Scaling nor k-means cluster analyses produced evidence of an association between expertise and the biosecurity answers, and so all experts' responses were analysed together without weighting or adaptation. Overall, the top-ranked biosecurity categories were pig mixing; cleaning and disinfection; feed, water and bedding; and purchase of pigs or semen, while the lowest ranked categories were transport, equipment, animals (other than pigs and including wildlife) and humans. Cleaning and disinfection was ranked highest for both pathogens in the indoor setting, whereas pig mixing was highest for outdoor settings. Several (94/222, 42.3%) measures across all four settings were considered highly relevant. Measures with high disagreement between the respondents were uncommon (21/222, 9.6%), but more frequent for HEV compared to Salmonella spp. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of measures from multiple biosecurity categories was considered important to control Salmonella spp. and HEV on farms, and pig mixing activities, as well as cleaning and disinfection practices, were perceived as consistently more important than others. Similarities and differences in the prioritised biosecurity measures were identified between indoor and outdoor systems and pathogens. The study identified the need for further research especially for control of HEV and for biosecurity in outdoor farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Galipó
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Veit Zoche-Golob
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Lucia Sassu
- Division for Animal Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Robert-Koch-Gasse 17, 2340, Mödling, Austria
| | - Christopher Prigge
- Division for Animal Health, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Robert-Koch-Gasse 17, 2340, Mödling, Austria.,Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Sjölund
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute, 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tijs Tobias
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Artur Rzeżutka
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Richard Piers Smith
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Elke Burow
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
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12
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A Randomized Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Serological Survey of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Belgian Pig Farms. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010129. [PMID: 36677421 PMCID: PMC9863458 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010129] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E disease in humans. While sporadic HEV infections, which occur in industrialised countries and are typically due to HEV genotypes 3 or 4, are asymptomatic and self-limiting, a chronic form of the disease can lead to liver cirrhosis in immunocompromised individuals. Pigs share HEV 3 and 4 genotypes and are thus considered a major animal reservoir for human infection. A subset of animals has been shown to carry HEV particles at the age of slaughter, rendering raw or undercooked pig products potential vectors for human infection. To provide an overview of the current dissemination of HEV in Belgian pig herds, this study was designed as a randomized, robust, large-scale, cross-sectional, serological survey. HEV genotypes and subtypes recently circulating in Belgium (2020-2021) were investigated. Sample stratification as well as epidemiological investigation through the available demographic data of the sampled herds showed that HEV widely circulated in the Belgian pig population during this time and that a change in the circulating HEV strains may have occurred in the last decade. Herd size and type were identified as risk factors for HEV herd-seropositivity. Identifying farms at risk of being HEV-positive is an important step in controlling HEV spread and human infection.
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13
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Pellerin M, Trabucco B, Capai L, Laval M, Maestrini O, Jori F, Falchi A, Doceul V, Charrier F, Casabianca F, Pavio N. Low prevalence of hepatitis E virus in the liver of Corsican pigs slaughtered after 12 months despite high antibody seroprevalence. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2706-e2718. [PMID: 35689821 PMCID: PMC9796636 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can be acute and benign or evolve to chronic hepatitis with rapid progression toward cirrhosis or liver failure in humans. Hence, hepatitis E (HE) disease is a major public health concern. In countries where pig populations are highly contaminated with HEV, human cases of HE are mainly foodborne, occurring frequently after consumption of raw or undercooked pork products or liver. Among factors associated to the presence of HEV in pork livers from intensive rearing systems, early slaughter (≤6 months) seems to be major. In Corsica, local pigs are raised in extensive farming systems and slaughtered after 12 months. To evaluate if slaughter of pigs over 12 months reduces the risk of HEV presence in livers, 1197 liver samples were randomly collected in 2 Corsican slaughterhouses. Presence of HEV RNA was detected in liver and HEV seroprevalence was determined in paired serum. The sampling included 1083 livers from animals between 12 and 48 months and 114 livers from animals <12 months. The samples were predominantly from semi-extensive and extensive farms (n = 1154). Estimated HEV seroprevalence was high, that is, >88%, and HEV RNA prevalence in adult pig livers (>12 months old) was low, that is, 0.18%. However, in livers from younger animals (<12 months), including piglets below 6 months old, 5.3% (6/114) of the samples were positive for HEV RNA. Sequences recovered from positive livers belonged to HEV genotype 3c and 3f. The presence of infectious HEV was confirmed in two livers by the detection of HEV replication in HepaRG cell cultures. Thus, this study demonstrates the low prevalence of HEV in livers of pigs over 12 months, even in farms with high HEV circulation. This observation may open new perspectives on the preferential use of livers from animals older than 12 months in raw pork liver products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pellerin
- UMR VirologieANSES, INRAE, ENVALaboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | | | - Lisandru Capai
- Laboratoire de VirologieUniversité de Corse Pasquale PaoliUR BIOSCOPE 7310CorteFrance,Institute of Virology, University of Charité BerlinAG Junglen10117BerlinGermany
| | | | | | - Ferran Jori
- UMR ASTRE (Animaux, Santé, Territoire, Risques et Ecosystèmes), CIRADINRAEUniversité de MontpellierCampus International de BaillarguetMontpellierFrance
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- Laboratoire de VirologieUniversité de Corse Pasquale PaoliUR BIOSCOPE 7310CorteFrance
| | - Virginie Doceul
- UMR VirologieANSES, INRAE, ENVALaboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - François Charrier
- UR SELMET‐LRDEINRAECorteFrance,UMR LISIS, Université Gustave EiffelINRAECNRSMarne‐la‐ValléeFrance
| | | | - Nicole Pavio
- UMR VirologieANSES, INRAE, ENVALaboratoire de Santé AnimaleMaisons‐AlfortFrance
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14
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Repeated cross-sectional sampling of pigs at slaughter indicates varying age of hepatitis E virus infection within and between pig farms. Vet Res 2022; 53:50. [PMID: 35799280 PMCID: PMC9264715 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans can become infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) by consumption of undercooked pork. To reduce the burden of HEV in humans, mitigation on pig farms is needed. HEV is found on most pig farms globally, yet within-farm seroprevalence estimates vary considerably. Understanding of the underlying variation in infection dynamics within and between farms currently lacks. Therefore, we investigated HEV infection dynamics by sampling 1711 batches of slaughter pigs from 208 Dutch farms over an 8-month period. Four farm types, conventional, organic, and two types with strict focus on biosecurity, were included. Sera were tested individually with an anti-HEV antibody ELISA and pooled per batch with PCR. All farms delivered seropositive pigs to slaughter, yet batches (resembling farm compartments) had varying results. By combining PCR and ELISA results, infection moment and extent per batch could be classified as low transmission, early, intermediate or late. Cluster analysis of batch infection moments per farm resulted in four clusters with distinct infection patterns. Cluster 1 farms delivered almost exclusively PCR negative, ELISA positive batches to slaughter (PCR−ELISA+), indicating relatively early age of HEV infection. Cluster 2 and 3 farms delivered 0.3 and 0.7 of batches with intermediate infection moment (PCR+ELISA+) respectively and only few batches with early infection. Cluster 4 farms delivered low transmission (PCR−ELISA−) and late infection (PCR+ELISA−) batches, demonstrating that those farms can prevent or delay HEV transmission to farm compartments. Farm type partly coincided with cluster assignment, indicating that biosecurity and management are related to age of HEV infection.
