1
|
Santos-Silva S, Santos N, López-López P, Nascimento MSJ, Gonçalves HMR, Van der Poel WHM, Rivero-Juarez A, Mesquita JR. Hepatitis E virus in wild and domestic rabbits from Portugal: a combined molecular and longitudinal serological study. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10452-7. [PMID: 38935173 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10452-7] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), species Paslahepevirus balayani, poses a global public health threat, especially in developing countries, by causing acute enterically transmitted hepatitis. HEV infects various mammalian hosts and belongs to the genus Paslahepevirus in the family Hepeviridae. While swine are recognized as the main hosts of HEV, rabbits, which can also be affected by swine HEV-3 related strains, serve as the primary reservoir for the distinct emerging and zoonotic HEV-3ra subtype. In Portugal, where the European wild rabbit is abundant, their role in HEV epidemiology remains unclear. The primary aim of the present research was to evaluate the circulation and the potential for HEV infection within these species. This study employed a molecular and longitudinal serological approach to investigate HEV in Portuguese rabbits. Among the 205 wild rabbits tested, a seroprevalence of 2.44% (95% CI: 0.80-5.60) was found, with no significant associations with age, sex, localization, or sampling dates. Seropositive animals were found in the south and center regions of the country. HEV RNA was not detected in 120 fecal samples, suggesting a natural, low level, and widespread viral circulation. The study underscores the need for further research to comprehend HEV dynamics in these species, which is crucial for assessing potential transmission risks to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santos
- CIBIO/InBio, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Campus of Vairão, University of Porto, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Pedro López-López
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Helena M R Gonçalves
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Wim H M Van der Poel
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department Virology & Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - António Rivero-Juarez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - João R Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Public Health Institute of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ferri G, Giantomassi G, Tognetti D, Olivastri A, Vergara A. Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection in Liver and Muscle Tissues Sampled from Home Slaughtered Domestic Pigs in Central Italy. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s12560-024-09606-2. [PMID: 38862750 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-024-09606-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus is a worldwide emerging foodborne pathogen; raw or undercooked meats and liver pork products can cause infection through the orofecal route. In Central-Southern Italy, small traditional farming method, associated with the possibility of environmental sharing with wild species, can facilitate HEV diffusion and persistence. The aim of this study was to determine HEV genotype and subtype in Marche region from home slaughtered domestic pigs involved in small and traditional food chains. A total of 236 liver and muscle tissues and 6 pooled salami samples were screened. Laboratory workflow started with homogenization, followed by RNA extraction. Nested reverse transcription PCR and qRT-PCR were used to amplify specific parts of overlapping open reading frames belonging to the HEV genome. A total of 42/236 (17.79%) liver and 8/236 (3.39%) diaphragm specimens were positive; none of the pooled salami specimens showed positive HEV signal. The discovered HEV3c presented high nucleotide similarities with ones amplified from wild boar populations hunted in the same province. Extensive farming methods and environmental sharing with wild animal species support cross-infection infections, as observed in the present study. Although salami resulted negative for HEV RNA detection, the effects of food technologies on viral loads remain unclear. Therefore, further scientific investigations coupled with efficacious standardized laboratory procedures will be the next challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Vergara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Santos-Silva S, Moraes DFDSD, López-López P, Paupério J, Queirós J, Rivero-Juarez A, Lux L, Ulrich RG, Gonçalves HMR, Van der Poel WHM, Nascimento MSJ, Mesquita JR. Detection of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in an Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) in Portugal. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1803-1812. [PMID: 38243141 PMCID: PMC11147874 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10293-4] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Virus monitoring in small mammals is central to the design of epidemiological control strategies for rodent-borne zoonotic viruses. Synanthropic small mammals are versatile and may be potential carriers of several microbial agents. In the present work, a total of 330 fecal samples of small mammals were collected at two sites in the North of Portugal and screened for zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV, species Paslahepevirus balayani). Synanthropic small mammal samples (n = 40) were collected in a city park of Porto and belonged to the species Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) (n = 26) and to the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) (n = 14). Furthermore, additional samples were collected in the Northeast region of Portugal and included Algerian mouse (n = 48), greater white-toothed shrew (n = 47), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) (n = 43), southwestern water vole (Arvicola sapidus) (n = 52), Cabrera's vole (Microtus cabrerae) (n = 49) and Lusitanian pine vole (Microtus lusitanicus) (n = 51). A nested RT-PCR targeting a part of open reading frame (ORF) 2 region of the HEV genome was used followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. HEV RNA was detected in one fecal sample (0.3%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.01-1.68) from a synanthropic Algerian mouse that was genotyped as HEV-3, subgenotype 3e. This is the first study reporting the detection of HEV-3 in a synanthropic rodent, the Algerian mouse. The identified HEV isolate is probably the outcome of either a spill-over infection from domestic pigs or wild boars, or the result of passive viral transit through the intestinal tract. This finding reinforces the importance in the surveillance of novel potential hosts for HEV with a particular emphasis on synanthropic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro López-López
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joana Paupério
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Welcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - João Queirós
- CIBIO-Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, 4485-661, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, 4485-661, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua Campo Alegre s/n, Porto, 4169-007, Portugal
- EBM, Estação Biológica de Mértola, Mértola, 7750-329, Portugal
| | - António Rivero-Juarez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Lux
- University of Greifswald, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Helena M R Gonçalves
- REQUIMTE, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Biosensor NTech - Nanotechnology Services, Avenida da Liberdade, 249, 1º Andar, Lda, Lisboa, 1250-143, Portugal
| | - Wim H M Van der Poel
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department Virology & Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - João R Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Panajotov J, Falkenhagen A, Gadicherla AK, Johne R. Molecularly generated rat hepatitis E virus strains from human and rat show efficient replication in a human hepatoma cell line. Virus Res 2024; 344:199364. [PMID: 38522562 PMCID: PMC10995862 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199364] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. Whereas HEV genotypes 1-4 of species Paslahepevirus balayani are commonly found in humans, infections with ratHEV (species Rocahepevirus ratti) were previously considered to be restricted to rats. However, several cases of human ratHEV infections have been described recently. To investigate the zoonotic potential of this virus, a genomic clone was constructed here based on sequence data of ratHEV strain pt2, originally identified in a human patient with acute hepatitis from Hongkong. For comparison, genomic clones of ratHEV strain R63 from a rat and of HEV genotype 3 strain 47832mc from a human patient were used. After transfection of in vitro-transcribed RNA from the genomic clones into the human hepatoma cell line HuH-7-Lunet BLR, virus replication was shown for all strains by increasing genome copy numbers in cell culture supernatants. These cells developed persistent virus infections, and virus particles in the culture supernatant as well as viral antigen within the cells were demonstrated. All three generated virus strains successfully infected fresh HuH-7-Lunet BLR cells. In contrast, the human hepatoma cell lines HuH-7 and PLC/PRF/5 could only be infected with the genotype 3 strain and to a lesser extent with ratHEV strain R63. Infection of the rat-derived hepatoma cell lines clone 9, MH1C1 and H-4-II-E did not result in efficient virus replication for either strain. The results indicate that ratHEV strains from rats and humans can infect human hepatoma cells. The replication efficiency is strongly dependent on the cell line and virus strain. The investigated rat hepatoma cell lines could not be infected and other rat-derived cells should be tested in future to identify permissive cell lines from rats. The developed genomic clone can represent a useful tool for future research investigating pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of ratHEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashish K Gadicherla
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany; Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caballero-Gómez J, Pereira S, Rivero-Calle I, Perez AB, Viciana I, Casares-Jiménez M, Rios-Muñoz L, Rivero-Juarez A, Aguilera A, Rivero A. Acute Hepatitis in Children Due to Rat Hepatitis E Virus. J Pediatr 2024; 273:114125. [PMID: 38815747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Two of 11 children with acute hepatitis of unknown origin were found to have rat hepatitis E virus infection. This infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with acute hepatitis of unknown origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain; Animal Health Department, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Pereira
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario & University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)/IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Irene Rivero-Calle
- Pediatrics Department, Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; GENVIP Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ana B Perez
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Isabel Viciana
- Microbiology Department, Málaga Biomedicine Research Institute-IBIMA BIONAND Platform, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - María Casares-Jiménez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Rios-Muñoz
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Antonio Aguilera
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario & University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)/IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu L, Bie M, Li J, Zhou H, Hu T, Carr MJ, Lu L, Shi W. Isolation and characterization of a novel rodent hepevirus in long-tailed dwarf hamsters ( Cricetulus longicaudatus) in China. J Gen Virol 2024; 105. [PMID: 38767609 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepeviruses have been identified in a broad range of animal hosts, including mammals, birds, and fish. In this study, rodents (n=91) from seven different species and ten pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) were collected in Qinghai Province, China. Using transcriptomic sequencing and confirmatory molecular testing, hepeviruses were detected in 27 of 45 (60 %) long-tailed dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus longicaudatus) and were undetected in other rodents and pika. The complete genome sequences from 14 representative strains were subsequently obtained, and phylogenetic analyses suggested that they represent a novel species within the genus Rocahepevirus, which we tentatively designated as Cl-2018QH. The virus was successfully isolated in human hepatoma (Huh-7) and murine fibroblast (17 Cl-1) cell lines, though both exhibited limited replication as assayed by detection of negative-sense RNA intermediates. A129 immunodeficient mice were inoculated with Cl-2018QH and the virus was consistently detected in multiple organs, despite relatively low viral loads. In summary, this study has described a novel rodent hepevirus, which enhances our knowledge of the genetic diversity of rodent hepeviruses and highlights its potential for cross-species transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250117, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, PR China
| | - Mengyu Bie
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250117, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, PR China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, PR China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, PR China
| | - Tao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, PR China
| | - Michael J Carr
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 E1W1, Ireland
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Liang Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Weifeng Shi
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
