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Pires H, Cardoso L, Lopes AP, Fontes MDC, Santos-Silva S, Matos M, Pintado C, Figueira L, Matos AC, Mesquita JR, Coelho AC. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boar and Red Deer in Portugal. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2576. [PMID: 37894234 PMCID: PMC10609178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic foodborne virus with an annual infection prevalence of 20 million human cases, which seriously affects public health and economic development in both developed and developing countries. To better understand the epidemiology of HEV in Central Portugal, a cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2023 with sera samples from wild ungulates. The seroprevalence and risk factors for HEV seropositivity were evaluated in the present study. Specifically, antibodies against HEV were determined by a commercial enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Our results show that in the 650 sera samples collected from 298 wild red deer and 352 wild boars in Portugal, 9.1% red deer and 1.7% wild boar were positive for antibodies to HEV. Regarding age, the seropositivity in juvenile wild ungulates was 1.3%, whereas it was 7.2% in adults. Logistic regression models investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds of being seropositive was 3.6 times higher in adults than in juveniles, and the risk was 4.2 times higher in red deer than in wild boar. Both wild ungulate species were exposed to HEV. The higher seroprevalence in red deer suggests that this species may make a major contribution to the ecology of HEV in Central Portugal. Further research is needed to understand how wildlife affects the epidemiology of HEV infections in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Pires
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (H.P.); (C.P.); (A.C.M.)
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria da Conceição Fontes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Manuela Matos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Cristina Pintado
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (H.P.); (C.P.); (A.C.M.)
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-RURAL), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Luís Figueira
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-RURAL), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Matos
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (H.P.); (C.P.); (A.C.M.)
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-RURAL), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - João Rodrigo Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (J.R.M.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.C.); (A.P.L.); (M.d.C.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Monini M, Di Bartolo I, De Sabato L, Ianiro G, Agostinelli F, Ostanello F. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Heavy Pigs in Slaughterhouses of Northern Italy: Investigation of Seroprevalence, Viraemia, and Faecal Shedding. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2942. [PMID: 37760342 PMCID: PMC10525452 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging threat in Europe, owing to the increased number of human cases and the widespread presence of the virus in pigs at farms. Most cases in industrialized countries are caused by the zoonotic HEV-3 genotype. The main transmission route of HEV-3 in Europe is foodborne, through consumption of raw or undercooked liver pork and wild boar meat. Pigs become susceptible to HEV infection after the loss of maternal immunity, and the majority of adult pigs test positive for IgG anti-HEV antibodies. Nonetheless, HEV-infected pigs in terms of liver, faeces, and rarely blood are identified at slaughterhouses. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HEV-positive batches of Italian heavy pigs at slaughterhouses, assessing the presence of animals still shedding HEV upon their arrival at the slaughterhouse by sampling faeces collected from the floor of the trucks used for their transport. The occurrence of viraemic animals and the seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies were also assessed. The results obtained indicated the presence of anti-HEV IgM (1.9%), and a high seroprevalence of anti-HEV total antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA; 89.2%, n = 260). HEV RNA was not detected in either plasma or faecal samples. Nevertheless, seropositive animals were identified in all eight batches investigated, confirming the widespread exposure of pigs to HEV at both individual and farm levels. Future studies are needed to assess the factors associated with the risk of HEV presence on farms, with the aim to prevent virus introduction and spread within farms, thereby eliminating the risk at slaughterhouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesca Agostinelli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (F.A.)
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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
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Current Knowledge of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Epidemiology in Ruminants. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101124. [PMID: 36297181 PMCID: PMC9609093 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection represents an emerging public health concern worldwide. In industrialized countries, increasing numbers of autochthonous cases of human HEV infection are caused by zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly through the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked meat of infected pigs and wild boars, which are considered the main reservoirs of HEV. However, in the last few years, accumulating evidence seems to indicate that several other animals, including different ruminant species, may harbor HEV. Understanding the impact of HEV infection in ruminants and identifying the risk factors affecting transmission among animals and to humans is critical in order to determine their role in the epidemiological cycle of HEV. In this review, we provide a summary of current knowledge on HEV ecology in ruminants. A growing body of evidence has revealed that these animal species may be potential important hosts of HEV, raising concerns about the possible implications for public health.