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15
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Dynamic of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Shedding in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091063. [PMID: 35565491 PMCID: PMC9101398 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging pathogen, causing an increasing number of autochthonous cases in industrialized countries. In Europe, infections are associated with the zoonotic HEV-3 and HEV-4 genotypes and pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs. A major concern of infections is linked to its foodborne transmission, due to consumption of raw or undercooked pork products infected by HEV-3 or HEV-4. HEV-3 is widespread in farmed pigs, mainly aged 3–4 months. Besides a decline with age, infected pigs have been observed at slaughterhouses, representing a risk for both the consumers and the workers of the pig industry. HEV is transmitted by the fecal–oral route and shed in feces in large amounts. The risk of viral spreading in farm and presence of infected pigs at slaughtering was evaluated by assessing the quantity and the duration of HEV-3 shedding in feces of infected pigs. Feces of 23 HEV-3 positive pigs were assayed during their fattening, shortly before their slaughtering. Results confirmed a long period of viral shedding in feces with a large amount of the virus released in the environment (mean 105 GC/g). Prevalence and quantity of the virus declines with the age of animals. The study provides information on the dynamic of the infection in pigs, important to prevent HEV occurrence and circulation in farms. Abstract Genotype 3 of hepatitis E virus (HEV-3) is the most common in Europe in both humans and pigs. HEV-3 strains are zoonotic, and foodborne cases associated with consumption of raw and undercooked pork products, mainly liver sausages, have been described. HEV-3 circulates largely in European pig farms, maybe due to its long persistence in the environment. Animals get infected around 3–4 months of age; shortly after, the infection starts to decline up to the age of slaughtering (8–9 months of age in Italy). With the purpose to understand the duration in farmed pigs of the shedding of the virus and its quantity, HEV-RNA detection was performed by Real-time RT-PCR from feces collected individually from two groups of 23 pigs. Sampling was conducted for 4 months shortly before slaughtering age. At 4-months-old, all animals were shedding HEV-3 to high load around 105 genome copies per gram (GC/g). Prevalence was higher in growers than in fatteners, with most of the pigs still positive around 166 days of age. Beyond some difference among individual pigs, the amount of HEV in feces decreased with the age of animals. The longest fattening period should ensure a lower risk of HEV shedder animals at slaughter, reducing the risk of food contamination.
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16
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Caballero-Gómez J, García-Bocanegra I, Jiménez-Martín D, Cano-Terriza D, Risalde MA, López-López P, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Rivero A, Rivero-Juarez A. Epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with hepatitis E virus in small ruminants in southern Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:387-393. [PMID: 35244968 PMCID: PMC9311081 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autochthonous cases of hepatitis E (HE) associated with zoonotic genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 have significantly increased in industrialized countries over the last decade. Suidae are generally recognized as the main reservoirs of these genotypes. Susceptibility to HE virus (HEV) infection and zoonotic potential have also been confirmed in other species, including sheep and goat. However, the information about their role in the epidemiology of HEV remains very scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with HEV exposure in sheep and goats in southern Spain, the country with the highest census of small domestic ruminants in the European Union. Blood samples from 240 sheep and 240 goats were collected between 2015 and 2017. Sera were analysed in parallel using a commercial double-antigen ELISA and real-time PCR. A total of 38 (7.9%; 95%CI: 5.5-10.3) out of 480 sampled animals showed anti-HEV antibodies. By species, the seroprevalences found in sheep and goats were 2.1% (5/240; 95%CI: 0.3-3.9) and 13.8% (33/240; 95%CI: 9.4-18.1) respectively. Anti-HEV antibodies were found on 19 (59.4%; 95%CI: 42.4-76.4) of the 32 sampled farms. The GEE model showed that species (goat) and number of small ruminants in the farm (≤348 animals and ≥538 animals) were risk factors potentially associated with HEV exposure in small ruminants in the study area. HEV RNA was not detected in any of the 480 (0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0-0.8) tested animals. Our results confirm that sheep and goats are naturally, but not equally exposed to HEV and indicate the widespread spatial distribution of HEV among small ruminant populations in southern Spain. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of sheep and goat in the epidemiology of HEV and their potential implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC
| | - María A Risalde
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC.,Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pedro López-López
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC
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17
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Withenshaw SM, Grierson SS, Smith RP. Study of Animal Mixing and the Dynamics of Hepatitis E Virus Infection on a Farrow-to-Finish Pig Farm. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030272. [PMID: 35158596 PMCID: PMC8833537 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030272] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, swine are a livestock reservoir for Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3). Consumption of food containing HEV-3 can cause zoonotic human infection, though risk is reduced by heat treatment. Implementing controls that limit infection in slaughter pigs may further reduce foodborne transmission risk but knowledge of infection dynamics on commercial farms is limited. This study addressed this knowledge gap and in particular investigated the influence of group mixing. Faeces were collected from grower (n = 212) and fattener (n = 262) pigs on a farrow-to-finish farm on four occasions. HEV RNA was detected on all occasions, and prevalence was higher in growers (85.8%) than fatteners (26.0%; p < 0.001). HEV-positive samples were also collected from the wider farm environment (n = 67; 64.7% prevalence), indicating potential sources for HEV re-circulation within the herd. Timing of infection in a cohort was also investigated. HEV was absent from all piglet faeces (n = 98) and first detected at weaner stage (25.7% prevalence), but only in groups weaned earlier or comprising pigs from many different litters. Farrowing sow faeces (n = 75) were HEV-negative but antibodies were detected in blood from two sows. Results suggest that multiple factors influence HEV infection dynamics on pig farms, and potential foci for further study into practical control solutions are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M. Withenshaw
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge KT15 3NB, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sylvia S. Grierson
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge KT15 3NB, UK;
| | - Richard P. Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge KT15 3NB, UK;
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18
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Bigoraj E, Paszkiewicz W, Rzeżutka A. Porcine Blood and Liver as Sporadic Sources of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in the Production Chain of Offal-Derived Foodstuffs in Poland. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:347-356. [PMID: 33891305 PMCID: PMC8379118 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Pig's blood and liver are valuable edible slaughter by-products which are also the major ingredients of offal-derived foodstuffs. The aim of the study was an evaluation of the occurrence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and porcine adenovirus (pAdV) as an index virus of faecal contamination in pig's blood and liver for human consumption. In total, 246 samples of retail liver (n = 100) and pooled pig's blood (n = 146) were analysed for the presence of HEV and pAdV. Blood samples were individually collected from 1432 pigs at slaughter age. Viral genomic material, including RNA of a sample process control virus was isolated from food samples using a QIAamp® Viral RNA Mini Kit. Virus-specific IAC-controlled real-time PCR methods were used for detection of target viruses. HEV RNA was found in 6 (2.4%; 95% CI: 0.9-5.2) out of 246 samples of tested foodstuffs. The virus was detected in pig's blood (3.4%; 95% CI: 1.1-7.8) and liver (1.0%; 95% CI: 0.0-5.0) with no significant differences observed in the frequency of its occurrence between the two by-products (t = 1.33; p = 0.182 > 0.05); however PAdV was detected more frequently in pig's blood than in liver (t = 4.65; p = 0.000 < 0.05). The HEV strains belonged to the 3f and 3e subtype groups and the pAdV strains were assigned to serotype 5. PAdV was detected in pigs regardless of the farm size from which they originated. The number of animals raised on the farm (the farm size) had no influence on the occurrence of HEV or pAdV infections in pigs (F = 0.81, p = 0.447 > 0.05 for HEV; F = 0.42, p = 0.655 > 0.05 for pAdV). Although HEV was detected in pig's offal only sporadically, consumers cannot treat its occurrence with disregard as it demonstrates that HEV-contaminated pig tissues can enter the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bigoraj
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - W Paszkiewicz
- Department of Food Hygiene of Animal Origin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 12, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - A Rzeżutka
- Department of Food and Environmental Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
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19
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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.