- Shanghai Institute of Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xiang Z, He XL, Zhu CW, Yang JJ, Huang L, Jiang C, Wu J. Animal models of hepatitis E infection: Advances and challenges. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2024; 23:171-180. [PMID: 37852916 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Although most of HEV infections are asymptomatic, some patients will develop the symptoms, especially pregnant women, the elderly, and patients with preexisting liver diseases, who often experience anorexia, nausea, vomiting, malaise, abdominal pain, and jaundice. HEV infection may become chronic in immunosuppressed individuals. In addition, HEV infection can also cause several extrahepatic manifestations. HEV exists in a wide range of hosts in nature and can be transmitted across species. Hence, animals susceptible to HEV can be used as models. The establishment of animal models is of great significance for studying HEV transmission, clinical symptoms, extrahepatic manifestations, and therapeutic strategies, which will help us understand the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis E. This review summarized the animal models of HEV, including pigs, monkeys, rabbits, mice, rats, and other animals. For each animal species, we provided a concise summary of the HEV genotypes that they can be infected with, the cross-species transmission pathways, as well as their role in studying extrahepatic manifestations, prevention, and treatment of HEV infection. The advantages and disadvantages of these animal models were also emphasized. This review offers new perspectives to enhance the current understanding of the research landscape surrounding HEV animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Xiang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Xiang-Lin He
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310030, China
| | - Chuan-Wu Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou 215007, China
| | - Jia-Jia Yang
- Department of Infection Management, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China
| | - Chun Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu H, Zhou L, Wang F, Chen Z, Lu Y. Molecular epidemiology and phylogeny of the emerging zoonotic virus Rocahepevirus: A global genetic analysis. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 118:105557. [PMID: 38244748 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Human infections with Rocahepevirus ratti genotype C1 (HEV-C1) in Hong Kong of China, Canada, Spain, and France have drawn worldwide concern towards Rocahepevirus. This study conducted a global genetic analysis of Rocahepevirus, aiming to furnish comprehensive molecular insights and promote further research. We retrieved 817 Rocahepevirus sequences from the GenBank database through October 31, 2023, categorizing them according to research, sample collection area and date, genotype, host, and sequence length. Subsequently, we conducted descriptive epidemiological, phylogenetic evolutionary, and protein polymorphism (in length and identity) analyses on these sequences. Rocahepevirus genomes were identified across twenty-eight countries, predominantly in Asia (71.73%, 586/817) and Europe (26.44%, 216/817). The HEV-C1 dominates Rocahepevirus (77.2%, 631/817), while newly discovered Rocahepevirus genotypes (C3/C4/C5 and other unclassified genotypes) were primarily identified in Europe (25/120) and China (91/120). Muridae animals (72.5%, 592/817) serve as the primary hosts for Rocahepevirus, with other hosts encompassing species from the families Soricidae, Hominidae, Mustelidae, and Cricetidae. Additionally, Rocahepevirus genomes (C1 genotype) were identified in sewage samples recently. The phylogenetic evolution of Rocahepevirus exhibits considerable variation. Specifically, HEV-C1 can be classified into at least six genetic groups (G1 to G6), with human HEV-C1 distributed across multiple evolutionary clades. The overall ORF1 and ORF2 amino acid sequence lengths were significantly different (P < 0.001) across Rocahepevirus genotypes. HEV-C1/C2/C3 and HEV-C4/C5 displayed substantial differences in amino acid sequence identity (58.4%-59.6%). The identification of Rocahepevirus genomes has expanded across numerous countries, particularly in European and Asian countries, coinciding with an expanding host range and emergence of new genotypes. The evolutionary path of Rocahepevirus is intricate, where the HEV-C1 dominates globally and internally forms multiple evolutionary groups (G1 to G6), exhibiting diverse genetic variation within human HEV-C1. Significant differences exist in the protein polymorphism (in length and identity) across Rocahepevirus genotypes. Given Rocahepevirus's shift from an animal virus to a zoonotic pathogen, worldwide cooperation in monitoring Rocahepevirus genomes is vital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fengge Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zixiang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yihan Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu H, Li B, Yu B, Hu L, Zhou L, Yin J, Lu Y. Genomic characterization of Rocahepevirus ratti hepatitis E virus genotype C1 in Yunnan province of China. Virus Res 2024; 341:199321. [PMID: 38242291 PMCID: PMC10831724 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199321] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The Rocahepevirus ratti hepatitis E virus genotype C1 (HEV-C1) has been documented to infect humans. However, the understanding of HEV-C1 remains constrained. This study aims to determine the prevalence and genomic characteristics of HEV-C1 in small animals in Yunnan province of southwestern China. A total of 444 liver tissues were collected from animals covering the orders Rodentia, Soricomorpha, Scandentia and Erinaceomorpha in three regions in Yunnan. Then Paslahepevirus balayani and Rocahepevirus were examined using RT-qPCR. The detection rate of Rocahepevirus was 12.95 % (36/278) in animals of order Rodentia, with 14.77 % (35/237) in Rattus tanezumi and 33.33 % (1/3) in Niviventer fulvescens. No Paslahepevirus balayani was detected. Additionally, two full-length Rocahepevirus sequences (MSE-17 and LHK-54) and thirty-three partial ORF1 sequences were amplified and determined to be HEV-C1. MSE-17 and LHK-54 shared moderate nucleotide identity (78.9 %-80.3 %) with HEV-C1 isolated in rats and humans. The HEV-C1 isolated from Niviventer fulvescens demonstrated a 100 % nucleotide identity with that from Rattus tanezumi. The rat HEV-C1 sequences isolated in our study and other Asian HEV-C1 sequences were phylogenetically distant from those isolated in North America and Europe. Furthermore, the two full-length sequences isolated in our study had less amino acid substitutions in the motifs of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain (F204L and L238F), compared with other Asian sequences. In summary, HEV-C1 commonly spreads in rats in Yunnan province of China. Our findings suggest a spatially associated phylogeny, and potential cross-species transmission of HEV-C1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bingzhe Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bowen Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong, China
| | - Linjie Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiaxiang Yin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671003, China.
| | - Yihan Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Fudan University), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sacristán C, Ewbank AC, Duarte-Benvenuto A, Sacristán I, Zamana-Ramblas R, Costa-Silva S, Lanes Ribeiro V, Bertozzi CP, Del Rio do Valle R, Castilho PV, Colosio AC, Marcondes MCC, Lailson-Brito J, de Freitas Azevedo A, Carvalho VL, Pessi CF, Cremer M, Esperón F, Catão-Dias JL. Survey of selected viral agents (herpesvirus, adenovirus and hepatitis E virus) in liver and lung samples of cetaceans, Brazil. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2689. [PMID: 38302481 PMCID: PMC10834590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45315-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic and pulmonary lesions are common in cetaceans, despite their poorly understood viral etiology. Herpesviruses (HV), adenoviruses (AdV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are emerging agents in cetaceans, associated with liver and/or pulmonary damage in mammals. We isolated and molecularly tested DNA for HV and AdV (n = 218 individuals; 187 liver and 108 lung samples) and RNA for HEV (n = 147 animals; 147 liver samples) from six cetacean families. All animals stranded or were bycaught in Brazil between 2001 and 2021. Positive-animals were analyzed by histopathology. Statistical analyses assessed if the prevalence of viral infection could be associated with the variables: species, family, habitat, region, sex, and age group. All samples were negative for AdV and HEV. Overall, 8.7% (19/218) of the cetaceans were HV-positive (4.8% [9/187] liver and 11.1% [12/108] lung), without HV-associated lesions. HV-prevalence was statistically significant higher in Pontoporiidae (19.2%, 10/52) when compared to Delphinidae (4.1%, 5/121), and in southeastern (17.1%, 13/76)-the most industrialized Brazilian region-when compared to the northeastern region (2.4%, 3/126). This study broadens the herpesvirus host range in cetaceans, including its description in pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Further studies must elucidate herpesvirus drivers in cetaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Carretera Algete-El Casar de Talamanca, Km. 8,1, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - A C Ewbank
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - A Duarte-Benvenuto
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - I Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Carretera Algete-El Casar de Talamanca, Km. 8,1, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Zamana-Ramblas
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - S Costa-Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - C P Bertozzi
- São Paulo State University - UNESP, São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | - R Del Rio do Valle
- Instituto Ecoema de Estudo e Conservação do Meio Ambiente, Peruíbe, SP, Brasil
| | - P V Castilho
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina-UDESC, Laguna, SC, Brazil
| | - A C Colosio
- Instituto Baleia Jubarte, Caravelas, BA, Brazil
| | | | - J Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores 'Profa Izabel M. G. do N. Gurgel' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A de Freitas Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores 'Profa Izabel M. G. do N. Gurgel' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - V L Carvalho
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Caucaia, CE, Brazil
| | - C F Pessi
- Instituto de Pesquisas Cananéia (IpeC), Cananéia, SP, Brazil
| | - M Cremer
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Tetrápodes Marinhos e Costeiros - TETRAMAR, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, São Francisco Do Sul, SC, Brazil
| | - F Esperón
- Universidad Europea, Villaviciosa de Odon, Spain
| | - J L Catão-Dias
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Park K, Kim J, Noh J, Kim K, Yang E, Kim SG, Cho HK, Byun KS, Kim JH, Lee YS, Shim JO, Shin M, Kim WK, Song JW. First detection and characterization of hepatitis E virus (Rocahepevirus ratti) from urban Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the Republic of Korea. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29401. [PMID: 38235603 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an emerging zoonotic pathogen, poses a significant public health concern worldwide. Recently, rat HEV (Rocahepevirus ratti genotype C1; HEV-C1) has been reported to cause zoonotic infections and hepatitis in humans. Human infections with HEV-C1 are considered to be underestimated worldwide due to limited knowledge of transmission routes, genome epidemiology, and the risk assessment of zoonosis associated with these viruses. A total of 186 wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) were collected from the Republic of Korea (ROK) between 2011 and 2021. The prevalence of HEV-C1 RNA was 8 of 180 (4.4%) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We first reported three nearly whole-genome sequences of HEV-C1 newly acquired from urban rats in the ROK. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Korea-indigenous HEV-C1 formed an independent genetic group with those derived from R. norvegicus rats in other countries, indicating geographical and genetic diversity. Our findings provide critical insights into the molecular prevalence, genome epidemiology, and zoonotic potential of Rocahepevirus. This report raises awareness of the presence of Rocahepevirus-related hepatitis E among physicians in the ROK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyungmin Park
- Department of Microbiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongwoo Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Noh
- Department of Microbiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kijin Kim
- Centre for Infectious Disease Genomics and One Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eunyoung Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Kyung Cho
- Department of Microbiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Byun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Ok Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Keun Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Won Song
- Department of Microbiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Benavent S, Carlos S, Reina G. Rocahepevirus ratti as an Emerging Cause of Acute Hepatitis Worldwide. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2996. [PMID: 38138140 PMCID: PMC10745784 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a widespread human infection that causes mainly acute infection and can evolve to a chronic manifestation in immunocompromised individuals. In addition to the common strains of hepatitis E virus (HEV-A), known as Paslahepevirus balayani, pathogenic to humans, a genetically highly divergent rat origin hepevirus (RHEV) can cause hepatitis possessing a potential risk of cross-species infection and zoonotic transmission. Rocahepevirus ratti, formerly known as Orthohepevirus C, is a single-stranded RNA virus, recently reassigned to Rocahepevirus genus in the Hepeviridae family, including genotypes C1 and C2. RHEV primarily infects rats but has been identified as a rodent zoonotic virus capable of infecting humans through the consumption of contaminated food or water, causing both acute and chronic hepatitis cases in both animals and humans. This review compiles data concluding that 60% (295/489) of RHEV infections are found in Asia, being the continent with the highest zoonotic and transmission potential. Asia not only has the most animal cases but also 16 out of 21 human infections worldwide. Europe follows with 26% (128/489) of RHEV infections in animals, resulting in four human cases out of twenty-one globally. Phylogenetic analysis and genomic sequencing will be employed to gather global data, determine epidemiology, and assess geographical distribution. This information will enhance diagnostic accuracy, pathogenesis understanding, and help prevent cross-species transmission, particularly to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Benavent
- Microbiology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.B.); (G.R.)