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Fonti N, Pacini MI, Forzan M, Parisi F, Periccioli M, Mazzei M, Poli A. Molecular and Pathological Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) and Fallow Deer (Dama dama) in Central Italy. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030100. [PMID: 35324829 PMCID: PMC8950858 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common causative agent of acute hepatitis in the world, with a serious public health burden in both developing and industrialized countries. Cervids, along with wild boars and lagomorphs, are the main wild hosts of HEV in Europe and constitute a documented source of infection for humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HEV in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) living in Tuscany, Central Italy. Liver samples from 48 roe deer and 60 fallow deer were collected from carcasses during the hunting seasons. Following the results obtained from molecular and histopathologic studies, 5/48 (10.4%) roe deer and 1/60 (1.7%) fallow deer liver samples were positive for the presence of HEV RNA. All PCR-positive livers were also IHC-positive for viral antigen presence, associated with degenerative and inflammatory lesions with predominantly CD3+ cellular infiltrates. This study represents the first identification in Italy of HEV RNA in roe and fallow deer and the first study in literature describing liver alterations associated with HEV infection in cervids. These results demonstrate that HEV is present in wild cervid populations in Italy and confirm the potential zoonotic role of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Fonti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Irene Pacini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Mario Forzan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Parisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcello Periccioli
- Unità Funzionale di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare Zona Distretto Grossetana, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, Amiata Grossetana e Colline Metallifere, Viale Cimabue, 109-58100 Grosseto, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Mazzei
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2-56124 Pisa, Italy; (N.F.); (M.I.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
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MENDOZA MV, YONEMITSU K, ISHIJIMA K, KURODA Y, TATEMOTO K, INOUE Y, SHIMODA H, KUWATA R, TAKANO A, SUZUKI K, MAEDA K. Nationwide survey of hepatitis E virus infection among wildlife in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:992-1000. [PMID: 35675975 PMCID: PMC9353082 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In Japan, hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis in humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, including game meat. In the present study, nationwide surveillance of HEV
infection among a total of 5,557 wild animals, including 15 species, was conducted in Japan. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in wild boar was 12.4%, with higher positive rates in big
boars (over 50 kg, 18.4%) than in small individuals (less than 30 kg, 5.3%). Furthermore, HEV RNA was more frequently detected in piglets than in older boars. Interestingly, the detection of
HEV among wildlife by ELISA and RT-PCR suggested that HEV infection in Sika deer was a very rare event, and that there was no HEV infection among wild animals except for wild boar, Sika deer
and Japanese monkeys. In conclusion, wild boar, especially piglets, are at high risk of HEV infection, while other wild animals showed less risk or no risk of HEV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenzo YONEMITSU
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Keita ISHIJIMA
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Yudai KURODA
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Kango TATEMOTO
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
| | - Yusuke INOUE
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
| | | | - Ryusei KUWATA
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science
| | - Ai TAKANO
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
| | | | - Ken MAEDA
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University
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Arnaboldi S, Righi F, Carta V, Bonardi S, Pavoni E, Bianchi A, Losio MN, Filipello V. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Spread and Genetic Diversity in Game Animals in Northern Italy. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:146-153. [PMID: 33630244 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09467-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E, an emerging public health infection which has an increasing incidence across Europe. Because of the apparent lack of species barriers, HEV was characterized as a zoonotic agent. Swine are recognized as the main reservoir, but HEV is also found in wild animals such as ungulates, lagomorphs, and bats. Our work aimed at detecting the HEV presence in wild fauna in two hunting areas of Northern Italy (Parma and Sondrio areas) with different environmental and anthropic characteristics to investigate its possible role as reservoir. Liver samples were collected from wild boars, red deer, roe deer and chamois, and viral identification was carried out by One-Step RT Real-time PCR. Positive samples were genotyped, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The virus was found only in the wild boar population, with different prevalence and subtypes in the two areas (14% HEV3a and 1.2% close to HEV3f in Parma and Sondrio, respectively). Wild ruminants seem otherwise to pose a marginal risk. Given the high pig farm density in the Parma area, and expansion of the wild boar population, continuous monitoring of the strains circulating in wildlife is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Arnaboldi
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Righi
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Carta
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, 43100, Parma, Italy
| | - Enrico Pavoni
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bianchi
- Lombardy Territorial Area Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 23100, Sondrio, Italy
| | - Marina Nadia Losio
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Filipello
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy.
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Treagus S, Wright C, Baker-Austin C, Longdon B, Lowther J. The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:127-145. [PMID: 33738770 PMCID: PMC8116281 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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Crotta M, Lavazza A, Mateus A, Guitian J. Viraemic pigs entering the food chain are the most likely source of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pork meat: Modelling the fate of HEV during slaughtering of pigs. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Moose ( Alces alces), Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus), Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus), Roe Deer ( Capreolus capreolus), and Muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus) from Norway. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020224. [PMID: 33535675 PMCID: PMC7912786 DOI: 10.3390/v13020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of viral hepatitis worldwide, is considered an emerging foodborne zoonosis in Europe. Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) and wild boars (S. scrofa) are recognized as important HEV reservoirs. Additionally, HEV infection and exposure have been described in cervids. In Norway, HEV has been identified in pigs and humans; however, little is known regarding its presence in wild ungulates in the country. We used a species-independent double-antigen sandwich ELISA to detect antibodies against HEV in the sera of 715 wild ungulates from Norway, including 164 moose (Alces alces), 186 wild Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), 177 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 86 European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and 102 muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). The overall seroprevalence was 12.3% (88/715). Wild reindeer had the highest seropositivity (23.1%, 43/186), followed by moose (19.5%, 32/164), muskoxen (5.9%, 6/102), and red deer (4%, 7/177). All roe deer were negative. According to our results, HEV is circulating in wild ungulates in Norway. The high seroprevalence observed in wild reindeer and moose indicates that these species may be potential reservoirs of HEV. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of HEV exposure in reindeer from Europe and in muskoxen worldwide.