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20
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Meester M, Tobias TJ, Bouwknegt M, Kusters NE, Stegeman JA, van der Poel WHM. Infection dynamics and persistence of hepatitis E virus on pig farms - a review. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:16. [PMID: 33546777 PMCID: PMC7863251 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 and 4 is a zoonosis that causes hepatitis in humans. Humans can become infected by consumption of pork or contact with pigs. Pigs are the main reservoir of the virus worldwide and the virus is present on most pig farms. Main body Though HEV is present on most farms, the proportion of infected pigs at slaughter and thus the level of exposure to consumers differs between farms and countries. Understanding the cause of that difference is necessary to install effective measures to lower HEV in pigs at slaughter. Here, HEV studies are reviewed that include infection dynamics of HEV in pigs and on farms, risk factors for HEV farm prevalence, and that describe mechanisms and sources that could generate persistence on farms. Most pigs become infected after maternal immunity has waned, at the end of the nursing or beginning of the fattening phase. Risk factors increasing the likelihood of a high farm prevalence or proportion of actively infected slaughter pigs comprise of factors such as farm demographics, internal and external biosecurity and immunomodulating coinfections. On-farm persistence of HEV is plausible, because of a high transmission rate and a constant influx of susceptible pigs. Environmental sources of HEV that enhance persistence are contaminated manure storages, water and fomites. Conclusion As HEV is persistently present on most pig farms, current risk mitigation should focus on lowering transmission within farms, especially between farm compartments. Yet, one should be aware of the paradox of increasing the proportion of actively infected pigs at slaughter by reducing transmission insufficiently. Vaccination of pigs may aid HEV control in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Meester
- Farm Animal Health unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - T J Tobias
- Farm Animal Health unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - N E Kusters
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - J A Stegeman
- Farm Animal Health unit, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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21
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Ferreiro I, Herrera ML, González I, Cancela F, Leizagoyen C, Loureiro M, Arellano H, Echaides C, Bon B, Castro G, Arbiza J, Mirazo S. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection in captive white-collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) from Uruguay. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1040-1045. [PMID: 32799421 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13790] [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: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Clinical presentation of hepatitis E mainly occurs as an acute and self-limited disease, though chronic cases are now being commonly reported in immunocompromised individuals. In high-income developed areas and non-endemic regions, HEV is mainly transmitted by the zoonotic route through direct contact with infected animals or by consumption of contaminated meat products. Although pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs of the disease, HEV can also infect deer, camels, and rats and seems to have an ever-expanding host range. Peccaries (Tayassuidae family, superfamily Suoidea), the 'new world pigs', share susceptibility to several pathogens with domestic pigs and wild boars. Herein, we performed a serological and molecular survey of two captive populations of white-collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) from Uruguay, with the aim to assess the role of the species as an HEV reservoir. One-hundred and one serum samples were analysed for anti-HEV antibodies. Further evidences of active HEV infection were investigated in stool by RT-nested PCR. Animals from both wildlife reserves were exposed to HEV with an overall prevalence of 24.7%. Moreover, HEV RNA could be detected in peccaries' stool samples from one of the reserves. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the strains within HEV-3, closely related to both human and swine isolates. Our work provides the first evidences supporting the notion that white-collared peccaries are susceptible to HEV. However, these data should not be overinterpreted. Further research is needed concerning the role of peccaries in the transmission of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ferreiro
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Laura Herrera
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ignacio González
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Cancela
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carmen Leizagoyen
- Parque Lecocq, Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matías Loureiro
- Estación de Cría de Fauna Autóctona de Pan de Azúcar, Municipio de Maldonado, Maldonado, Uruguay
| | - Hugo Arellano
- Estación de Cría de Fauna Autóctona de Pan de Azúcar, Municipio de Maldonado, Maldonado, Uruguay
| | - César Echaides
- Parque Lecocq, Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Brenda Bon
- Estación de Cría de Fauna Autóctona de Pan de Azúcar, Municipio de Maldonado, Maldonado, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Castro
- Area Suinos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan Arbiza
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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22
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Takova K, Koynarski T, Minkov I, Ivanova Z, Toneva V, Zahmanova G. Increasing Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence in Domestic Pigs and Wild Boar in Bulgaria. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091521. [PMID: 32872096 PMCID: PMC7552291 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a lesser-known hepatitis virus, but its worldwide spread is undisputed and has increased in recent years. The zoonotic spread of HEV, mainly due to genotype (gt) 3, emerged in developed countries in the past decade. In addition, transmission via contaminated meat from pigs and boars was also established. Detailed analysis of viral dynamics and distribution is needed in order to identify associated risk factors. The aim of the current study is to present new and additional data on the HEV distribution among pigs, and for the first-time, also among the wild boar population in Bulgaria. Abstract (1) Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a causative agent of acute viral hepatitis, predominantly transmitted by the fecal–oral route. In developed countries, HEV is considered to be an emerging pathogen since the number of autochthonous cases is rising. Hepatitis E is a viral disease with a proven zoonotic potential for some of its genotypes. The main viral reservoirs are domestic pigs and wild boar. Consumption of undercooked meat, as well as occupational exposure, are key factors for the spread of HEV. In order to evaluate the risks of future viral evolution, a detailed examination of the ecology and distribution of the virus is needed. The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG Ab in domestic pigs and wild boar in Bulgaria; (2) Methods: In this study, during the period of three years between 2017 and 2019, 433 serum samples from 19 different pig farms and 1 slaughterhouse were collected and analyzed. In addition, 32 samples from wild boar were also collected and analyzed during the 2018–2019 hunting season. All samples were analyzed by commercial indirect ELISA; (3) Results: Overall, HEV seroprevalence was 60% (95% CI 42.7–77.1) in domestic pigs and 12.5% (4/32) in wild boar. The observed seroprevalence of the slaughter-aged pigs was 73.65% (95% Cl 58.7–87.3). Prevalence in domestic pigs was significantly higher in the samples collected during 2019 (98% (95% Cl 96.1–99.9)) compared to those collected during 2017 (45.33% (95% CI 2.7–87.3)) and 2018 (38.46% (95% CI 29.1–49.7.); (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that domesticated pigs and wild boar might be the reason for the increased HEV transmission across Bulgaria. The genotypic characterization of HEV found in pigs, wild boar and humans will give a more accurate view of the zoonotic transmission of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (V.T.)
| | - Tsvetoslav Koynarski
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.M.); (Z.I.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zdravka Ivanova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.M.); (Z.I.)
| | - Valentina Toneva
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (V.T.)
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.M.); (Z.I.)
| | - Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.); (V.T.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-32-261529
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23
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Salines M, Andraud M, Rose N, Widgren S. A between-herd data-driven stochastic model to explore the spatio-temporal spread of hepatitis E virus in the French pig production network. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230257. [PMID: 32658910 PMCID: PMC7357762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus is a zoonotic pathogen for which pigs are recognized as the major reservoir in industrialised countries. A multiscale model was developed to assess the HEV transmission and persistence pattern in the pig production sector through an integrative approach taking into account within-farm dynamics and animal movements based on actual data. Within-farm dynamics included both demographic and epidemiological processes. Direct contact and environmental transmission routes were considered along with the possible co-infection with immunomodulating viruses (IMVs) known to modify HEV infection dynamics. Movements were limited to 3,017 herds forming the largest community on the swine commercial network in France and data from the national pig movement database were used to build the contact matrix. Between-herd transmission was modelled by coupling within-herd and network dynamics using the SimInf package. Different introduction scenarios were tested as well as a decrease in the prevalence of IMV-infected farms. After introduction of a single infected gilt, the model showed that the transmission pathway as well as the prevalence of HEV-infected pigs at slaughter age were affected by the type of the index farm, the health status of the population and the type of the infected farms. These outcomes could help design HEV control strategies at a territorial scale based on the assessment of the farms' and network's risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Salines
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Epidemiology, Health and Welfare Research Unit, France
| | - Mathieu Andraud
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Epidemiology, Health and Welfare Research Unit, France
| | - Nicolas Rose
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Epidemiology, Health and Welfare Research Unit, France
| | - Stefan Widgren
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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24
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García N, Hernández M, Gutierrez-Boada M, Valero A, Navarro A, Muñoz-Chimeno M, Fernández-Manzano A, Escobar FM, Martínez I, Bárcena C, González S, Avellón A, Eiros JM, Fongaro G, Domínguez L, Goyache J, Rodríguez-Lázaro D. Occurrence of Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs and Pork Cuts and Organs at the Time of Slaughter, Spain, 2017. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2990. [PMID: 32047480 PMCID: PMC6997137 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic hepatitis E, mainly caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype (gt) 3, is a foodborne disease that has emerged in Europe in recent decades. The main animal reservoir for genotype 3 is domestic pigs. Pig liver and liver derivates are considered the major risk products, and studies focused on the presence of HEV in pig muscles are scarce. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence of HEV in different organs and tissues of 45 apparently healthy pigs from nine Spanish slaughterhouses (50% national production) that could enter into the food supply chain. Anti-HEV antibodies were evaluated in serum by an ELISA test. Ten samples from each animal were analyzed for the presence of HEV RNA by reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The overall seroprevalence obtained was 73.3% (33/45). From the 450 samples analyzed, a total of 26 RT-qPCR positive samples were identified in the liver (7/45), feces (6/45), kidney (5/45), heart (4/45), serum (3/45), and diaphragm (1/45). This is the first report on detection of HEV RNA in kidney and heart samples of naturally infected pigs. HEV RNA detection was negative for rib, bacon, lean ham, and loin samples. These findings indicate that pig meat could be considered as a low risk material for foodborne HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea García
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Hernández
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Maialen Gutierrez-Boada
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Antonio Valero
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alejandro Navarro
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Milagros Muñoz-Chimeno
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Hepatitis Víricas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Franco Matías Escobar
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Irene Martínez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Bárcena
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio González
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Avellón
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Hepatitis Víricas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. Eiros
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Goyache
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad Complutense Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Rodríguez-Lázaro
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
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25
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Controlling hepatitis E virus in the pig production sector: Assessment of the technical and behavioural feasibility of on-farm risk mitigation strategies. Prev Vet Med 2019; 175:104866. [PMID: 31838401 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic agent with pigs as the main reservoir in industrialised countries. Recent studies conducted on pig farms, in experimental conditions or through modelling approaches, have led to a better understanding of the spread of HEV on pig farms. The findings have also made it possible to define a set of measures to reduce HEV prevalence and the risk of marketing contaminated products. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a set of HEV control strategies on pig farms. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with farmers, veterinarians and farming advisors to collect general data, their level of knowledge of HEV, their opinion on the technical feasibility of certain changes in practices, their perception of the respective responsibilities of the different stakeholders, and their feelings about the importance of the issue, following the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The interviews made it possible to highlight potential barriers and preferred motivators for the implementation of on-farm risk mitigation strategies. Barriers included lack of knowledge, scientific gaps, perceived inability to control HEV, and low perception of the importance of the issue. Motivators included professional satisfaction, family recognition, and the opportunity to achieve higher quality standards. Three clusters of stakeholders were also identified, with a group of leaders who could help unlock reluctance and disseminate innovations. This type of behavioural approach appeared useful to help risk managers facilitate zoonotic control on pig farms.
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26
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Salines M, Rose N, Andraud M. Tackling hepatitis E virus spread and persistence on farrow-to-finish pig farms: Insights from a stochastic individual-based multi-pathogen model. Epidemics 2019; 30:100369. [PMID: 31526684 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2019.100369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic agent of which domestic pigs have been recognised as the main reservoir in industrialised countries. The great variability in HEV infection dynamics described on different pig farms may be related to the influence of other pathogens, and in particular viruses affecting pigs' immune response. The objective of this study was to develop a multi-pathogen modelling approach to understand the conditions under which HEV spreads and persists on a farrow-to-finish pig farm taking into account the fact that pigs may be co-infected with an intercurrent pathogen. A stochastic individual-based model was therefore designed that combines a population dynamics model, which enables us to take different batch rearing systems into account, with a multi-pathogen model representing at the same time the dynamics of both HEV and the intercurrent pathogen. Based on experimental and field data, the epidemiological parameters of the HEV model varied according to the pig's immunomodulating virus status. HEV spread and persistence was found to be very difficult to control on a farm with a 20-batch rearing system. Housing sows in smaller groups and eradicating immunomodulating pathogens would dramatically reduce the prevalence of HEV-positive livers at slaughter, which would drop from 3.3% to 1% and 0.2% respectively (p-value < 0.01). It would also decrease the probability of HEV on-farm persistence from 0.6 to 0 and 0.34 respectively (p-value < 0.01) on farms with a 7 batch rearing system. A number of farming practices, such as limiting cross-fostering, reducing the size of weaning pens and vaccinating pigs against immunomodulating viruses, were also shown to be pivotal factors for decreasing HEV spread and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Salines
- ANSES, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Epidemiology, Health and Welfare research unit, Ploufragan, France; Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France.
| | - Nicolas Rose
- ANSES, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Epidemiology, Health and Welfare research unit, Ploufragan, France; Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France.
| | - Mathieu Andraud
- ANSES, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Epidemiology, Health and Welfare research unit, Ploufragan, France; Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France.
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Shu Y, Chen Y, Zhou S, Zhang S, Wan Q, Zhu C, Zhang Z, Wu H, Zhan J, Zhang L. Cross-sectional Seroprevalence and Genotype of Hepatitis E Virus in Humans and Swine in a High-density Pig-farming Area in Central China. Virol Sin 2019; 34:367-376. [PMID: 31264049 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-019-00136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common public health problem in developing countries. However, the current prevalence of HEV and the relationship of HEV genotype between swine and human within high-density pig-farming areas in central China are still inadequately understood. Here, cross-sectional serological and genotypic surveys of HEV among the 1232 general population, 273 workers occupationally exposed to swine, and 276 pigs in a high-density pig-breeding area, were undertaken by ELISA and nested RT-PCR methods. Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 26.22% of general population and 48.35% of occupational workers. The prevalence of swine serum HEV-Ag was 6.52%. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was significantly higher among the workers occupationally exposed to swine than among the general population. An increased HEV seropositivity risk among the general population was associated with either being a peasant or male and was very strongly associated with the increase of age. Among the occupationally exposed group, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies increased with age and working years. Among the 30 HEV-IgM-positive people, the infection rates of clerks in the public, peasants, pork retailers, and pig farmers were higher than those of others. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the isolates belonged to subgenotype 4d, and four people and four pigs shared 97.04%-100% sequence homology. This study revealed a high HEV seroprevalence among the general population and workers occupationally exposed to swine in the Anlu City, and supports the notion that swine are a source of human HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Shu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 421000, China
- Anlu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anlu, 432600, China
| | - Yameng Chen
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Anlu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anlu, 432600, China
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shoude Zhang
- Anlu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anlu, 432600, China
| | - Qin Wan
- Anlu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Anlu, 432600, China
| | - Changcai Zhu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Zhijiang Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 421000, China
| | - Jianbo Zhan
- Division for Viral Disease with Detection, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China.