| | - Silvia Carlos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Reina
- Microbiology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.B.); (G.R.)
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Palombieri A, Di Profio F, Sarchese V, Fruci P, Suffredini E, Martella V, Veneri C, Bonanno Ferraro G, Mancini P, La Rosa G, Di Martino B. Surveillance for rat hepatitis E in wastewater networks, Italy. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0267523. [PMID: 37850788 PMCID: PMC10714833 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02675-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection constitutes a significant health problem worldwide. In recent years, in addition to the zoonotic HEV3 and HEV4, emerging highly divergent hepevirus of rat origin (rat HEV [RHEV]) has been associated with human acute and chronic hepatitis. As environmental surveillance can be a complementary tool to explore emerging viruses of human and rodent origin, we investigated the epidemiology and the genetic variability of RHEV targeting 14 wastewater treatment plants in an Italian geographic area considered a hot spot for HEV infection in humans. Our results revealed that RHEV is a significant component of the wastewater microbiota with viral RNA detected in 43.9% of the specimens tested, adding further evidence to the need to investigate more in depth the real burden of RHEV infections in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palombieri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Di Profio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sarchese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Fruci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Carolina Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pamela Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abrantes AC, Santos-Silva S, Mesquita J, Vieira-Pinto M. Hepatitis E Virus in the Wild Boar Population: What Is the Real Zoonotic Risk in Portugal? Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:433. [PMID: 37755894 PMCID: PMC10535446 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090433] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important zoonosis in wild boar. Reported zoonotic cases are mainly associated with the consumption of raw/undercooked meat and/or liver. This study aims to determine the occurrence of HEV in the Portuguese wild boar population. During the hunting season 2021/2022, 123-matched samples (liver, faeces, and blood) were collected from hunted wild boars throughout Portugal. An RT-PCR assay tested liver and faeces samples to detect HEV-RNA. From blood samples, an ELISA test was performed. Only one liver sample was positive for HEV (0,8%) and one other from faeces. A total of 34 sera were seropositive (26.7%). At the same time, in a survey of 106 hunters, 21 consumed/ate the liver of wild boars (19.8%). Only three recognised the possibility of consuming it undercooked. Contrary to previous studies in Portugal, the prevalence of HEV in liver and faeces is low, but the seropositivity is higher. But, when analyzing in detail, it could be observed that an HEV hotspot exists in the southeast of central Portugal and that it is a zoonotic risk for hunters of this region. The data of this study reinforce the importance of including HEV in surveillance programs for wildlife diseases to expand the potential zoonotic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Abrantes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Mesquita
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena Vieira-Pinto
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS-Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nemes K, Persson S, Simonsson M. Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus as Food- and Waterborne Pathogens-Transmission Routes and Methods for Detection in Food. Viruses 2023; 15:1725. [PMID: 37632066 PMCID: PMC10457876 DOI: 10.3390/v15081725] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne viruses are an important threat to food safety and public health. Globally, there are approximately 5 million cases of acute viral hepatitis due to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) every year. HAV is responsible for numerous food-related viral outbreaks worldwide, while HEV is an emerging pathogen with a global health burden. The reported HEV cases in Europe have increased tenfold in the last 20 years due to its zoonotic transmission through the consumption of infected meat or meat products. HEV is considered the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide currently. This review focuses on the latest findings on the foodborne transmission routes of HAV and HEV and the methods for their detection in different food matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Nemes
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Swedish Food Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 56 A, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.P.); (M.S.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Prpić J, Baymakova M. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection among Humans and Animals: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, Treatment, and Prevention. Pathogens 2023; 12:931. [PMID: 37513778 PMCID: PMC10383665 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The public health significance of hepatitis E is very important [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Prpić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Porea D, Raileanu C, Crivei LA, Gotu V, Savuta G, Pavio N. First Detection of Hepatitis E Virus ( Rocahepevirus ratti Genotype C1) in Synanthropic Norway Rats ( Rattus norvegicus) in Romania. Viruses 2023; 15:1337. [PMID: 37376636 DOI: 10.3390/v15061337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with different viral genera and species reported in a wide range of animals. Rodents, particularly rats, carry the specific genus rat HEV (Rocahepevirus genus, genotype C1) and are exposed occasionally to HEV-3 (Paslahepevirus genus, genotype 3), a zoonotic genotype identified in humans and widely distributed in domestic and feral pigs. In this study, the presence of HEV was investigated in synanthropic Norway rats from Eastern Romania, in areas where the presence of HEV-3 was previously reported in pigs, wild boars and humans. Using methods capable of detecting different HEV species, the presence of HEV RNA was investigated in 69 liver samples collected from 52 rats and other animal species. Nine rat liver samples were identified as being positive for rat HEV RNA (17.3%). High sequence identity (85-89% nt) was found with other European Rocahepevirus. All samples tested from other animal species, within the same environment, were negative for HEV. This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of HEV in rats from Romania. Since rat HEV has been reported to cause zoonotic infections in humans, this finding supports the need to extend the diagnosis of Rocahepevirus in humans with suspicion of hepatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Porea
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
- Laboratories and Research Stations Department, Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, 820112 Tulcea, Romania
| | - Cristian Raileanu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Luciana Alexandra Crivei
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety Iași, University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Vasilica Gotu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Savuta
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety Iași, University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iași, Romania
| | - Nicole Pavio
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de L'alimentation de L'environnement et du Travail (ANSES), Institut National de Recherche pour L'agriculture L'alimentation et L'environnement (INRAE), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (ENVA), UMR Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ferri G, Giantomassi G, Piccinini A, Olivastri A, Vergara A. Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection from Hunted Wild Boars in Central Italy: an Epidemiological Investigation. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:158-166. [PMID: 37029274 PMCID: PMC10261184 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09554-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Every year, foodborne pathogens, including the hepatitis E virus (HEV), cause thousands of infections in different continents. Final consumers become infected through the ingestion of contaminated animal origin foodstuffs. Generally, in industrialized countries, HEV genotype 3 is involved in sporadic outbreaks. Infections have been described, in Europe and Japan as consequence of pork products and contaminated wild boar's primary or processed products (liver and muscle tissues) consumption. In Central Italy, hunting activities are largely practiced. In these small and rural communities, game meat and liver are ingested by hunters' families or at local and traditional restaurants. Therefore, these food chains can be considered critical HEV reservoirs. In this study, 506 liver and diaphragm tissues were collected from hunted wild boars in the Southern Marche region (Central Italy) and were screened for HEV RNA detection. From the 10.87% of liver and 2.76% of muscle samples, HEV3 subtype c was discovered. The observed prevalence values resulted in line with previous investigations performed in other Central Italian regions, but higher than Northern ones (3.7% and 1.9% from liver tissue). Therefore, the obtained epidemiological data highlighted the wide occurrence of HEV RNA circulation in a low-investigated area. Basing on results, a One-health approach was adopted due to the sanitary relevance of this Public Health concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | | | - Andrea Piccinini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Vergara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ulrich RG, Drewes S, Haring V, Panajotov J, Pfeffer M, Rubbenstroth D, Dreesman J, Beer M, Dobler G, Knauf S, Johne R, Böhmer MM. [Viral zoonoses in Germany: a One Health perspective]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03709-0. [PMID: 37261460 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03709-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing occurrence of monkeypox (mpox) diseases outside Africa have illustrated the vulnerability of populations to zoonotic pathogens. In addition, other viral zoonotic pathogens have gained importance in recent years.This review article addresses six notifiable viral zoonotic pathogens as examples to highlight the need for the One Health approach in order to understand the epidemiology of the diseases and to derive recommendations for action by the public health service. The importance of environmental factors, reservoirs, and vectors is emphasized, the diseases in livestock and wildlife are analyzed, and the occurrence and frequency of diseases in the population are described. The pathogens selected here differ in their reservoirs and the role of vectors for transmission, the impact of infections on farm animals, and the disease patterns observed in humans. In addition to zoonotic pathogens that have been known in Germany for a long time or were introduced recently, pathogens whose zoonotic potential has only lately been shown are also considered.For the pathogens discussed here, there are still large knowledge gaps regarding the transmission routes. Future One Health-based studies must contribute to the further elucidation of their transmission routes and the development of prevention measures. The holistic approach does not necessarily include a focus on viral pathogens/diseases, but also includes the question of the interaction of viral, bacterial, and other pathogens, including antibiotic resistance and host microbiomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rainer G Ulrich
- Institut für neue und neuartige Tierseuchenerreger, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland.