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Surveillance Study of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Domestic and Wild Ruminants in Northwestern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122351. [PMID: 33317114 PMCID: PMC7764585 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis in humans and represents an emerging public health concern worldwide. In developed countries, zoonotic transmission of HEV genotypes 3 and 4 is caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of infected swine or wild boars, the main reservoirs of HEV. However, in the last few years, molecular and serological evidence seem to indicate that several other animal species may act as HEV host, including domestic and wild ruminants. In this study, serum and fecal specimens from sheep, goats, red deer, roe deer, chamois, and Alpine ibex collected in two northwestern Italian regions (Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta) were screened molecularly and serologically. With the exception of chamois, HEV antibodies were found both in the domestic and wild ruminant species investigated with the highest rates in sheep and goats. These findings demonstrate that wild also domestic ruminants may be implicated in the viral cycle transmission. Abstract In industrialized countries, increasing autochthonous infections of hepatitis E virus (HEV) are caused by zoonotic transmission of genotypes (Gts) 3 and 4, mainly through consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked pork meat. Although swine and wild boar are recognized as the main reservoir for Gt3 and Gt4, accumulating evidence indicates that other animal species, including domestic and wild ruminants, may harbor HEV. Herein, we screened molecularly and serologically serum and fecal samples from two domestic and four wild ruminant species collected in Valle d’Aosta and Piemonte regions (northwestern Italy. HEV antibodies were found in sheep (21.6%), goats (11.4%), red deer (2.6%), roe deer (3.1%), and in Alpine ibex (6.3%). Molecular screening was performed using different primer sets targeting highly conserved regions of hepeviruses and HEV RNA, although at low viral loads, was detected in four fecal specimens (3.0%, 4/134) collected from two HEV seropositive sheep herds. Taken together, the data obtained document the circulation of HEV in the geographical area assessed both in wild and domestic ruminants, but with the highest seroprevalence in sheep and goats. Consistently with results from other studies conducted in southern Italy, circulation of HEV among small domestic ruminants seems to occur more frequently than expected.
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Loikkanen E, Oristo S, Hämäläinen N, Jokelainen P, Kantala T, Sukura A, Maunula L. Antibodies Against Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in European Moose and White-Tailed Deer in Finland. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:333-341. [PMID: 32894411 PMCID: PMC7658061 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The main animal reservoirs of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) are domestic pigs and wild boars, but HEV also infects cervids. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of HEV in Finnish cervid species that are commonly hunted for human consumption. We investigated sera from 342 European moose (Alces alces), 70 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and 12 European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The samples had been collected from legally hunted animals from different districts of Finland during 2008-2009. We analysed the samples for total anti-HEV antibodies using a double-sandwich ELISA assay. Seropositive sera were analysed with RT-qPCR for HEV RNA. HEV seroprevalence was 9.1% (31/342) in moose and 1.4% (1/70) in white-tailed deer. None of the European roe deer were HEV seropositive (0/12). No HEV RNA was detected from samples of seropositive animals. HEV seropositive moose were detected in all districts. Statistically, HEV seroprevalence in moose was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the North-East area compared to the South-West area. The highest HEV seroprevalence (20.0%) in district level was more than six times higher than the lowest (3.1%). We demonstrated the presence of total anti-HEV antibodies in European moose and white-tailed deer in Finland. Our results suggest that HEV is circulating among the moose population. Infections may occur also in white-tailed deer. We were the first to report a HEV seropositive white-tailed deer from Europe. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the HEV genotypes in cervids in Finland and to evaluate the importance of the findings in relation to food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Loikkanen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Satu Oristo
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Natalia Hämäläinen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuija Kantala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Virology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Sukura
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leena Maunula
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Monini M, Ostanello F, Dominicis A, Tagliapietra V, Vaccari G, Rizzoli A, Trombetta CM, Montomoli E, Di Bartolo I. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Forestry Workers from Trentino-Alto Adige Region (Northern Italy). Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070568. [PMID: 32674277 PMCID: PMC7399850 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
People with some occupational or recreational activities, such as hunters and veterinarians, may have increased risk to be infected by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The aim of the present study was to establish whether forestry workers could be considered at a higher risk of HEV infection than a control group. One hundred and fifty sera from forestry workers and a control group of 85 sera were analysed by anti-HEV IgG antibodies detection using a commercial ELISA kit. The anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 14% for forestry workers and 9.4% for the control group. Comparing the risk of HEV infection in the two groups, there was no difference in the odds ratio. However, the seroprevalence in older subjects was higher in the forestry workers than in the control group. Two sera from forestry workers were also positive for anti-HEV IgM, and, in one of them, HEV-RNA was detected. Our findings showed an increase of seroprevalence with age, which is likely to reflect cumulative exposure to HEV over time. The occupation of forestry workers did not seem to be associated with a higher risk of HEV infection. The study provided new insights into the risk of acquiring HEV in occupational exposure workers with open-air activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649902787
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy;
| | - Alessandra Dominicis
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach, 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy; (V.T.); (A.R.)
| | - Gabriele Vaccari
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach, 1, 38098 San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy; (V.T.); (A.R.)
| | - Claudia M. Trombetta
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.M.T.); (E.M.)
- VisMederi S.r.l., Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo, 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.V.); (I.D.B.)