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Salines M, Dumarest M, Andraud M, Mahé S, Barnaud E, Cineux M, Eveno E, Eono F, Dorenlor V, Grasland B, Bourry O, Pavio N, Rose N. Natural viral co-infections in pig herds affect hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection dynamics and increase the risk of contaminated livers at slaughter. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1930-1945. [PMID: 31067014 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen, in particular genotype 3 HEV is mainly transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated pork products. This study aimed at describing HEV infection patterns in pig farms and at assessing the impact of immunomodulating co-infections namely Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), as well as other individual factors such as piglets' immunity and litters' characteristics on HEV dynamics. A longitudinal follow-up was conducted in three farrow-to-finish farms known to be HEV infected. Overall, 360 piglets were individually monitored from birth to slaughter with regular blood and faecal sampling as well as blood and liver samples collected at slaughterhouse. Virological and serological analyses were performed to detect HEV, PCV2 and PRRSV genome and antibodies. The links between 12 explanatory variables and four outcomes describing HEV dynamics were assessed using cox-proportional hazard models and logistic regression. HEV infection dynamics was found highly variable between farms and in a lower magnitude between batches. HEV positive livers were more likely related to short time-intervals between HEV infection and slaughter time (<40 days, OR = 4.1 [3.7-4.5]). In addition to an influence of piglets' sex and sows' parity, the sequence of co-infections was strongly associated with different HEV dynamics: a PRRSV or PCV2/PRRSV pre- or co-infection was associated with a higher age at HEV shedding (Hazard Ratio = 0.3 [0.2-0.5]), as well as a higher age at HEV seroconversion (HR = 0.5 [0.3-0.9] and HR = 0.4 [0.2-0.7] respectively). A PCV2/PRRSV pre- or co-infection was associated with a longer duration of shedding (HR = 0.5 [0.3-0.8]). Consequently, a PRRSV or PCV2/PRRSV pre- or co-infection was strongly associated with a higher risk of having positive livers at slaughter (OR = 4.1 [1.9-8.9] and OR = 6.5 [3.2-13.2] respectively). In conclusion, co-infections with immunomodulating viruses were found to affect HEV dynamics in the farrow-to-finish pig farms that were followed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Salines
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Marine Dumarest
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France.,INRA, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Mathieu Andraud
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Sophie Mahé
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Elodie Barnaud
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France.,INRA, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maelan Cineux
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Eric Eveno
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Florent Eono
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Virginie Dorenlor
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Béatrice Grasland
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Bourry
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
| | - Nicole Pavio
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France.,INRA, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR 1161 Virology, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nicolas Rose
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, Ploufragan, France.,Bretagne-Loire University, Rennes, France
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Impact of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection on hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and transmission under experimental conditions. Vet Microbiol 2019; 234:1-7. [PMID: 31213264 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus is a zoonotic pathogen for which pigs have been identified as the main reservoir in industrialised countries. HEV infection dynamics in pig herds and pigs are influenced by several factors, including herd practices and possibly co-infection with immunomodulating viruses. This study therefore investigates the impact of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) on HEV infection and transmission through experimental HEV/PCV2 co-infection of specific-pathogen-free pigs. No statistical difference between HEV-only and HEV/PCV2-infected animals was found for either the infectious period or the quantity of HEV shed in faeces. The HEV latency period was shorter for HEV/PCV2 co-infected pigs than for HEV-only infected pigs (11.6 versus 12.3 days). Its direct transmission rate was three times higher in cases of HEV/PCV2 co-infection than in cases of HEV-only infection (0.12 versus 0.04). On the other hand, the HEV transmission rate through environmental accumulation was lower in cases of HEV/PCV2 co-infection (4.3·10-6 versus 1.5·10-5 g/RNA copies/day for HEV-only infected pigs). The time prior to HEV seroconversion was 1.9 times longer in HEV/PCV2 co-infected pigs (49.4 versus 25.6 days for HEV-only infected pigs). In conclusion, our study shows that PCV2 affects HEV infection and transmission in pigs under experimental conditions.
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Pathogenic mechanisms and current epidemiological status of HEV infection in asymptomatic blood donors and patients with chronic diseases. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:1203-1209. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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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.
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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.
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King NJ, Hewitt J, Perchec-Merien AM. Hiding in Plain Sight? It's Time to Investigate Other Possible Transmission Routes for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Developed Countries. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:225-252. [PMID: 29623595 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-9342-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Historically in developed countries, reported hepatitis E cases were typically travellers returning from countries where hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic, but now there are increasing numbers of non-travel-related ("autochthonous") cases being reported. Data for HEV in New Zealand remain limited and the transmission routes unproven. We critically reviewed the scientific evidence supporting HEV transmission routes in other developed countries to inform how people in New Zealand may be exposed to this virus. A substantial body of indirect evidence shows domesticated pigs are a source of zoonotic human HEV infection, but there is an information bias towards this established reservoir. The increasing range of animals in which HEV has been detected makes it important to consider other possible animal reservoirs of HEV genotypes that can or could infect humans. Foodborne transmission of HEV from swine and deer products has been proven, and a large body of indirect evidence (e.g. food surveys, epidemiological studies and phylogenetic analyses) support pig products as vehicles of HEV infection. Scarce data from other foods suggest we are neglecting other potential sources of foodborne HEV infection. Moreover, other transmission routes are scarcely investigated in developed countries; the role of infected food handlers, person-to-person transmission via the faecal-oral route, and waterborne transmission from recreational contact or drinking untreated or inadequately treated water. People have become symptomatic after receiving transfusions of HEV-contaminated blood, but it is unclear how important this is in the overall hepatitis E disease burden. There is need for broader research efforts to support establishing risk-based controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J King
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand
| | - Joanne Hewitt
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand.
| | - Anne-Marie Perchec-Merien
- New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand
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Salines M, Andraud M, Terrade F, Rose N. Are French pig farmers and veterinarians knowledgeable about emerging foodborne pathogens? The case of hepatitis E virus. Prev Vet Med 2018; 156:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Vilanova L, Rigueira L, Perecmanis S. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in domestic pigs in the Federal District, Brazil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) which is currently known to be a zoonotic pathogen transmitted by pigs. In Brazil, there is no information about the circulation of HEV in the swine herd of the Federal District. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was performed with sera from 449 domestic pigs, provided by the Secretary of Agriculture of the Federal District. Blood samples were collected between June and September 2014. A commercially available ELISA kit was used for the detection of IgG antibodies. High seroprevalence of antibodies to HEV was found, since 304 animals showed anti-HEV positive reactions (67.7%; 95% CI = 63.2%, 71.9%). The seropositivity presented no difference by gender or age. The results suggest that HEV circulates among domestic pigs in the Federal District and it can serve as a warning to the local public health system due to their possible involvement in human infections.
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Pavio N, Doceul V, Bagdassarian E, Johne R. Recent knowledge on hepatitis E virus in Suidae reservoirs and transmission routes to human. Vet Res 2017; 48:78. [PMID: 29157309 PMCID: PMC5696788 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0483-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes self-limiting acute hepatitis in humans that can eventually result in acute liver failures or progress to chronic infections. While in tropical and sub-tropical areas, HEV infections are associated with important waterborne epidemics, in Northern countries, HEV infections are autochthonous with a zoonotic origin. In the past decade, it has become clear that certain HEV genotypes are zoonotic and that swine, and more generally Suidae, are the main reservoir. Zoonotic transmissions of the virus may occur via direct contact with infected pigs, wild boars or consumption of contaminated meat. This review describes the current knowledge on domestic and wild Suidae as reservoirs of HEV and the evidence of the different routes of HEV transmission between these animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pavio
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Virginie Doceul
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eugénie Bagdassarian
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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Combining network analysis with epidemiological data to inform risk-based surveillance: Application to hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pigs. Prev Vet Med 2017; 149:125-131. [PMID: 29290293 PMCID: PMC7126927 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A method is proposed to explore the role of pig movements on pathogen epidemiology. Pig farm centrality in the network is associated with higher HEV seroprevalence. Some local areas are more at risk for HEV due to incoming pig movements. Animal movements should be included in risk-based surveillance strategies.
Animal movements between farms are a major route of pathogen spread in the pig production sector. This study aimed to pair network analysis and epidemiological data in order to evaluate the impact of animal movements on pathogen prevalence in farms and assess the risk of local areas being exposed to diseases due to incoming movements. Our methodology was applied to hepatitis E virus (HEV), an emerging foodborne zoonotic agent of concern that is highly prevalent in pig farms. Firstly, the pig movement network in France (data recorded in 2013) and the results of a nation-wide seroprevalence study (data collected in 178 farms in 2009) were modelled and analysed. The link between network centrality measures of farms and HEV seroprevalence levels was explored using a generalised linear model. The in-degree and ingoing closeness of farms were found to be statistically associated with high HEV within-farm seroprevalence (p < 0.05). Secondly, the risk of a French département (i.e. French local administrative areas) being exposed to HEV was calculated by combining the distribution of farm-level HEV prevalence in source départements with the number of movements coming from those same départements. By doing so, the risk of exposure for départements was mapped, highlighting differences between geographical patterns of HEV prevalence and the risk of exposure to HEV. These results suggest that not only highly prevalent areas but also those having at-risk movements from infected areas should be monitored. Pathogen management and surveillance options in the pig production sector should therefore take animal movements into consideration, paving the way for the development of targeted and risk-based disease surveillance strategies.