| | - Stephan Drewes
- Institut für neue und neuartige Tierseuchenerreger, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Viola Haring
- Institut für neue und neuartige Tierseuchenerreger, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Jessica Panajotov
- Fachgruppe Viren in Lebensmitteln, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institut für Tierhygiene und Öffentliches Veterinärwesen, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Dennis Rubbenstroth
- Institut für Virusdiagnostik, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | | | - Martin Beer
- Institut für Virusdiagnostik, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Abteilung Virologie und Rickettsiologie, Institut für Mikrobiologie der Bundeswehr, München, Deutschland
| | - Sascha Knauf
- Institut für Internationale Tiergesundheit/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Deutschland
| | - Reimar Johne
- Fachgruppe Viren in Lebensmitteln, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Merle M Böhmer
- Landesinstitut Gesundheit II - Task Force Infektiologie, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL), München, Deutschland
- Institut für Sozialmedizin und Gesundheitssystemforschung, Otto-von-Guericke Universität, Magdeburg, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lopez-Lopez P, Frias M, Perez-Jimenez AB, Freyre-Carrillo C, Pineda JA, Aguilera A, Fuentes A, Alados JC, Reina G, Ramirez-Arellano E, Viciana I, Mesquita J, Caballero-Gomez J, Rivero-Juarez A, Rivero A. Optimization of the molecular diagnosis of the acute hepatitis E virus infection. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1325-1332. [PMID: 36965117 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the diagnostic value of the combination of two broad-range PCR assays targeting two different and conserved regions of the viral genome for the diagnosis of acute Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Patients with acute hepatitis were prospectively recruited. In all, HEV-IgM antibodies were tested together with evaluation of HEV viraemia by two PCR assays (ORF3 and ORF1). The number of individuals exhibiting negative IgM antibody results but carrying viral RNA was calculated by each PCR assay. Four-hundred and seventy individuals were included, of whom 145 (30.8%) were diagnosed as having acute HEV. Of them, 122 (84.1%) exhibited HEV-IgM antibodies, and 81 (55.8%) had detectable viral RNA for at least one PCR. Using the ORF3 molecular assay, 70 (48.3%) individuals were identified with HEV infection. When the ORF1 molecular assay was applied, 49 (33.8%) individuals were identified. The ORF3 assay detected viral RNA in 32 patients not detected by the ORF1 assay. In contrast, the ORF1 assay could amplify viral RNA in 11 patients who were not detected by the ORF3 assay. The parallel use of two broad-range PCR assays significantly increased the performance of the molecular diagnosis of HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Frias
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Perez-Jimenez
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Juan A Pineda
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Aguilera
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario & University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)/IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana Fuentes
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs., Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Alados
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Jerez, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Gabriel Reina
- Microbiology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, ISTUN, Institute of Tropical Health, Universidad de Navarra, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Encarnación Ramirez-Arellano
- Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Virgen Macarena Univ. Hospital, University of Sevilla/Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Isabel Viciana
- Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Joao Mesquita
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Javier Caballero-Gomez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Prpić J, Kunić A, Keros T, Lojkić I, Brnić D, Jemeršić L. Absence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Circulation in the Most Widespread Wild Croatian Canine Species, the Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) and Jackal ( Canis aureus moreoticus). Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040834. [PMID: 37110256 PMCID: PMC10145003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, and the identification of new host species is reported successively worldwide. Nevertheless, its zoonotic potential and natural transmission, especially in wildlife remains unclear, primarily due to the discrete nature of HEV infections. Since the red fox (Vulpus vulpus) is the most widespread carnivore worldwide, and has been recognized as a potential HEV reservoir, its role as a potent host species is of increasing interest. Another wild canine species, the jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus), is becoming more important within the same habitat as that of the red fox since its number and geographical distribution have been rapidly growing. Therefore, we have chosen these wild species to determine their potential role in the epidemiology and persistence of HEV in the wilderness. The main reason for this is the finding of HEV and a rather high HEV seroprevalence in wild boars sharing the same ecological niche as the wild canine species, as well as the risk of the spread of HEV through red foxes into the outskirts of cities, where possible indirect and even direct contact with people are not excluded. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the possibility of natural HEV infection of free-living wild canines, by testing samples for the presence of HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies to gain better epidemiological knowledge of the disease. For this purpose, 692 red fox and 171 jackal muscle extracts and feces samples were tested. Neither HEV RNA nor anti-HEV antibodies were detected. Although HEV circulation was not detected in the tested samples, to our knowledge, these are the first results that include jackals as a growing and important omnivore wildlife species for the presence of HEV infection in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Prpić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Kunić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Keros
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Lojkić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragan Brnić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lorena Jemeršić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Detection of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 in Feces of Capybaras (Hydrochoeris hydrochaeris) in Brazil. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020335. [PMID: 36851548 PMCID: PMC9959927 DOI: 10.3390/v15020335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen associated with relevant public health issues. The aim of this study was to investigate HEV presence in free-living capybaras inhabiting urban parks in São Paulo state, Brazil. Molecular characterization of HEV positive samples was undertaken to elucidate the genetic diversity of the virus in these animals. A total of 337 fecal samples were screened for HEV using RT-qPCR and further confirmed by conventional nested RT-PCR. HEV genotype and subtype were determined using Sanger and next-generation sequencing. HEV was detected in one specimen (0.3%) and assigned as HEV-3f. The IAL-HEV_921 HEV-3f strain showed a close relationship to European swine, wild boar and human strains (90.7-93.2% nt), suggesting an interspecies transmission. Molecular epidemiology of HEV is poorly investigated in Brazil; subtype 3f has been reported in swine. This is the first report of HEV detected in capybara stool samples worldwide.
Collapse
|
24
|
Survey of Zoonotic Diarrheagenic Protist and Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa) of Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020256. [PMID: 36670797 PMCID: PMC9854796 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteropathogenic parasites and viruses have been frequently reported in swine and can infect a wide range of mammals, including humans. Among the wide variety of parasites infecting swine, diarrhoeagenic protists are among those that cause significant morbidity. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has also been reported both in domestic pigs and wild boar and is known to have an important public health significance. These agents share the fecal−oral transmission route, but data on their fecal shedding and circulation pathways are still lacking or incomplete. Hence, the aim of the present study was to characterize the presence of microeukaryotes and HEV in the wild boar of Portugal. Wild boar stool samples (n = 144) were obtained during the official hunting seasons (October to February) in 2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2021/2022 and tested for Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli, Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and HEV by molecular assays, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We have detected Cryptosporidium scrofarum (1.4%, 95% CI: 0.2−4.9), B. coli (14.6%, 95% CI: 9.2−21.4), Blastocystis ST5 (29.2%, 95% CI: 21.9−37.2) and HEV genotype 3 (2.8%, 95% CI: 0.7−6.9; subgenotypes 3e and 3m). Co-infections were observed in thirteen animals where two were positive for both HEV and B. coli, one was positive for both C. scrofarum and Blastocystis ST5, and ten were positive for both B. coli and Blastocystis ST5. Giardia duodenalis and E. bieneusi were not detected in the surveyed wild boar population. As far as we know, this is the first report describing protist infections by Cryptosporidium spp., B. coli, and Blastocystis sp., as well as the first identification of the emerging HEV genotype 3m in wild boar of Portugal. The present work shows that potentially zoonotic protozoa and HEV are circulating in wild boar populations in Portugal. Awareness and epidemic-surveillance network implementation measures targeting wild boar are needed to prevent the spread of these pathogenic agents to humans.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang L, Wang Y, Zhuang H. Puzzles for Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:247-256. [PMID: 37223871 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important but understudied virus that has been the major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In recent decades, our understanding of this neglected virus has changed greatly: novel forms of viral proteins and their functions have been discovered; HEV can transmit via blood transfusion and organ transplantation; HEV can infect many animal species and the number is still increasing; HEV can induce chronic hepatitis and extra-hepatic manifestations. However, we are short of effective treatment measures to counter the virus. In this chapter we tend to briefly introduce the puzzles and major knowledge gaps existed in the field of HEV research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang Y, Zhao C, Qi Y, Geng Y. Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:1-13. [PMID: 37223855 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Since the sequence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was determined from a patient with enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis in 1989, similar sequences have been isolated from many different animals, including pigs, wild boars, deer, rabbits, bats, rats, chicken, and trout. All of these sequences have the same genomic organization, which contains open reading frames (ORFs) 1, 2, and 3, although their genomic sequences are variable. Some have proposed that they be classified as new family, Hepeviridae, which would be further divided into different genera and species according to their sequence variability. The size of these virus particles generally ranged from 27 to 34 nm. However, HEV virions produced in cell culture differ in structure from the viruses found in feces. Those from cell culture have a lipid envelope and either lack or have a little ORF3, whereas the viruses isolated from feces lack a lipid envelope but have ORF3 on their surfaces. Surprisingly, most of the secreted ORF2 proteins from both these sources are not associated with HEV RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Caballero-Gómez J, Rivero-Juarez A, Beato-Benítez A, Fernández-Maldonado C, Domingo M, García-Párraga D, Fernández A, Sierra E, Ulrich RG, Martínez-Nevado E, Sierra-Arqueros C, Canales-Merino R, Rivero A, García-Bocanegra I. Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Free-Ranging and Captive Cetaceans, Spain, 2011-2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2543-2547. [PMID: 36417998 PMCID: PMC9707570 DOI: 10.3201/eid2812.221188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic surveillance of hepatitis E virus in over 300 free-ranging and captive cetaceans in waters off Spain revealed extensive exposure to this pathogen. We suggest the persistent and widespread presence of hepatitis E in the marine environment off the coast of Spain may be driven by terrestrial sources of contamination.