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Bonardi S, Filipello V, Pavoni E, Carta V, Bolzoni L, Corradi M, Gilioli S, Losio MN. Geographical restriction of Hepatitis E virus circulation in wild boars ( Sus scrofa) in Emilia-Romagna region, Northern Italy. Ital J Food Saf 2020; 9:8463. [PMID: 32300568 PMCID: PMC7154598 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2020.8463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a singlestrand RNA virus that causes an acute viral hepatitis in humans. Among its eight recognized genotypes, HEV-3 and HEV-4 are zoonotic, infecting humans, pigs and wild boars. Recently, HEV-3 has been also detected in red deer, which represents another reservoir of HEV. Consumption of raw pork products (mainly liver sausages), undercooked wild boar meat, raw wild boar liver and deer meat has been responsible for foodborne HEV human worldwide. From November 2018 to March 2019, liver samples collected from 97 wild boars hunted in Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy) were tested for HEV RNA. The hunting area included two territories for an extension of 33 km2, named A (about 13 km2,natural park, deciduous wood) and B (about 20 km2, cultivated fields in proximity of a river) areas. Distance between the two areas ranged between 8 to 10 km. A total of 73 wild boars were hunted in area A, and 24 in area B. HEV RNA was detected by Real-time RT- PCR in 23/73 liver samples of wild boars living in area A only (31.5% - 95% CI: 22.0-42.8%). The HEV sequences (n=13) clustered within genotype 3. The majority of positives belonged to animals < 12 months (12/25; 48%), followed by subadults (13-24 months) (7/16; 43.8%) and adults (4/32; 12.5%). This difference was found to be statistically significant (p=0.0024). In absence of pig farms, the restriction of HEV-positive animals to a well-defined territory of 13 km2 (Boschi di Carrega Regional Park) could hypothetically be related to the presence of red deer (Cervus elaphus), which lived in area A at the beginning of the hunting season. Further studies are needed to confirm or deny our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bonardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Unit of Food Inspection, University of Parma
| | - Virginia Filipello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
| | - Enrico Pavoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
| | - Valentina Carta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
| | - Luca Bolzoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Parma
| | - Margherita Corradi
- Management Body for Parks and Biodiversity “Emilia Occidentale”, Sala Baganza, Italy
| | - Stefano Gilioli
- Management Body for Parks and Biodiversity “Emilia Occidentale”, Sala Baganza, Italy
| | - Marina Nadia Losio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), Section of Brescia
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Low Serologic Prevalences Suggest Sporadic Infections of Hepatitis E Virus in Chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra) and Red Deer ( Cervus elaphus) in the Italian Alps. J Wildl Dis 2019. [PMID: 31658433 DOI: 10.7589/2019-02-036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a worldwide public health concern, with an increase in human autochthonous cases in Europe. Although domestic pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa) are the main reservoirs of HEV, the constant expansion of wild ruminants increases the potential for HEV transmission. We investigated HEV infection in chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Italian Alps using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We detected HEV antibodies from 2013 to 2015 in both host species, with seroprevalences of 1.2% and 0.8% in chamois and red deer, respectively. All serum samples that were positive to HEV antibodies by ELISA were negative when tested by real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR to detect HEV RNA. The observed low seroprevalence of HEV suggested a sporadic circulation of HEV in the alpine environment, and it was consistent with the low seroprevalence observed in wild boar in the Alps. Our observations supported the role of chamois and red deer as spillover hosts of HEV infections in the Italian Alps.
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Quantification and genetic diversity of Hepatitis E virus in wild boar (Sus scrofa) hunted for domestic consumption in Central Italy. Food Microbiol 2019; 82:194-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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King NJ, Hewitt J, Perchec-Merien AM. Hiding in Plain Sight? It's Time to Investigate Other Possible Transmission Routes for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Developed Countries. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:225-252. [PMID: 29623595 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-9342-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Historically in developed countries, reported hepatitis E cases were typically travellers returning from countries where hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic, but now there are increasing numbers of non-travel-related ("autochthonous") cases being reported. Data for HEV in New Zealand remain limited and the transmission routes unproven. We critically reviewed the scientific evidence supporting HEV transmission routes in other developed countries to inform how people in New Zealand may be exposed to this virus. A substantial body of indirect evidence shows domesticated pigs are a source of zoonotic human HEV infection, but there is an information bias towards this established reservoir. The increasing range of animals in which HEV has been detected makes it important to consider other possible animal reservoirs of HEV genotypes that can or could infect humans. Foodborne transmission of HEV from swine and deer products has been proven, and a large body of indirect evidence (e.g. food surveys, epidemiological studies and phylogenetic analyses) support pig products as vehicles of HEV infection. Scarce data from other foods suggest we are neglecting other potential sources of foodborne HEV infection. Moreover, other transmission routes are scarcely investigated in developed countries; the role of infected food handlers, person-to-person transmission via the faecal-oral route, and waterborne transmission from recreational contact or drinking untreated or inadequately treated water. People have become symptomatic after receiving transfusions of HEV-contaminated blood, but it is unclear how important this is in the overall hepatitis E disease burden. There is need for broader research efforts to support establishing risk-based controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J King
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand
| | - Joanne Hewitt
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand.