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Hernández-Tinoco J, Alvarado-Félix ÁO. Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in pigs in Durango State, Mexico. J Med Virol 2017; 90:328-333. [PMID: 28914975 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
No information about hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in pigs in the northern Mexican state of Durango exists. We determined the seroprevalence and correlates of anti-HEV IgG antibodies in pigs in Durango, Mexico. Through a cross-sectional study, we studied 427 pigs raised in backyards (n = 328), or slaughtered (n = 99) in Durango. Sera of pigs were analyzed for anti-HEV IgG antibodies using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay. Antibodies to HEV were found in 193 (45.2%) of the 427 pigs studied. A significantly higher seroprevalence was observed in slaughtered pigs (79.8%) than in backyard pigs (34.8%). Bivariate analysis showed that HEV seropositivity was associated with age, sex, breed, climate, altitude, mean annual temperature, mean annual rainfall, and farm raising. Logistic regression analysis showed that HEV seropositivity was associated with the origin (Sonora State) of pigs (OR=6.51; 95%CI: 3.74-11.32; P < 0.001), and mean annual rainfall (≤600 mm) (OR=1.78; 95%CI: 1.01-3.15; P = 0.04). A high seroprevalence of HEV infection in pigs slaughtered for human consumption in Durango City was found. This is the first report of an association between HEV seropositivity in pigs and climatic factors. Infection factors found may help for the optimal planning of preventive measures against HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad, Durango, Mexico
| | - Luis F Sánchez-Anguiano
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad, Durango, Mexico
| | - Jesús Hernández-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad, Durango, Mexico
| | - Ángel O Alvarado-Félix
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad, Durango, Mexico
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García-Hernández ME, Cruz-Rivera M, Sánchez-Betancourt JI, Rico-Chávez O, Vergara-Castañeda A, Trujillo ME, Sarmiento-Silva RE. Seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus antibodies in domestic pigs in Mexico. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:289. [PMID: 28934965 PMCID: PMC5609016 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is one of the most common causes of acute liver diseases in humans worldwide. In developing countries, HEV is commonly associated with waterborne outbreaks. Conversely, in industrialized countries, HEV infection is often associated with travel to endemic regions or ingestion of contaminated animal products. Limited information on both, human and animal HEV infection in Mexico is available. As a consequence, the distribution of the virus in the country is largely unknown. Here, we assessed the seroprevalence of HEV among swine in different geographical regions in Mexico. METHODS Seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in swine herds in Mexico was evaluated in a representative sample including 945 pig serum specimens from different regions of the country using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The overall prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in swine was 59.4%. The northern region of Mexico exhibited the highest seroprevalence in the country (86.6%), while the central and southern regions in Mexico showed lower seroprevalence, 42.7% and 51.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In Mexico, HEV seroprevalence in swine is high. Importantly, northern Mexico showed the highest seroprevalence in the country. Thus, further studies are required to identify the risk factors contributing to HEV transmission among pigs in the country. Assessment of HEV human infection in the context of viral transmission in swine is required to better understand the epidemiology of hepatitis E in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayra Cruz-Rivera
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Iván Sánchez-Betancourt
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Oscar Rico-Chávez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Arely Vergara-Castañeda
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad La Salle, Benjamín Franklin 47, 06140, Ciudad de México, México
| | - María E Trujillo
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Rosa Elena Sarmiento-Silva
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México.
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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.
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40
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Salines M, Andraud M, Rose N. From the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) within the swine reservoir to public health risk mitigation strategies: a comprehensive review. Vet Res 2017; 48:31. [PMID: 28545558 PMCID: PMC5445439 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0436-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans, an emerging zoonosis mainly transmitted via food in developed countries and for which domestic pigs are recognised as the main reservoir. It therefore appears important to understand the features and drivers of HEV infection dynamics on pig farms in order to implement HEV surveillance programmes and to assess and manage public health risks. The authors have reviewed the international scientific literature on the epidemiological characteristics of HEV in swine populations. Although prevalence estimates differed greatly from one study to another, all consistently reported high variability between farms, suggesting the existence of multifactorial conditions related to infection and within-farm transmission of the virus. Longitudinal studies and experimental trials have provided estimates of epidemiological parameters governing the transmission process (e.g. age at infection, transmission parameters, shedding period duration or lag time before the onset of an immune response). Farming practices, passive immunity and co-infection with immunosuppressive agents were identified as the main factors influencing HEV infection dynamics, but further investigations are needed to clarify the different HEV infection patterns observed in pig herds as well as HEV transmission between farms. Relevant surveillance programmes and control measures from farm to fork also have to be fostered to reduce the prevalence of contaminated pork products entering the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Salines
- ANSES-Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, BP 53, 22440, Ploufragan, France. .,Université Bretagne Loire, Rennes, France.
| | - Mathieu Andraud
- ANSES-Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, BP 53, 22440, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Nicolas Rose
- ANSES-Ploufragan-Plouzané Laboratory, BP 53, 22440, Ploufragan, France.,Université Bretagne Loire, Rennes, France
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41
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Phylogenetic analysis of Hepatitis E virus strains isolated from slaughter-age pigs in Colombia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 49:138-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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42
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Intharasongkroh D, Sa-Nguanmoo P, Tuanthap S, Thongmee T, Duang-In A, Klinfueng S, Chansaenroj J, Vongpunsawad S, Theamboonlers A, Payungporn S, Chirathaworn C, Poovorawan Y. Hepatitis E Virus in Pork and Variety Meats Sold in Fresh Markets. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2017; 9:45-53. [PMID: 27580911 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-016-9258-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Swine is an economically important livestock, yet pork consumption and close contact with pigs are associated with the risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Limited data on the prevalence of HEV in Southeast Asia have mainly examined farm animals. To investigate the potential zoonotic transmission of HEV from dietary consumption of pork and variety meats (i.e., offal or organ meats), we obtained 1090 liver, 559 pork meat, and 556 intestine samples from fresh markets in the Bangkok metropolitan area between November 2014 and February 2015. The presence of HEV was assessed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Concurrently, 720 bile and 553 fecal samples from a slaughterhouse were also examined. Overall, HEV RNA was found in 0.23 % of the market samples and 3.93 % of the slaughterhouse samples. Fecal and bile samples were more likely to test positive compared to liver, pork, and intestine samples (p < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all HEV sequences obtained in this study formed a cluster closely related to genotype 3f. Pork and variety meats derived from pigs are commonly sold in fresh markets throughout Southeast Asia. Here, a relatively low HEV prevalence from pork and variety meats sold in Bangkok was found. Additional studies will be required to further assess potential dietary transmission of HEV elsewhere in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duangnapa Intharasongkroh
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattaratida Sa-Nguanmoo
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supansa Tuanthap
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanunrat Thongmee
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ausanee Duang-In
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirapa Klinfueng
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jira Chansaenroj
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sompong Vongpunsawad
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apiradee Theamboonlers
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sunchai Payungporn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chintana Chirathaworn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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43
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Jori F, Laval M, Maestrini O, Casabianca F, Charrier F, Pavio N. Assessment of Domestic Pigs, Wild Boars and Feral Hybrid Pigs as Reservoirs of Hepatitis E Virus in Corsica, France. Viruses 2016; 8:v8080236. [PMID: 27556478 PMCID: PMC4997598 DOI: 10.3390/v8080236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Corsica, extensive pig breeding systems allow frequent interactions between wild boars and domestic pigs, which are suspected to act as reservoirs of several zoonotic diseases including hepatitis E virus (HEV). In this context, 370 sera and 166 liver samples were collected from phenotypically characterized as pure or hybrid wild boars, between 2009 and 2012. In addition, serum and liver from 208 domestic pigs belonging to 30 farms were collected at the abattoir during the end of 2013. Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 26% (21%–31.6%) of the pure wild boar, 43.5% (31%–56.7%) of hybrid wild boar and 88% (82.6%–91.9%) of the domestic pig sera. In addition, HEV RNA was detected in five wild boars, three hybrid wild boars and two domestic pig livers tested. Our findings provide evidence that both domestic pig and wild boar (pure and hybrid) act as reservoirs of HEV in Corsica, representing an important zoonotic risk for Corsican hunters and farmers but also for the large population of consumers of raw pig liver specialties produced in Corsica. In addition, hybrid wild boars seem to play an important ecological role in the dissemination of HEV between domestic pig and wild boar populations, unnoticed to date, that deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Jori
- UPR AGIRS (Integrated Animal Risk Management Unit), CIRAD (International Agricultural Research Center for Development), Campus International de Baillarguet, Montpellier 34398, France.