Collapse
|
28
|
Sayed IM, Abdelwahab SF. Is Hepatitis E Virus a Neglected or Emerging Pathogen in Egypt? Pathogens 2022; 11:1337. [PMID: 36422589 PMCID: PMC9697431 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Though Egypt ranks among the top countries for viral hepatitis and death-related liver disease, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a neglected pathogen. Living in villages and rural communities with low sanitation, use of underground well water and contact with animals are the main risk factors for HEV infection. Domestic animals, especially ruminants and their edible products, are one source of infection. Contamination of water by either human or animal stools is the main route of infection. In addition, HEV either alone or in coinfection with other hepatotropic viruses has been recorded in Egyptian blood donors. HEV seropositivity among Egyptian villagers was 60-80%, especially in the first decade of life. Though HEV seropositivity is the highest among Egyptians, HEV infection is not routinely diagnosed in Egyptian hospitals. The initial manifestations of HEV among Egyptians is a subclinical infection, although progression to fulminant hepatic failure has been recorded. With the improvement in serological and molecular approaches and increasing research on HEV, it is becoming clear that HEV represents a threat for Egyptians and preventive measures should be considered to reduce the infection rate and possible complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M. Sayed
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Sayed F. Abdelwahab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yoon J, Park T, Sohn Y, Lee SK, Park BJ, Ahn HS, Go HJ, Kim DH, Lee JB, Park SY, Song CS, Lee SW, Choi IS. Surveillance of hepatitis E virus in the horse population of Korea: A serological and molecular approach. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105317. [PMID: 35738550 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen causing hepatitis worldwide. Despite the prevalent evidence of interspecies HEV infection in various animal species, the role of horses in HEV epidemiology remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of HEV infection in 283 blood and 114 fecal samples from 397 horses using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Among the 283 serum samples, 35 were positive for anti-HEV antibodies (12.4%; 95% confidence interval: 8.8-16.8), and four of the five sampling regions (80%) had these seropositive individuals. Analyses of the potential risk factors for HEV infection revealed that racing horses had a significantly higher risk of infection (P = 0.01). However, HEV RNA was not detected in any of the tested serum and fecal samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological HEV study on horses in Republic of Korea, thereby providing evidence of HEV exposure in the horse population in Korea and specifying the risk factors for HEV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jungho Yoon
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju-si, Jeju 63346, Republic of Korea; Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Taemook Park
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju-si, Jeju 63346, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongwoo Sohn
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju-si, Jeju 63346, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Kyu Lee
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju-si, Jeju 63346, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Seop Ahn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Go
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hwi Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Bok Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yong Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Soo Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fontana RJ, Engle RE, Hayashi PH, Gu J, Kleiner DE, Nguyen H, Barnhart H, Hoofnagle JH, Farci P. Incidence of Hepatitis E Infection in American Patients With Suspected Drug-Induced Liver Injury Is Low and Declining: The DILIN Prospective Study. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:1462-1470. [PMID: 35973149 PMCID: PMC9437122 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection rarely causes icteric hepatitis, yet 10%-40% of adult Americans have serological evidence of previous infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, presentation, and outcome of acute and previous HEV infection in a large cohort of patients with suspected drug-induced liver injury (DILI). METHODS Serum samples from 2012 patients enrolled in the DILI Network were tested for anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG). Those with detectable anti-HEV IgG underwent testing for anti-HEV IgM; those with detectable anti-HEV immunoglobulin m (IgM) were tested for HEV RNA. RESULTS Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 407 (20%) patients and associated with increasing subject age and earlier year of enrollment. The median age of seropositive subjects was more than a decade higher than seronegative subjects (59.8 vs 48.7 years). The overall prevalence of anti-HEV declined from 22% (2004-2011) to 18% (2012-2019), suggestive of a cohort effect. The frequency of acute hepatitis E (median ALT = 1231 IU/L) also decreased from 3% (2004-2008) to 1.2% (2009-2013) to 0.6% (2014-2019). These results suggest that acute HEV infection is usually subclinical and was much more frequent in this cohort before 2004. DISCUSSION Acute HEV infection accounts for less than 1% of suspected American DILI cases and is more frequent in older men. Previous HEV infection is also most commonly seen in older individuals. Clinicians should consider testing for unsuspected acute HEV infection in older adult patients with acute hepatocellular DILI and jaundice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Fontana
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ronald E Engle
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul H Hayashi
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Jiezhun Gu
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David E Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hahn Nguyen
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Huiman Barnhart
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jay H Hoofnagle
- Department of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney-Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rivero-Juarez A, Frias M, Perez AB, Pineda JA, Reina G, Fuentes-Lopez A, Freyre-Carrillo C, Ramirez-Arellano E, Alados JC, Rivero A. Orthohepevirus C infection as an emerging cause of acute hepatitis in Spain: First report in Europe. J Hepatol 2022; 77:326-331. [PMID: 35167911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was considered the only member of the Hepeviridae family with zoonotic potential. Nevertheless, this consideration has been reassessed owing to several reported cases of acute and chronic hepatitis linked to the Orthohepevirus C genus. Because the circulation of Orthohepevirus C in rodents has been described worldwide, the risk of zoonotic transmission is plausibly global. METHODS Orthohepevirus C RNA was retrospectively evaluated in 2 cohorts of patients in Spain. The first cohort included patients with acute hepatitis without etiological diagnosis after screening for hepatotropic virus infection. The second cohort included patients diagnosed with acute HEV infection, defined as positivity for anti-HEV-IgM antibodies and/or detectable HEV RNA in serum. RESULTS Cohort 1 comprised 169 patients (64.4% male, median age 43 years) and cohort 2 comprised 98 individuals (68.3% male, median age 45 years). Of the individuals included in Cohort 1, two (1.18%; 95% CI 0.2-3.8) had detectable Orthohepevirus C RNA in serum. In Cohort 2, of the 98 included patients, 58 showed detectable HEV RNA, while 40 only showed positivity for IgM antibodies. Among those bearing only IgM antibodies, Orthohepevirus C RNA was detected in 1 (2.5%; 95% CI 0.06-13.1) individual. All strains were consistent with genotype C1. The infection resulted in mild self-limiting acute hepatitis in 2 patients. Infection caused severe acute hepatitis in the remaining patient who died as a result of liver and renal failure. CONCLUSIONS We described 3 cases of Orthohepevirus C in patients with acute hepatitis, resulting in the first description of this infection in Europe. The prevalence obtained in our study suggests that Orthohepevirus C could be an emerging disease in Europe. LAY SUMMARY We describe the first cases of acute hepatitis related to rat hepatitis E virus in Europe. The prevalence found in our study suggest that rat hepatitis E virus could be considered an emerging disease in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mario Frias
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Perez
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Pineda
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unit of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Gabriel Reina
- Microbiology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, STUN, Institute of Tropical Health, Universidad de Navarra, diSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Fuentes-Lopez
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Encarnación Ramirez-Arellano
- Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Unit, Virgen Macarena Univ. Hospital, and Department of Medicine, University of Sevilla / Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Alados
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Jerez, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Camp JV, Desvars-Larrive A, Nowotny N, Walzer C. Monitoring Urban Zoonotic Virus Activity: Are City Rats a Promising Surveillance Tool for Emerging Viruses? Viruses 2022; 14:v14071516. [PMID: 35891496 PMCID: PMC9316102 DOI: 10.3390/v14071516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban environments represent unique ecosystems where dense human populations may come into contact with wildlife species, some of which are established or potential reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens that cause human diseases. Finding practical ways to monitor the presence and/or abundance of zoonotic pathogens is important to estimate the risk of spillover to humans in cities. As brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are ubiquitous in urban habitats, and are hosts of several zoonotic viruses, we conducted longitudinal sampling of brown rats in Vienna, Austria, a large population center in Central Europe. We investigated rat tissues for the presence of several zoonotic viruses, including flaviviruses, hantaviruses, coronaviruses, poxviruses, hepatitis E virus, encephalomyocarditis virus, and influenza A virus. Although we found no evidence of active infections (all were negative for viral nucleic acids) among 96 rats captured between 2016 and 2018, our study supports the findings of others, suggesting that monitoring urban rats may be an efficient way to estimate the activity of zoonotic viruses in urban environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V. Camp