| | - Anne-Marie Perchec-Merien
- New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand
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Moor D, Liniger M, Baumgartner A, Felleisen R. Screening of Ready-to-Eat Meat Products for Hepatitis E Virus in Switzerland. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:263-271. [PMID: 29492902 PMCID: PMC6096950 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-9340-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Seroprevalence data for pig herds suggested that there must be a relevant reservoir for hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Switzerland. To know more about the viral presence in ready-to-eat meat products, we screened pork liver sausages and raw meat sausages from the Swiss retail market for the presence of HEV. Testing was performed with a detection method where the virus extraction step was optimized. As for the performance of the improved method, the mean recovery rate for the mengovirus process control was 24.4%, whereas for HEV-inoculated sample matrices between 10.4 and 100% were achieved. The limit of detection was about 1.56 × 103 and 1.56 × 102 genome copies per gram for liver sausages and raw meat sausages, respectively. In the screening programme, HEV-RNA was detected in 10 of total 90 (11.1%) meat products, 7 of 37 (18.9%) liver sausages, and 3 of 53 (5.7%) raw meat sausages. Virus loads of up to 5.54 log10 HEV genome copies per gram were measured. All sequences retrieved from positive samples belonged to HEV genotype 3. The significance of the presented work was a current overview of the HEV prevalence in ready-to-eat meat products on the Swiss retail marked and an improvement of the extraction efficiency of the HEV detection method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Moor
- Risk Assessment Division, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, Bern, 3003, Switzerland.
| | - Marianne Liniger
- Risk Assessment Division, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, Bern, 3003, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Baumgartner
- Risk Assessment Division, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, Bern, 3003, Switzerland
| | - Richard Felleisen
- Risk Assessment Division, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, Bern, 3003, Switzerland
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Preliminary serological and molecular investigation of selected viral pathogens in Croatian cervid species. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2018-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A total of 131 blood samples and 175 spleen samples were collected from three cervid species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) inhabiting the continental part of Croatia. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against bovine herpesvirus 1, parainfluenza-3 virus, bluetongue virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis E virus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and enzootic bovine leukosis virus. The tested sera were negative for bovine viral diarrhoea virus, enzootic bovine leukosis virus, bluetongue virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus and hepatitis E virus antybodies. The antibody prevalence in roe deer and red deer samples was 21.11% for bovine herpesvirus 1 and 75.55% for parainfluenza-3 virus. Sera from bovine herpesvirus 1 positive animals were subsequenty tested with comparative virus neutralization test and bovine herpesvirus 1 neutralising antibodies were found in 18 (out of 19) sera. In fallow deer, no antibodies against any of the viral pathogens were detected. All spleen samples tested for bovine viral diarrhoea virus and enzootic bovine leukosis virus came back negative, except for one red deer spleen sample found to be weakly diarrhoea virus-positive. Our findings provide the first information on the exposure of Croatia-inhabiting cervid species to viral pathogens, and could serve as valuable baseline data for future investigations regarding deer exposure to various pathogens and the distribution of diseases shared between wildlife and livestock. As of now, the epidemiology of these viruses in the Croatian cervid population has been only poorly understood, so that further research is recommended.
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Spancerniene U, Grigas J, Buitkuviene J, Zymantiene J, Juozaitiene V, Stankeviciute M, Razukevicius D, Zienius D, Stankevicius A. Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis E virus in pigs, wild boars, roe deer, red deer and moose in Lithuania. Acta Vet Scand 2018; 60:13. [PMID: 29471843 PMCID: PMC5824565 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-018-0367-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the major causes of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In Europe, food-borne zoonotic transmission of HEV genotype 3 has been associated with domestic pigs and wild boar. Controversial data are available on the circulation of the virus in animals that are used for human consumption, and to date, no gold standard has yet been defined for the diagnosis of HEV-associated hepatitis. To investigate the current HEV infection status in Lithuanian pigs and wild ungulates, the presence of viral RNA was analyzed by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) in randomly selected samples, and the viral RNA was subsequently genotyped. Results In total, 32.98 and 22.55% of the domestic pig samples were HEV-positive using RT-nPCR targeting the ORF1 and ORF2 fragments, respectively. Among ungulates, 25.94% of the wild boar samples, 22.58% of the roe deer samples, 6.67% of the red deer samples and 7.69% of the moose samples were positive for HEV RNA using primers targeting the ORF1 fragment. Using primers targeting the ORF2 fragment of the HEV genome, viral RNA was only detected in 17.03% of the wild boar samples and 12.90% of the roe deer samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on a 348-nucleotide-long region of the HEV ORF2 showed that all obtained sequences detected in Lithuanian domestic pigs and wildlife belonged to genotype 3. In this study, the sequences identified from pigs, wild boars and roe deer clustered within the 3i subtype reference sequences from the GenBank database. The sequences obtained from pig farms located in two different counties of Lithuania were of the HEV 3f subtype. The wild boar sequences clustered within subtypes 3i and 3h, clearly indicating that wild boars can harbor additional subtypes of HEV. For the first time, the ORF2 nucleotide sequences obtained from roe deer proved that HEV subtype 3i can be found in a novel host. Conclusion The results of the viral prevalence and phylogenetic analyses clearly demonstrated viral infection in Lithuanian pigs and wild ungulates, thus highlighting a significant concern for zoonotic virus transmission through both the food chain and direct contact with animals. Unexpected HEV genotype 3 subtype diversity in Lithuania and neighboring countries revealed that further studies are necessary to understand the mode of HEV transmission between animals and humans in the Baltic States region.