- Department of Animal Science and Production, BUAN (Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Ressources), Private Bag 0037, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Morgane Laval
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Développement de l'Elevage (LRDE), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Corte 20250, France.
| | - Oscar Maestrini
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Développement de l'Elevage (LRDE), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Corte 20250, France.
| | - François Casabianca
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Développement de l'Elevage (LRDE), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Corte 20250, France.
| | - François Charrier
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Développement de l'Elevage (LRDE), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Corte 20250, France.
| | - Nicole Pavio
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort 94706, France.
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort 94706, France.
- UMR 1161 Virology, National Veterinary School, PRES University Paris 12, Maisons-Alfort 94706, France.
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Mansuy JM, Gallian P, Dimeglio C, Saune K, Arnaud C, Pelletier B, Morel P, Legrand D, Tiberghien P, Izopet J. A nationwide survey of hepatitis E viral infection in French blood donors. Hepatology 2016; 63:1145-54. [PMID: 27008201 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Most cases of hepatitis E viral (HEV) infection in developed countries are autochthonous. Nevertheless, the reported seroprevalence of HEV varies greatly depending on the geographical area and the performance of the immunoassay used. We used validated assays to determine the prevalence of anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM among 10,569 French blood donors living in mainland France and three overseas areas. Epidemiological information was collected using a specific questionnaire. We found an overall IgG seroprevalence of 22.4% (8%-86.4%) depending on the geographical area (P < 0.001). The presence of anti-HEV IgG was associated with increasing age (P < 0.001) and eating pork meat (P = 0.03), pork liver sausages (P < 0.001), game meat (P < 0.01), offal (P < 0.001), and oysters (P = 0.02). Conversely, drinking bottled water was associated with a lower rate of anti-HEV IgG (P = 0.02). Overall IgM seroprevalence was 1% (0%-4.6%). The frequency of anti-HEV IgM was higher in donors living in a high anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence area (1.9% versus 0.7%, P < 0.001) and in those eating pork liver sausage (1.4% versus 0.7%, P < 0.01), pâté (1% versus 0.4, P = 0.04), and wild boar (1.3% versus 0.7%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION HEV is endemic in France and hyperendemic in some areas; eating habits alone cannot totally explain the exposure to HEV, and contaminated water could contribute to the epidemiology of HEV infection in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Michel Mansuy
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine-Saint-Denis, France.,Aix Marseille Université, IRD French Institute of Research for Development, EHESP French School of Public Health, UMR_D 190 "Emergence des Pathologies Virales", Institut Hospitalo Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Chloé Dimeglio
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1027, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,Unité de soutien méthodologique à la recherche, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Toulouse, France
| | - Karine Saune
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Toulouse, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1043, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Catherine Arnaud
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1027, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,Unité de soutien méthodologique à la recherche, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Pascal Morel
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine-Saint-Denis, France
| | | | - Pierre Tiberghien
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine-Saint-Denis, France.,Université de Franche-Comté, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, UMR 1098, Besançon, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Toulouse, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 1043, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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Wilhelm B, Leblanc D, Leger D, Gow S, Deckert A, Pearl DL, Friendship R, Rajić A, Houde A, McEwen S. Farm-level prevalence and risk factors for detection of hepatitis E virus, porcine enteric calicivirus, and rotavirus in Canadian finisher pigs. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE RECHERCHE VETERINAIRE 2016; 80:95-105. [PMID: 27127336 PMCID: PMC4836045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), norovirus (NoV), and rotavirus (RV) are all hypothesized to infect humans zoonotically via exposure through swine and pork. Our study objectives were to estimate Canadian farm-level prevalence of HEV, NoV [specifically porcine enteric calicivirus (PEC)], and RV in finisher pigs, and to study risk factors for farm level viral detection. Farms were recruited using the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) and FoodNet Canada on-farm sampling platforms. Six pooled groups of fecal samples were collected from participating farms, and a questionnaire capturing farm management and biosecurity practices was completed. Samples were assayed using validated real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We modeled predictors for farm level viral RNA detection using logistic and exact logistic regression. Seventy-two herds were sampled: 51 CIPARS herds (15 sampled twice) and 21 FoodNet Canada herds (one sampled twice). Hepatitis E virus was detected in 30/88 farms [34.1% (95% CI 25.0%, 44.5%)]; PEC in 18 [20.5% (95% CI: 13.4%, 30.0%)], and RV in 6 farms [6.8% (95% CI: 3.2%, 14.1%)]. Farm-level prevalence of viruses varied with province and sampling platform. Requiring shower-in and providing boots for visitors were significant predictors (P < 0.05) in single fixed effect mixed logistic regression analysis for detection of HEV and PEC, respectively. In contrast, all RV positive farms provided boots and coveralls, and 5 of 6 farms required shower-in. We hypothesized that these biosecurity measures delayed the mean age of RV infection, resulting in an association with RV detection in finishers. Obtaining feeder pigs from multiple sources was consistently associated with greater odds of detecting each virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Wilhelm
- Address all correspondence to Dr. Barbara Wilhelm; telephone: 780-853-7820; fax: 780-853-6682; e-mail:
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Grierson S, Heaney J, Cheney T, Morgan D, Wyllie S, Powell L, Smith D, Ijaz S, Steinbach F, Choudhury B, Tedder RS. Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Pigs at the Time of Slaughter, United Kingdom, 2013. Emerg Infect Dis 2016. [PMID: 26196216 PMCID: PMC4517718 DOI: 10.3201/eid2108.141995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs raised in the United Kingdom are unlikely to be the source of UK human infections. Since 2010, reports of infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) have increased in England and Wales. Despite mounting evidence regarding the zoonotic potential of porcine HEV, there are limited data on its prevalence in pigs in the United Kingdom. We investigated antibody prevalence, active infection, and virus variation in serum and cecal content samples from 629 pigs at slaughter. Prevalence of antibodies to HEV was 92.8% (584/629), and HEV RNA was detected in 15% of cecal contents (93/629), 3% of plasma samples (22/629), and 2% of both (14/629). However, although HEV is prevalent in pigs in the United Kingdom and viremic pigs are entering the food chain, most (22/23) viral sequences clustered separately from the dominant type seen in humans. Thus, pigs raised in the United Kingdom are unlikely to be the main source of human HEV infections in the United Kingdom. Further research is needed to identify the source of these infections.