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, 1080 Vienna, Austria
- VetFarm, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chris Walzer
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Schemmerer M, Wenzel JJ, Stark K, Faber M. Molecular epidemiology and genotype-specific disease severity of hepatitis E virus infections in Germany, 2010-2019. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1754-1763. [PMID: 35713010 PMCID: PMC9295818 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2091479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in Europe. Genotype 3 (HEV-3) is predominant but information on subtype distribution, trends and clinical implications in Germany is scarce. We analysed 936 HEV RNA positive samples of human origin and corresponding national surveillance data from 2010 to 2019. Samples were referred to the National Consultant Laboratory and sequenced in at least one of four genomic regions. Sequences were analysed using bioinformatics methods and compared to the latest HEV reference set. 1,656 sequences were obtained from 300 female, 611 male and 25 of unknown sex aged 3–92 years (median 55 years). HEV-3c was predominant (67.3%) followed by HEV-3f, HEV-3e and HEV-3i(-like) with 14.3%, 9.7% and 4.0% (other subtypes ≤1.1%). The proportion of HEV-3 group 2 (3abchijklm) strains increased over time. Jaundice, upper abdominal pain, fever, hospitalization, and death due to HEV were significantly more often reported for patients infected with HEV-3 group 1 (3efg) compared to group 2. Larger spatio-temporal clusters of identical sequences were not observed. HEV-3 group 1 infections are more severe as compared to the predominant group 2. Detection of group 2 strains increased over the last years, possibly due to more frequent diagnosis of asymptomatic and mild courses. The diversity of strains and the space–time distribution is compatible with a foodborne zoonosis with supra-regional distribution of the infection vehicle (pork products).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schemmerer
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Wenzel
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Stark
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Faber
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chew N, Situ J, Wu S, Yao W, Sridhar S. Independent Evaluation of Cell Culture Systems for Hepatitis E Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061254. [PMID: 35746725 PMCID: PMC9227121 DOI: 10.3390/v14061254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in humans is primarily caused by genotypes within Paslahepevirus species balayani (HEV-A). Rocahepevirus species ratti (HEV-C1, otherwise known as rat HEV) can also infect humans. HEV grows poorly in cell culture. Recent studies have reported that hyper-confluent cell layers, amphotericin B, MgCl2, progesterone, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) increase HEV yield in vitro. Here, we describe an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of these modifications in improving the yield of HEV-A genotype 4 (HEV-A4) and HEV-C1 from clinical samples in PLC/PRF/5 cells. We found that amphotericin B, MgCl2, and DMSO increased HEV yield from high-viral-load patient stool samples, while progesterone was not effective. Yield of HEV-C1 was lower than HEV-A4 across all medium conditions, but was boosted by DMSO. HEV-A4 could be maintained for over 18 months in amphotericin B- and MgCl2-containing medium, with the demonstration of viral antigen in supernatants and infected cells. We also evaluated various protocols to remove pseudo-envelopes from cell culture-derived HEV. Treating cell culture supernatant with NP-40 was the most effective. Our findings identify key modifications that boost HEV growth in vitro and illustrate the importance of independent verification of such studies using diverse HEV variants and cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Chew
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (N.C.); (J.S.); (S.W.); (W.Y.)
| | - Jianwen Situ
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (N.C.); (J.S.); (S.W.); (W.Y.)
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (N.C.); (J.S.); (S.W.); (W.Y.)
| | - Weiming Yao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (N.C.); (J.S.); (S.W.); (W.Y.)
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (N.C.); (J.S.); (S.W.); (W.Y.)
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-22552408
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Schemmerer M, Erl M, Wenzel JJ. HuH-7-Lunet BLR Cells Propagate Rat Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in a Cell Culture System Optimized for HEV. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051116. [PMID: 35632857 PMCID: PMC9147593 DOI: 10.3390/v14051116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The family Hepeviridae comprises the species Orthohepevirus A–D (HEV-A to -D). HEV-C genotype 1 (HEV-C1, rat HEV) is able to infect humans. This study investigated whether an optimized HEV-A cell culture system is able to propagate the cell culture-derived rat HEV, and if de novo isolation of the virus from rat liver is possible. We tested the liver carcinoma cell lines PLC/PRF/5, HuH-7, and HuH-7-Lunet BLR for their susceptibility to HEV-C1 strains. Cells were infected with the cell culture-derived HEV-C1 strain R63 and rat liver-derived strain R68. Cells were maintained in MEMM medium, which was refreshed every 3–4 days. The viral load of HEV-C1 was determined by RT-qPCR in the supernatant and expressed as genome copies per mL (c/mL). Rat HEV replication was most efficient in the newly introduced HuH-7-Lunet BLR cell line. Even if the rat HEV isolate had been pre-adapted to PLC/PRF/5 by multiple passages, replication in HuH-7-Lunet BLR was still at least equally effective. Only HuH-7-Lunet BLR cells were susceptible to the isolation of HEV-C1 from the liver homogenate. These results suggest HuH-7-Lunet BLR as the most permissive cell line for rat HEV. Our HEV-C1 cell culture system may be useful for basic research, the animal-free generation of large amounts of the virus as well as for the testing of antiviral compounds and drugs.
Collapse
|
36
|
Frías M, Casades-Martí L, Risalde MÁ, López-López P, Cuadrado-Matías R, Rivero-Juárez A, Rivero A, Ruiz-Fons F. The Common Mosquito ( Culex pipiens) Does Not Seem to Be a Competent Vector for Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:874030. [PMID: 35558890 PMCID: PMC9090475 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.874030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An experimental infection approach was used to estimate the competence of the common mosquito, Culex pipiens, for hepatitis E virus replication and transmission, using an isolate of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 of human origin in varying infectious doses. The experimental approach was carried out in biosafety level 2 conditions on three batches of 120 Cx. pipiens females, each using an artificial feeding system containing the virus in aliquots of fresh avian blood. Mosquitoes from each batch were collected 1, 7, 14, and 21 days post-infection (dpi) and dissected. The proboscis was subjected to forced excretion of saliva to estimate potential virus transmission. HEV RNA presence in abdomen, thorax, and saliva samples was analyzed by PCR at the selected post-infection times. HEV RNA was detected in the abdomens of Cx. pipiens females collected 1 dpi in the two experimentally-infected batches, but not in the saliva or thorax. None of the samples collected 7-21 dpi were positive. Our results show that Cx. pipiens is not a competent vector for HEV, at least for zoonotic genotype 3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Frías
- Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laia Casades-Martí
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - María Á. Risalde
- Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis, Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patología Comparada y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pedro López-López
- Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Cuadrado-Matías
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juárez
- Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
No Evidence for Orthohepevirus C in Archived Human Samples in Germany, 2000–2020. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040742. [PMID: 35458471 PMCID: PMC9029421 DOI: 10.3390/v14040742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthohepevirus C1, also known as rat hepatitis E virus (HEV), has been shown to sporadically cause disease in immunocompromised and immunocompetent adults. While routine serological assays vary in reactivity, rat HEV is not detected in routine HEV RT-PCR. Thus, such infections could be either missed or misclassified as conventional HEV (Orthohepevirus A) infections. We conducted a retrospective screening study among serum and plasma samples from patients suspected of having HEV infection, which were archived at the national consultant laboratory for HAV and HEV between 2000 and 2020. We randomly selected n = 200 samples, which were initially tested reactive (positive or borderline) for HEV-IgM and negative for HEV RNA and re-examined them using a highly sensitive Orthohepevirus C genotype 1-specific in-house RT-qPCR (LoD 95: 6.73 copies per reaction) and a nested RT-PCR broadly reactive for Orthohepevirus A and C. Conventional sanger sequencing was conducted for resulting PCR products. No atypical HEV strains were detected (0 of 200 [0.0%; 95% confidence interval: 0.0%–1.89%], indicating that Orthohepevirus C infections in the investigated population (persons with clinical suspicion of hepatitis E and positive HEV-IgM) are very rare.