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Anheyer-Behmenburg HE, Szabo K, Schotte U, Binder A, Klein G, Johne R. Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boars and Spillover Infection in Red and Roe Deer, Germany, 2013-2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:130-133. [PMID: 27983488 PMCID: PMC5176221 DOI: 10.3201/eid2301.161169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine animal hepatitis E virus (HEV) reservoirs, we analyzed serologic and molecular markers of HEV infection among wild animals in Germany. We detected HEV genotype 3 strains in inner organs and muscle tissues of a high percentage of wild boars and a lower percentage of deer, indicating a risk for foodborne infection of humans.
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Pavio N, Doceul V, Bagdassarian E, Johne R. Recent knowledge on hepatitis E virus in Suidae reservoirs and transmission routes to human. Vet Res 2017; 48:78. [PMID: 29157309 PMCID: PMC5696788 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0483-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes self-limiting acute hepatitis in humans that can eventually result in acute liver failures or progress to chronic infections. While in tropical and sub-tropical areas, HEV infections are associated with important waterborne epidemics, in Northern countries, HEV infections are autochthonous with a zoonotic origin. In the past decade, it has become clear that certain HEV genotypes are zoonotic and that swine, and more generally Suidae, are the main reservoir. Zoonotic transmissions of the virus may occur via direct contact with infected pigs, wild boars or consumption of contaminated meat. This review describes the current knowledge on domestic and wild Suidae as reservoirs of HEV and the evidence of the different routes of HEV transmission between these animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pavio
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Virginie Doceul
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eugénie Bagdassarian
- Animal Health Laboratory, UMR 1161 Virology, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
- UMR 1161 Virology, PRES University Paris 12, National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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Hepatitis E virus infection in North Italy: high seroprevalence in swine herds and increased risk for swine workers. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:3375-3384. [PMID: 29145911 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817002485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined the hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence and detection rate in commercial swine herds in Italy's utmost pig-rich area, and assessed HEV seropositivity risk in humans as a function of occupational exposure to pigs, diet, foreign travel, medical history and hunting activities. During 2011-2014, 2700 sera from 300 swine herds were tested for anti-HEV IgG. HEV RNA was searched in 959 faecal pools from HEV-seropositive herds and in liver/bile/muscle samples from 179 pigs from HEV-positive herds. A cohort study of HEV seropositivity in swine workers (n = 149) was also performed using two comparison groups of people unexposed to swine: omnivores (n = 121) and vegetarians/vegans (n = 115). Herd-level seroprevalence was 75·6% and was highest in farrow-to-feeder herds (81·6%). Twenty-six out of 105 (24·8%) herds had HEV-positive faecal samples (25 HEV-3, one HEV-4). Only one bile sample tested positive. HEV seropositivity was 12·3% in swine workers, 0·9% in omnivores and 3·0% in vegetarians/vegans. Factors significantly associated with HEV seropositivity were occupational exposure to pigs, travel to Africa and increased swine workers' age. We concluded that HEV is widespread in Italian swine herds and HEV-4 circulation is alarming given its pathogenicity, with those occupationally exposed to pigs being at increased risk of HEV seropositivity.
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Mauceri C, Grazia Clemente M, Castiglia P, Antonucci R, Schwarz KB. Hepatitis E in Italy: A silent presence. J Infect Public Health 2017; 11:1-8. [PMID: 28864359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was discovered in the 1980s and has been considered as being confined to developing countries. The purpose of this critical review was to determine the reported HEV seroprevalence rates in Italy, to identify predisposing factors and individuals at risk and to assess possible importation of HEV by immigrants. A critical review of 159 articles published in PubMed from 1994 to date was done. Only 27 original reports of 50 or more subjects, written in the English or Italian language, were included. Over three decades, the HEV seroprevalence varied from 0.12% to 49%, with the highest rates being reported from the central region of Italy. Risk factors included ingestion of raw pork or potentially contaminated food. The seroprevalence among immigrants ranged from 15.3% to 19.7% in Apulia. Italy has a population of 60656000; the total number of individuals surveyed was only 21.882 (0.036%). A national epidemiological survey program is needed to capture more comprehensive seroprevalence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Mauceri
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, University of Sassari Medical School, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Clemente
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, University of Sassari Medical School, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences-Hygiene and Preventive Medicine Unit, University-AOU of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Roberto Antonucci
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, University of Sassari Medical School, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Kathleen B Schwarz
- Pediatric Liver Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore 21287, MD, USA.