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Guillois Y, Abravanel F, Miura T, Pavio N, Vaillant V, Lhomme S, Le Guyader FS, Rose N, Le Saux JC, King LA, Izopet J, Couturier E. High Proportion of Asymptomatic Infections in an Outbreak of Hepatitis E Associated With a Spit-Roasted Piglet, France, 2013. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 62:351-7. [PMID: 26429341 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND On 11 December 2013, 3 clustered cases of hepatitis E were reported on a French coastal island. Individuals had taken part in a wedding meal that included a spit-roasted piglet. The piglet had been stuffed with a raw stuffing partly made from the liver. Investigations were carried out to identify the vehicle of contamination and evaluate the dispersion of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the environment. METHODS A questionnaire was administered to 98 wedding participants who were asked to give a blood sample. Cases were identified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and serological tests. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 38 blood-sampled participants after the exclusion of 14 participants with evidence of past HEV infection. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated based on food consumed at the wedding meal using univariate and multivariable Poisson regressions. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to compare the clinical HEV strains. Strains were detected in the liquid manure sampled at the farm where the piglet was born and in the untreated island wastewater. RESULTS Seventeen cases were identified, 70.6% were asymptomatic. Acute HEV infection was independently associated with piglet stuffing consumption (RR = 1.69 [1.04-2.73], P = .03). Of clinical strains from the index cases, veterinary and environmental HEV strains were identical. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation attributed this large HEV outbreak to the consumption of an undercooked pig liver-based stuffing. After infection, the cases became a temporary reservoir for HEV, which was detected in the island's untreated wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonnick Guillois
- Regional Epidemiology Unit for the Brittany region, Institut de veille sanitaire, Rennes
| | - Florence Abravanel
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis E virus, Centre hospitalier universitaire, Toulouse
| | - Takayuki Miura
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, LSEM-SG2M, Ifremer, Nantes
| | - Nicole Pavio
- UMR 1161 Virology, Animal Health Laboratory, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail, Maisons-Alfort
| | - Véronique Vaillant
- Department of Infectious diseases, Institut de veille sanitaire, Saint-Maurice
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis E virus, Centre hospitalier universitaire, Toulouse
| | | | - Nicolas Rose
- Swine Epidemiology and Welfare unit, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail, Ploufragan/Plouzané laboratory, Ploufragan, France
| | | | - Lisa A King
- Regional Epidemiology Unit for the Brittany region, Institut de veille sanitaire, Rennes
| | - Jacques Izopet
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis E virus, Centre hospitalier universitaire, Toulouse
| | - Elisabeth Couturier
- Department of Infectious diseases, Institut de veille sanitaire, Saint-Maurice
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48
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Pavoni E, Barbieri I, Bertasi B, Lombardi G, Giangrosso G, Cordioli P, Losio MN. Detection and Molecular Characterisation of Swine Hepatitis E Virus in Brescia Province, Italy. Ital J Food Saf 2015; 4:4587. [PMID: 27800394 PMCID: PMC5076652 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2015.4587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important public health concern in many developing countries and it occurs in sporadic forms in industrialized areas. With the discovery of swine HEV in pigs, which is genetically closely related to human HEV, hepatitis E is considered to be a zoonotic disease. To investigate the circulation of HEV within a distinct area of Lombardy region (Northern Italy), 17 pig farms were subjected to monitoring study by collection of fresh stool samples each represented by ground-pooled specimens. In particular, three distinct types of breeding farms were focused, represented by farrow to weaning, farrow to finish and fattening farms, respectively. Epidemiological data confirm that in Europe the seroprevalence in pigs, more than 9 month of age, ranges from 51.4 to 75%, while in 3-9 months fatteners is about 38%. In France and Italy, the positivity among farms is respectively 30 and 97.4% and the seroprevalence in Italy is 50.2%. Since HEV viremia was typically observed in the early period of life in swine, faeces were collected in boxes containing weaning pigs. For the study, 183 stool samples were collected and amplifications were performed with universal primers specific for the ORF2 region of genome. Twentyeight samples resulted positive to HEV RNA and genotyping demonstrated that they were closely related to HEV strains belonging to genotype 3 and circulating in Europe. Comparison with reference strains from GenBank excluded their similarity to genotype 1, 2 or 4 confirming that genotype 3 strains are circulating in Europe. Since it was demonstrated that swine act as a reservoir for HEV, and since many strains into HEV genotype 3 share a strong molecular similarity to human HEV, it was important to detect the presence of HEV in a restricted area with a very high density of pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pavoni
- Veterinary Public Health Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
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Andraud M, Casas M, Pavio N, Rose N. Early-life hepatitis e infection in pigs: the importance of maternally-derived antibodies. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105527. [PMID: 25144763 PMCID: PMC4140806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Passive immunity (PI), acquired through colostrum intake, is essential for piglet protection against pathogens. Maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs) can decrease the transmission of pathogens between individuals by reducing shedding from infected animals and/or susceptibility of naïve animals. Only a limited number of studies, however, have been carried out to quantify the level of protection conferred by PI in terms of transmission. In the present study, an original modeling framework was designed to estimate parameters governing the transmission of infectious agents in the presence and absence of PI. This epidemiological model accounts for the distribution of PI duration and two different forces of infection depending on the serological status of animals after colostrum intake. A Bayesian approach (Metropolis-Hastings algorithm) was used for parameter estimation. The impact of PI on hepatitis E virus transmission in piglets was investigated using longitudinal serological data from six pig farms. A strong impact of PI was highlighted, the efficiency of transmission being on average 13 times lower in piglets with maternally-derived antibodies than in fully susceptible animals (range: 5–21). Median infection-free survival ages, based on herd-specific estimates, ranged between 8.7 and 13.8 weeks in all but one herd. Indeed, this herd exhibited a different profile with a relatively low prevalence of infected pigs (50% at slaughter age) despite the similar proportions of passively immune individuals after colostrum intake. These results suggest that the age at HEV infection is not strictly dependent upon the proportion of piglets with PI but is also linked to farm-specific husbandry (mingling of piglets after weaning) and hygiene practices. The original methodology developed here, using population-based longitudinal serological data, was able to demonstrate the relative impact of MDAs on the transmission of infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Andraud
- Pig Epidemiology and Welfare Unit, Anses, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané, Ploufragan, France
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Rennes, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Maribel Casas
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicole Pavio
- UMR 1161 Virology, Anses, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d′Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nicolas Rose
- Pig Epidemiology and Welfare Unit, Anses, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané, Ploufragan, France
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Rennes, France
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Grodzki M, Schaeffer J, Piquet JC, Le Saux JC, Chevé J, Ollivier J, Le Pendu J, Le Guyader FS. Bioaccumulation efficiency, tissue distribution, and environmental occurrence of hepatitis E virus in bivalve shellfish from France. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:4269-76. [PMID: 24795382 PMCID: PMC4068666 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00978-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an enteric pathogen of both humans and animals, is excreted by infected individuals and is therefore present in wastewaters and coastal waters. As bivalve molluscan shellfish are known to concentrate viral particles during the process of filter feeding, they may accumulate this virus. The bioaccumulation efficiencies of oysters (Crassostrea gigas), flat oysters (Ostrea edulis), mussels (Mytilus edulis), and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) were compared at different time points during the year. Tissue distribution analysis showed that most of the viruses were concentrated in the digestive tissues of the four species. Mussels and clams were found to be more sensitive to sporadic contamination events, as demonstrated by rapid bioaccumulation in less than 1 h compared to species of oysters. For oysters, concentrations increased during the 24-h bioaccumulation period. Additionally, to evaluate environmental occurrence of HEV in shellfish, an environmental investigation was undertaken at sites potentially impacted by pigs, wild boars, and human waste. Of the 286 samples collected, none were contaminated with hepatitis E virus, despite evidence that this virus is circulating in some French areas. It is possible that the number of hepatitis E viral particles discharged into the environment is too low to detect or that the virus may have a very short period of persistence in pig manure and human waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Grodzki
- Ifremer, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, LSEM-SG2M, Nantes, France
| | - Julien Schaeffer
- Ifremer, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, LSEM-SG2M, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | - Joanna Ollivier
- Ifremer, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, LSEM-SG2M, Nantes, France
| | - Jacques Le Pendu
- Inserm, U892, CNRS, UMR6299, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
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