Collapse
|
38
|
Liu B, Chen Y, Zhang M, Chen T, Zhang Y, DanBaZhaXi, Xu S, Zhao Q, Zhou EM. Identification and pathogenicity of hepatitis E Virus from laboratory Bama miniature pigs. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:99. [PMID: 35292024 PMCID: PMC8922083 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03206-7] [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: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic. In this study, HEV infection in laboratory Bama miniature pigs in Sichuan Province of China was investigated. Firstly, one hundred rectal swabs were collected for HEV RNA testing, and chose positive samples for sequence analysis. Concurrently, for pathogenicity study, six healthy Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into two groups of 3 pigs each. A total of 500 μL of HEV stock (positive fecal samples identified in this study) was inoculated intravenously into each pig in the experimental group, and the three pigs in the other group served as negative controls. Serum and fecal samples were collected at 1 to 10 weeks post-inoculation (wpi) for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA detection, respectively. During necropsies, liver lesions and HEV antigen in liver were observed at 10 wpi. Results The rate of fecal sample HEV RNA-positivity was 12% (12/100). Sequence comparisons indicated that partial ORF1 and ORF2 gene sequences of this isolate shared highest identities with corresponding sequences of genotype 4a HEV isolates (81.4%-96.1% and 89.9%-97.1%, respectively). Phylogenetic tree analysis further demonstrated that sequences of this isolate clustered together with sub-genotype 4a HEV isolate sequences. Experimentally, the pathogenicity of Bama miniature pigs infected with this isolate exhibited viremia, fecal virus shedding, seroconversion, ALT level increasing, liver lesions and HEV antigen in liver. Conclusions This is the first study to confirm that HEV is currently circulating in laboratory Bama miniature pigs in China and this isolate can successfully infect Bama miniature pigs experimentally. More importantly, this study suggested HEV screening of laboratory pigs should be conducted to prevent research personnel from acquiring zoonotic HEV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoyuan Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. .,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yiyang Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meimei Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tianxiang Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - DanBaZhaXi
- General Station of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Promotion, Naqu, Tibet, China
| | - Shixuan Xu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China. .,Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans. A convenient small mammalian model for basic research and antiviral testing is still greatly needed. Although a small rodent, the Mongolian gerbil, was reported to be susceptible to swine genotype-4 HEV infection, whether the previous results were reliable and consistent needs to be validated by using biologically pure HEV stocks or infectious RNA. In this study, we revisited this gerbil infection model for human HEV of genotype 1, 3, or 4 (G1, G3, or G4) by HEV reverse genetics. Gerbils inoculated intrahepatically with capped G3 HEV RNA transcripts or intraperitoneally with infectious G3 cloned HEV produced robust infection, as evidenced by presence of HEV in livers, spleens, and feces for up to 7 weeks post inoculation, seroconversion, and pathological liver lesions. Furthermore, the value of the gerbil model in antiviral testing and type I IFN in host defense was assessed. We demonstrated the effectiveness of peg-IFNα-2a and ribavirin in inhibiting HEV replication in gerbils. By treatment with two molecule inhibitors of TBK1, we also revealed a role of RIG-I like receptor-interferon regulatory factor 3 in host anti-HEV innate immune sensing in this in vivo model. Finally, susceptibility of G4 HEV was demonstrated in intrahepatically inoculated gerbils with infectious HEV RNA transcripts, whereas no evidence for G1 HEV susceptibility was found. The availability of the convenient gerbil model will greatly facilitate HEV-specific antiviral development and assess the mechanism of host immune response during HEV infection. IMPORTANCE HEV infects >20 million people annually, causing acute viral hepatitis as well as chronic hepatitis, neurological diseases, and pregnancy-associated high mortality, which require therapeutic intervention. The HEV antiviral research is largely limited by the lack of a convenient small animal model. Here we revisit the Mongolian gerbil model for three genotypes of human HEV by infectious HEV clones and recognized standards of experimental procedures. Fecal virus shedding, seroconversion, and pathological liver lesions could be detected in HEV-inoculated gerbils. We demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of this model in testing antiviral drugs, and in assessing the mechanism of host innate immune response upon HEV infection. This conventional rodent model will aid in future antiviral development and delineating mechanism of host immune response.
Collapse
|
40
|
Takahashi M, Kunita S, Kawakami M, Kadosaka T, Fujita H, Takada N, Miyake M, Kobayashi T, Ohnishi H, Nagashima S, Murata K, Okamoto H. First Detection and Characterization of Rat Hepatitis E Virus (HEV-C1) in Japan. Virus Res 2022; 314:198766. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
41
|
Experimental Cross-Species Transmission of Rat Hepatitis E Virus to Rhesus and Cynomolgus Monkeys. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020293. [PMID: 35215886 PMCID: PMC8880335 DOI: 10.3390/v14020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rat hepatitis E virus (rat HEV) was first identified in wild rats and was classified as the species Orthohepevirus C in the genera Orthohepevirus, which is genetically different from the genotypes HEV-1 to HEV-8, which are classified as the species Orthohepevirus A. Although recent reports suggest that rat HEV transmits to humans and causes hepatitis, the infectivity of rat HEV to non-human primates such as cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys remains controversial. To investigate whether rat HEV infects non-human primates, we inoculated one cynomolgus monkey and five rhesus monkeys with a V-105 strain of rat HEV via an intravenous injection. Although no significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed, rat HEV RNA was detected in fecal specimens, and seroconversion was observed in all six monkeys. The partial nucleotide sequences of the rat HEV recovered from the rat HEV-infected monkeys were identical to those of the V-105 strain, indicating that the infection was caused by the rat HEV. The rat HEV recovered from the cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys successfully infected both nude and Sprague-Dawley rats. The entire rat HEV genome recovered from nude rats was identical to that of the V-105 strain, suggesting that the rat HEV replicates in monkeys and infectious viruses were released into the fecal specimens. These results demonstrated that cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys are susceptible to rat HEV, and they indicate the possibility of a zoonotic infection of rat HEV. Cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys might be useful as animal models for vaccine development.
Collapse
|
42
|
Caballero-Gómez J, Rivero-Juarez A, Jurado-Tarifa E, Jiménez-Martín D, Jiménez-Ruiz E, Castro-Scholten S, Ulrich RG, López-López P, Rivero A, García-Bocanegra I. Serological and molecular survey of hepatitis E virus in cats and dogs in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:240-248. [PMID: 34951935 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that is currently recognized as one of the major causes of acute human hepatitis worldwide. In Europe, the increasing number of hepatitis E cases is mainly associated with the consumption of animal food products or contact with infected animals. Dogs and cats have been suggested as a zoonotic source of HEV infection. The aim of this study was to assess Orthohepevirus circulation, including HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C species, in sympatric urban cats and dogs in southern Spain. Between 2017 and 2020, blood samples were collected from 144 stray cats and 152 dogs, both strays and pets. The presence of antibodies against HEV were tested using a double-antigen sandwich ELISA and seropositive samples were further analyzed by western blot. A RT-PCR was performed to detect RNA of Orthohepevirus species (HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C). A total of 19 (6.4%; 95%CI: 3.6-9.2) of the 296 animals tested showed anti-HEV antibodies by ELISA. Seropositivity was significantly higher in dogs (9.9%; 15/152; 95%CI: 5.1-14.6) than in cats (2.8%; 4/144; 95%CI: 0.1-5.5). Ten out of the 18 ELISA-positive animals that could be further analyzed by western blot, reacted against HEV-3 and/or HEV-C1 antigens, which suggest circulation of both genotypes in urban cats and dogs in the study area. However, HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C RNA was not detected in any of the tested sera. This is the first study to assess HEV circulation in both stray cats and dogs in Europe. Our results provide evidence of HEV exposure in sympatric urban cat and dog populations in southern Spain. Further studies are needed to determine the role of these species in the epidemiology of HEV. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España.,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, 14004, España.,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, Córdoba, 14004, España.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Estefanía Jurado-Tarifa
- Centro de Sanidad y Bienestar Animal (SBA), Empresa Municipal de Saneamiento de Córdoba (SADECO), Córdoba, 14005, España
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España
| | - Elena Jiménez-Ruiz
- Centro de Sanidad y Bienestar Animal (SBA), Empresa Municipal de Saneamiento de Córdoba (SADECO), Córdoba, 14005, España
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493, Germany
| | - 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, Córdoba, 14004, España.,CIBERINFEC
| | - 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, 14004, España.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España.,CIBERINFEC
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Moraes DF, Lopez-Lopez P, Palmeira JD, Torres RT, Rivero-Juarez A, Dutra V, Nascimento M, Mesquita JR. Screening for hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), Portugal, 2018-2020. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2764-2768. [PMID: 34913605 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the most prevalent HEV genotype in Europe causing mostly asymptomatic infections in humans, but can also sporadically cause severe acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients and extra-hepatic manifestations. Although much is today known about the swine reservoir, no information is available on the occurrence of HEV from widely distributed deer species in Portugal. Here, we investigated the presence and characterized HEV in free-living deer in Portugal by screening stools from red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n = 95) and fallow deer (Dama dama) (n = 35) for HEV by a broad-spectrum nested RT-PCR, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Two red deer females, sampled in central Portugal, showed to be shedding HEV (2.1%; 95% confidence interval: 0.58-7.35). Sequencing and genetic characterization showed that these two deer HEV sequences were 98.96% identical to each other, being both of HEV genotype 3 subgenotype 3e. The increasing numbers and distribution of deer in Portugal and the zoonotic features of the circulating HEV genotype 3 subgenotype 3e highlights the importance of continued surveillance directed to food-borne diseases, especially those involving wild animals and deer in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- DFdSD Moraes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Montana, Cuiabá, Brazil.,State Department for the Environment of Mato Grosso (SEMA), Cuiabá, Brazil.,Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - P Lopez-Lopez
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - J D Palmeira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - R T Torres
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A Rivero-Juarez
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - V Dutra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Montana, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - Msj Nascimento
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - J R Mesquita
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cell Culture Isolation and Whole Genome Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus Strains from Wild Boars in Germany. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112302. [PMID: 34835427 PMCID: PMC8624179 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. The HEV genotype 3 can be zoonotically transmitted from animals to humans, with wild boars representing an important reservoir species. Cell culture isolation of HEV is generally difficult and mainly described for human isolates so far. Here, five sera and five liver samples from HEV-RNA-positive wild boar samples were inoculated onto PLC/PRF/5 cells, incubated for 3 months and thereafter passaged for additional 6 weeks. As demonstrated by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and immune electron microscopy, virus was successfully isolated from two liver samples, which originally contained high HEV genome copy numbers. Both isolates showed slower growth than the culture-adapted HEV strain 47832c. In contrast to this strain, the isolated strains had no insertions in their hypervariable genome region. Next generation sequencing using an HEV sequence-enriched library enabled full genome sequencing. Strain Wb108/17 belongs to subtype 3f and strain Wb257/17 to a tentative novel subtype recently described in Italian wild boars. The results indicate that HEV can be successfully isolated in cell culture from wild boar samples containing high HEV genome copy numbers. The isolates may be used further to study the zoonotic potential of wild boar-derived HEV subtypes.