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26
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Aprea G, Amoroso MG, Di Bartolo I, D'Alessio N, Di Sabatino D, Boni A, Cioffi B, D'Angelantonio D, Scattolini S, De Sabato L, Cotturone G, Pomilio F, Migliorati G, Galiero G, Fusco G. Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis E virus strains circulating in wild boars in south-central Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:e25-e31. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Aprea
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno; Portici Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”; Teramo Italy
| | - M. G. Amoroso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno; Portici Italy
| | | | - N. D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno; Portici Italy
| | - D. Di Sabatino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”; Teramo Italy
| | - A. Boni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”; Teramo Italy
| | - B. Cioffi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno; Portici Italy
| | - D. D'Angelantonio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”; Teramo Italy
| | - S. Scattolini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”; Teramo Italy
| | | | - G. Cotturone
- Ente Parco Naturale Regionale Sirente Velino; Rocca di Mezzo, AQ Italy
| | - F. Pomilio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”; Teramo Italy
| | - G. Migliorati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”; Teramo Italy
| | - G. Galiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno; Portici Italy
| | - G. Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno; Portici Italy
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27
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Hammerschmidt F, Schwaiger K, Dähnert L, Vina-Rodriguez A, Höper D, Gareis M, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Hepatitis E virus in wild rabbits and European brown hares in Germany. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 64:612-622. [PMID: 28371421 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a change of hepatitis E from being a typical travel-associated disease to an autochthonous zoonosis in Germany was observed. An increasing number of autochthonous infections with the hepatitis E Virus (HEV) have been recognized in developed countries. Venison from wild boar is already known to be a potential source of infection, if not prepared properly by the consumer. In Germany, certain wild animals are known to be a reservoir for HEV. However, current information is missing about European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Thus, a total of 833 hunting-harvested animals (European brown hares n = 669; wild rabbits n = 164) were tested for the occurrence of HEV RNA and HEV antibodies. For this, liver and blood specimens were taken after hunts in six German federal states. HEV antibodies were found by ELISA in 2.2% (624/14) of European brown hares, but no HEV RNA was detectable by nested real-time RT-PCR. In contrast, a seroprevalence of 37.3% (126/47) was observed for wild rabbits, and 17.1% (164/28) of the samples were HEV RNA positive. Genomic analysis revealed that these partial sequences clustered within the rabbit clade of HEV-3 genotype. In addition, one rabbit sequence segregated into subtype 3g of HEV-3. Highest seroprevalences for hares and rabbits were detected in the federal states of Bavaria and of Schleswig-Holstein, respectively. Comparing urban, rural and insular areas, the highest seroprevalence was shown for wild rabbits in rural areas and for European brown hares on the northern island Fehmarn. This study provides evidence that European brown hares and wild rabbits from Germany can be infected with HEV. The different prevalences indicate that wild rabbits are a potential reservoir for HEV in Germany, whereas European brown hares seem to be only of minor importance for the epidemiology of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hammerschmidt
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - K Schwaiger
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - L Dähnert
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - A Vina-Rodriguez
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - D Höper
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Gareis
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - M H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Roth A, Lin J, Magnius L, Karlsson M, Belák S, Widén F, Norder H. Markers for Ongoing or Previous Hepatitis E Virus Infection Are as Common in Wild Ungulates as in Humans in Sweden. Viruses 2016; 8:E259. [PMID: 27657108 PMCID: PMC5035973 DOI: 10.3390/v8090259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a human pathogen with zoonotic spread, infecting both domestic and wild animals. About 17% of the Swedish population is immune to HEV, but few cases are reported annually, indicating that most infections are subclinical. However, clinical hepatitis E may also be overlooked. For identified cases, the source of infection is mostly unknown. In order to identify whether HEV may be spread from wild game, the prevalence of markers for past and/or ongoing infection was investigated in sera and stool samples collected from 260 hunted Swedish wild ungulates. HEV markers were found in 43 (17%) of the animals. The most commonly infected animal was moose (Alces alces) with 19 out of 69 animals (28%) showing HEV markers, followed by wild boar (Sus scrofa) with 21 out of 139 animals (15%), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) with 2 out of 30 animals, red deer (Cervus elaphus) with 1 out of 15 animals, and fallow deer (Dama dama) 0 out of 7 animals. Partial open reading frame 1 (ORF1) of the viral genomes from the animals were sequenced and compared with those from 14 endemic human cases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three humans were infected with HEV strains similar to those from wild boar. These results indicate that wild animals may be a source of transmission to humans and could be an unrecognized public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Roth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Jay Lin
- Department of Virology, Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
- The OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) Collaborating Centre for the Biotechnology-Based Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases in Veterinary Medicine, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lars Magnius
- Ulf Lundahl Foundation, 116 21 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marie Karlsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sándór Belák
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
- The OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) Collaborating Centre for the Biotechnology-Based Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases in Veterinary Medicine, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Frederik Widén
- Department of Virology, Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
- The OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) Collaborating Centre for the Biotechnology-Based Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases in Veterinary Medicine, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Heléne Norder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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29
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Caruso C, Peletto S, Rosamilia A, Modesto P, Chiavacci L, Sona B, Balsamelli F, Ghisetti V, Acutis PL, Pezzoni G, Brocchi E, Vitale N, Masoero L. Hepatitis E Virus: A Cross-Sectional Serological and Virological Study in Pigs and Humans at Zoonotic Risk within a High-Density Pig Farming Area. Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:1443-1453. [PMID: 27380833 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