Collapse
|
45
|
Hriskova K, Marosevic D, Belting A, Wenzel JJ, Carl A, Katz K. Epidemiology of Hepatitis E in 2017 in Bavaria, Germany. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:337-346. [PMID: 33900549 PMCID: PMC8379136 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09474-0] [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: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, the number of reported hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in Germany, including Bavaria, has continued to rise. In order to identify risk factors associated with HEV infection, we investigated notified hepatitis E cases from Bavaria during 2017. The project "Intensified Hepatitis E Surveillance in Bavaria" included interviews with questionnaires, collection and genotyping of stool, serum and food samples. In addition, certain risk factors were examined in a sample comparison with healthy population using univariable analysis and logistic regression. In total, 135 hepatitis E cases from Bavaria were included in the analysis. Mean age for women was 46 (range 20-74) years and 47.5 (range 20-85) for men. 56 of the cases (41.5%) were asymptomatic. Among the symptomatic cases, both men and women were equally affected with symptoms like fever (16.3%), jaundice (18.8%) and upper abdominal pain (28.2%). 145 human samples (serum, stool) and 6 food samples were collected. 15.9% of the human samples (n = 23) were positive for HEV RNA by reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Identified risk factors significantly associated with hepatitis E were sausage consumption with odds ratio 9.6 (CI 1.3-70.1), fish with OR 2.2 (CI 1.1-4.4) and cat ownership with OR 1.9 (CI 1.3-3.0) in multivariable analyses. Further investigation is needed to confirm the role of fish in HEV transmission. Autochthonous HEV genotype 3 is prevalent in Bavaria and there could be more transmission routes contributing to the spread of HEV than previously known. Undercooked meat, offal, sausages, fish, shellfish and contact with animals and pets are possible sources for infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Hriskova
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany.
| | - D Marosevic
- Bavarian Public Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Veterinärstraße 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - A Belting
- Bavarian Public Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Veterinärstraße 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - J J Wenzel
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - A Carl
- Bavarian Public Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Veterinärstraße 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - K Katz
- Bavarian Public Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Veterinärstraße 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bari FD, Wodaje HB, Said U, Waktole H, Sombo M, Leta S, Chibsa TR, Plummer P. First molecular detection of hepatitis E virus genome in camel and pig faecal samples in Ethiopia. Virol J 2021; 18:160. [PMID: 34348751 PMCID: PMC8335859 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01626-9] [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: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E is an enteric and zoonotic disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) that is mainly transmitted via the faecal-oral route through contaminated food or the environment. The virus is an emerging infectious agent causing acute human infection worldwide. A high seroprevalence of the disease was reported in pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, raising significant public health concern. The presence of HEV specific antibodies were also reported in dromedary camels in the country; however, the infectious virus and/or the viral genome have not been demonstrated to date in animal samples. METHODS To address this gap, a total of 95 faecal samples collected from both apparently healthy pigs of uncharacterised types (50 samples) in Burayu and Addis Ababa areas and camels (Camelus dromedarius, 45 samples) in west Hararghe were screened for the presence of HEV genome using universal primers in a fully nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The protocol is capable of detecting HEV in faecal samples from both pigs and camels. RESULTS The nRT-PCR detected HEV genes in six (12%) pig faecal samples and one camel sample (2.2%). Therefore, the results indicate that HEV is circulating in both pigs and camels in Ethiopia and these animals and their products could serve as a potential source of infection for humans. CONCLUSION The detection of HEV in both animals could raise another concern regarding its public health importance as both animals' meat and camel milk are consumed in the country. Further studies to determine the prevalence and distribution of the virus in different animals and their products, water bodies, food chain, and vegetables are warranted, along with viral gene sequencing for detailed genetic characterisation of the isolates circulating in the country. This information is critically important to design and institute appropriate control and/or preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fufa Dawo Bari
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
| | - Haimanot Belete Wodaje
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.,Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia
| | - Umer Said
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.,Oda Bultum University, West Hararge, Chiro, Ethiopia
| | - Hika Waktole
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Sombo
- National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center, Sebeta, Ethiopia
| | - Samson Leta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Paul Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Velavan TP, Pallerla SR, Johne R, Todt D, Steinmann E, Schemmerer M, Wenzel JJ, Hofmann J, Shih JWK, Wedemeyer H, Bock CT. Hepatitis E: An update on One Health and clinical medicine. Liver Int 2021; 41:1462-1473. [PMID: 33960603 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main causes of acute hepatitis and the de facto global burden is underestimated. HEV-related clinical complications are often undetected and are not considered in the differential diagnosis. Convincing findings from studies suggest that HEV is clinically relevant not only in developing countries but also in industrialized countries. Eight HEV genotypes (HEV-1 to HEV-8) with different human and animal hosts and other HEV-related viruses are in circulation. Transmission routes vary by genotype and location, with large waterborne outbreaks in developing countries and zoonotic food-borne infections in developed countries. An acute infection can be aggravated in pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, patients with pre-existing liver disease and immunosuppressed patients. HEV during pregnancy affects the fetus and newborn with an increased risk of vertical transmission, preterm and stillbirth, neonatal jaundice and miscarriage. Hepatitis E is associated with extrahepatic manifestations that include neurological disorders such as neuralgic amyotrophy, Guillain-Barré syndrome and encephalitis, renal injury and haematological disorders. The risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV is increasingly recognized in Western countries where the risk may be because of a zoonosis. RNA testing of blood components is essential to determine the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV. There are currently no approved drugs or vaccines for HEV infections. This review focuses on updating the latest developments in zoonoses, screening and diagnostics, drugs in use and under development, and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Srinivas R Pallerla
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mathias Schemmerer
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Wenzel
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Labor Berlin-Charité-Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Partner Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claus-Thomas Bock
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Production of capsid proteins of rat hepatitis E virus in Escherichia coli and characterization of self-assembled virus-like particles. Virus Res 2021; 302:198483. [PMID: 34146611 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rat hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been isolated from wild rats worldwide and the potential of zoonotic transmission has been documented. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is utilized as an effective system for producing HEV-like particles. However, the production of rat HEV ORF2 proteins in E. coli forming virus-like particles (VLPs) has not yet been reported. In this study, nine rat HEV ORF2 proteins of the ratELOMB-131L strain with truncated N- and C-termini (amino acids 339-594, 349-594, 351-594, 354-594, 357-594, 357-599, 357-604, 357-609, and 357-614 of ORF2 protein) were expressed in E. coli and the 357-614 protein self-assembled most efficiently. A bioanalyzer showed that the purified 357-614 protein has a molecular weight of 33.5 kDa and a purity of 93.2%. Electron microscopy revealed that the purified 33.5 kDa protein formed VLPs with a diameter of 21-52 (average 32) nm, and immunoelectron microscopy using an anti-rat HEV ORF2 monoclonal antibody (TA7014) indicated that the observed VLPs were derived from rat HEV ORF2. The VLPs attached to and entered the PLC/PRF/5 cells and blocked the neutralization of rat HEV by TA7014, suggesting that the VLPs possess the antigenic structure of infectious rat HEV particles. In addition, rat HEV VLPs showed high immunogenicity in mice. The present results would be useful for future studies on the development of VLP-based vaccines for HEV prevention in a rat model and for the prevention of rat HEV infection in humans.
Collapse
|
49
|
A broadly cross-reactive monoclonal antibody against hepatitis E virus capsid antigen. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4957-4973. [PMID: 34129082 PMCID: PMC8236046 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11342-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract To generate a hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 (HEV-3)–specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), the Escherichia coli–expressed carboxy-terminal part of its capsid protein was used to immunise BALB/c mice. The immunisation resulted in the induction of HEV-specific antibodies of high titre. The mAb G117-AA4 of IgG1 isotype was obtained showing a strong reactivity with the homologous E. coli, but also yeast-expressed capsid protein of HEV-3. The mAb strongly cross-reacted with ratHEV capsid protein derivatives produced in both expression systems and weaker with an E. coli–expressed batHEV capsid protein fragment. In addition, the mAb reacted with capsid protein derivatives of genotypes HEV-2 and HEV-4 and common vole hepatitis E virus (cvHEV), produced by the cell-free synthesis in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf21) cell lysates. Western blot and line blot reactivity of the mAb with capsid protein derivatives of HEV-1 to HEV-4, cvHEV, ratHEV and batHEV suggested a linear epitope. Use of truncated derivatives of ratHEV capsid protein in ELISA, Western blot, and a Pepscan analysis allowed to map the epitope within a partially surface-exposed region with the amino acid sequence LYTSV. The mAb was also shown to bind to human patient–derived HEV-3 from infected cell culture and to hare HEV-3 and camel HEV-7 capsid proteins from transfected cells by immunofluorescence assay. The novel mAb may serve as a useful tool for further investigations on the pathogenesis of HEV infections and might be used for diagnostic purposes. Key points • The antibody showed cross-reactivity with capsid proteins of different hepeviruses. • The linear epitope of the antibody was mapped in a partially surface-exposed region. • The antibody detected native HEV-3 antigen in infected mammalian cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-021-11342-7.
Collapse
|
50
|
Nishizawa T, Usui R, Narabu Y, Takahashi M, Murata K, Okamoto H. Identification of a novel pegivirus in pet cats (Felis silvestris catus) in Japan. Virus Res 2021; 301:198452. [PMID: 33971193 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We report a novel pegivirus in pet cats (Felis silvestris catus) in Japan. This virus was only 44.0-49.6 % identical to the reported viruses in the 11 current Pegivirus species and an unclassified pegivirus in dolphins within the entire protein-coding nucleotide sequence and was detected in 1.6 % of pet cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Nishizawa
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Reiko Usui
- Usui Dog and Cat Hospital, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-0136, Japan
| | - Yoko Narabu
- Narabu Animal Hospital, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0227, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Murata
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|