An increase in autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections has been recorded in Italy suspected to be zoonotically transmitted from pigs; this study was carried out to determinate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis HEV exposition, both in swine and humans working in pig farms, located within a high-density pig farming area in Piedmont region, north-western Italy. The presence of viral RNA in human and swine samples was also evaluated, and phylogenetic analysis was performed on HEV-positive samples. Forty-two swine farms were sampled; 142 workers were enrolled in the study and classified into two groups: (i) 69 workers with occupational contact with swine (including veterinarians and farmers) recruited in the 42 sampled farms; (ii) 73 without occupational contact with swine. Forty-one of 42 (97%) swine farms resulted positive to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for HEV antibodies (Abs). Overall seroprevalence in swine was 50% (441/879), with seropositivity rate higher in sows (333/469, 71%). HEV RNA in stool samples was detected in animals from 13 of 42 tested farms (31%), and a higher positivity resulted in weaners (40/246, 16.3%). Phylogenetic analysis classified all HEV isolates within genotype 3 (subtypes 3f, 3e, 3c). All humans were negative for HEV viral genome in blood. Five of 142 sera were positive for IgG anti-HEV with an overall prevalence of 3.52% with no statistically significant differences in prevalence rates between workers at zoonotic risk and the control group (5.7% versus 1.3%). In contrast, a significant difference (OR 10.1) was observed within the subgroup including subjects exposed for short periods (veterinarians) compared with those who worked for long periods (farmers) suggesting a correlation between the time of exposure and the likelihood of HEV infection. Reporting HEV infection is not mandatory in Italy, but a constant epidemiological surveillance should be ensured to clarify the epidemiology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caruso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - S Peletto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | | | - P Modesto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - L Chiavacci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - B Sona
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale CN1, Cuneo, Italy
| | - F Balsamelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - V Ghisetti
- Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - P L Acutis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - G Pezzoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Brocchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - N Vitale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - L Masoero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valled' Aosta, Turin, Italy
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30
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Mesquita JR, Myrmel M, Stene-Johansen K, Øverbø J, Nascimento MSJ. A Public Health initiative on hepatitis E virus epidemiology, safety and control in Portugal--study protocol. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:17. [PMID: 26774897 PMCID: PMC4715291 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1341-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The discovery of autochthonous hepatitis E in industrialized countries has changed the understanding of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in these regions, now known to be mainly due to zoonotic transmission of genotype 3. The foodborne route of transmission via consumption of contaminated meat from HEV infected pigs is well documented as well as the direct occupational exposure to animal reservoirs. Accumulating evidence also points to an emerging potential threat to blood safety after the identification of viremic blood donors and the documentation of HEV-contaminated blood or blood products. Moreover, the origin of several iatrogenic cases remains unclear and porcine-derived pharmaceutic products have been suspected as a cause. Severe morbidity following HEV infection in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy and in those with severe immunodeficiency from other causes has been recently recognized as a serious consequence of this infection in industrialized countries. In Portugal no large-scale HEV seroprevalence study has been undertaken, no professional risk groups have been identified, and the risk of blood donation from HEV silent infected donors is unknown. The present paper describes seroepidemiological and molecular approaches to answer these questions. Methods/design To address these issues a study protocol was designed that will approach: i) the seroprevalence of HEV among the Portuguese general population; ii) HEV infection among butchers and slaughterhouse workers (occupational risk); iii) the silent HEV infection in Portuguese blood donors (HEV transfusion-associated risk); iv) the potential HEV contamination of porcine-derived pharmaceutical products. Commercial enzyme immunoassays and real-time/conventional RT-PCR assays will be used. Discussion This study is the first evaluation of the seroepidemiological status to HEV infection of the Portuguese population, the first to potentially identify professional risk groups, and to evaluate the safety of blood and blood products and porcine-derived pharmaceutics in Portugal. It will generate valuable data applicable for preventive and control measures against HEV infection (e.g., introduction of systematic screening of blood donors, control of blood products or porcine derived pharmaceutical products), thus helping to manage the burden of this viral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- João R Mesquita
- Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal.
| | - Mette Myrmel
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Joakim Øverbø
- Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Maria S J Nascimento
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n.° 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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31
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Thiry D, Mauroy A, Saegerman C, Licoppe A, Fett T, Thomas I, Brochier B, Thiry E, Linden A. Belgian Wildlife as Potential Zoonotic Reservoir of Hepatitis E Virus. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 64:764-773. [PMID: 26518619 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an acute human liver disease in healthy individuals but may become chronic in immunocompromised patients. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and can have a zoonotic origin, particularly in high-income countries. In this study, 383 sera from wild boars were selected for serology; for virological analyses, 69 sera and 61 livers from young wild boars were used. A total of 189 and 235 sera of, respectively, red deer and roe deer were collected for serological analysis. For virological analyses, 84 and 68 sera and 29 and 27 livers from, respectively, red and roe deer were sampled. An apparent seroprevalence of 34% (95% CI 29.71-39.46) was found in wild boars, of 1% (95% CI 0-2.4) in red deer and 3% (95% CI 0.8-4.2) in roe deer. To assess the ELISA screening prevalence, Western blot (WB) analyses were carried out, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed and different scenarios with varying ELISA specificities relative to WB were analysed. Seroprevalence remained high whatever the scenario in the wild boar population. In wild boar, 4 of 69 sera and 4 of 61 livers were detected as positive for HEV RNA. All sequences obtained from sera belonged to genotype HEV-3. HEV RNA, belonging to genotype HEV-3, was detected in one of 29 red deer livers. Wild boar can be considered as a host reservoir of the virus in Belgium. However, in contrast to the epidemiological role played by them in other countries, the low prevalence in deer makes these species an unlikely reservoir. This evidence needs further investigation to determine in which situation deer can serve as reservoir. These results also raise the question of the dynamics of HEV infection between wild fauna, domestic pigs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - A Mauroy
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - C Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULg), Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - A Licoppe
- Natural and Agricultural Environmental Studies Department, DEMNA, Service Public de Wallonie, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - T Fett
- Wildlife Health and Pathology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - I Thomas
- Virology, Operational Directorate Communicable and Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium
| | - B Brochier
- Virology, Operational Directorate Communicable and Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - A Linden
- Wildlife Health and Pathology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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