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Nardini R, Pacchiarotti G, Svicher V, Salpini R, Bellocchi MC, Conti R, Sala MG, La Rocca D, Carioti L, Cersini A, Manna G, Scicluna MT. First National Prevalence in Italian Horse Population and Phylogenesis Highlight a Fourth Sub-Type Candidate of Equine Hepacivirus. Viruses 2024; 16:616. [PMID: 38675957 PMCID: PMC11054338 DOI: 10.3390/v16040616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV, Flaviviridae, hepacivirus) is a small, enveloped RNA virus generally causing sub-clinical hepatitis with occasional fatalities. EqHV is reported in equids worldwide, but for Italy data are limited. To address this, a survey study was set up to estimate prevalence at a national level and among different production categories (equestrian; competition; work and meat; reproduction) and national macro-regions (North, Central, South, and Islands). Data obtained testing 1801 horse serum samples by Real-Time RT PCR were compared within the categories and regions. The NS3 fragment of the PCR-positive samples was sequenced by Sanger protocol for phylogenetic and mutational analysis. The tertiary structure of the NS3 protein was also assessed. The estimated national prevalence was 4.27% [1.97-6.59, 95% CI] and no statistical differences were detected among production categories and macro-regions. The phylogenesis confirmed the distribution in Italy of the three known EqHV subtypes, also suggesting a possible fourth sub-type that, however, requires further confirmation. Mutational profiles that could also affect the NS3 binding affinity to the viral RNA were detected. The present paper demonstrates that EqHV should be included in diagnostic protocols when investigating causes of hepatitis, and in quality control protocols for blood derived products due to its parental transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giulia Pacchiarotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Maria Concetta Bellocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Raffaella Conti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Marcello Giovanni Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Davide La Rocca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | | | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
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Cavalleri JV, Korbacska‐Kutasi O, Leblond A, Paillot R, Pusterla N, Steinmann E, Tomlinson J. European College of Equine Internal Medicine consensus statement on equine flaviviridae infections in Europe. Vet Med (Auckl) 2022; 36:1858-1871. [DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessika‐M. V. Cavalleri
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Orsolya Korbacska‐Kutasi
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
- Department for Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest Hungary
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences—Szent Istvan University (MTA‐SZIE) Large Animal Clinical Research Group Üllő Dóra major Hungary
| | - Agnès Leblond
- EPIA, UMR 0346, Epidemiologie des maladies animales et zoonotiques, INRAE, VetAgro Sup University of Lyon Marcy l'Etoile France
| | - Romain Paillot
- School of Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy Writtle University College Chelmsford UK
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis California USA
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine Ruhr University Bochum Bochum Germany
| | - Joy Tomlinson
- Baker Institute for Animal Health Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca New York USA
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Pacchiarotti G, Nardini R, Scicluna MT. Equine Hepacivirus: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of Serological and Biomolecular Prevalence and a Phylogenetic Update. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2486. [PMID: 36230228 PMCID: PMC9558973 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis has recently assumed relevance for equine veterinary medicine since a variety of new viruses have been discovered. Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family that can cause subclinical hepatitis in horses, occasionally evolving into a chronic disease. EqHV, to date, is considered the closest known relative of human HCV. EqHV has been reported worldwide therefore assessing its features is relevant, considering both the wide use of blood products and transfusions in veterinary therapies and its similitude to HCV. The present review resumes the actual knowledge on EqHV epidemiology, risk factors and immunology, together with potential diagnostics and good practices for prevention. Moreover, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews a meta-analysis of serological and biomolecular prevalence and an updated phylogenetic description is presented as a benchmark for further studies.
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Severe Acute Hepatitis Outbreaks Associated with a Novel Hepacivirus in Rhizomys pruinosus in Hainan, China. J Virol 2022; 96:e0078222. [PMID: 36005760 PMCID: PMC9472637 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00782-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Hepacivirus have a broad range of hosts, with at least 14 species identified. To date, a highly pathogenic hepacivirus causing severe disease in animals has not been found. Here, by using high-throughput sequencing, a new hepacivirus was identified as the dominant and highly pathogenic virus in severe acute hepatitis outbreaks in bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus), with ≈80% mortality; this virus emerged in February 2020 in two bamboo rat farms in China. Hepaciviral genome copies in bamboo rat liver were significantly higher than in other organs. Genomic sequences of hepacivirus strains from 12 sick bamboo rats were found to share 85.3 to 100% nucleotide (nt) identity and 94.9 to 100% amino acid (aa) identity and to share 79.7 to 87.8% nt and 90.4 to 97.8% aa identities with previously reported bamboo rat hepaciviruses of Vietnam and China. Sequence analysis further revealed the simultaneous circulation of genetically divergent hepacivirus variants within the two outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis showed that hepacivirus strains from the present and previous studies formed an independent clade comprised of at least two genotypes, clearly different from all other known species, suggesting a novel species within the genus Hepacivirus. This is the first report of a non-human-infecting hepacivirus causing potentially fatal infection of bamboo rats, and the associated hepatitis in the animals potentially can be used to develop a surrogate model for the study of hepatitis C virus infection in humans and for the development of therapeutic strategies. IMPORTANCE Members of the genus Hepacivirus have a broad host range, with at least 14 species identified, but none is highly pathogenic to its host except for hepatitis C virus, which causes severe liver diseases in humans. In this study, a new liver-tropic hepacivirus species was identified by high-throughput sequencing as the pathogen associated with two outbreaks of severely acute hepatitis in hoary bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus) on two farms in Hainan Province, China; this is the first reported highly pathogenic animal hepacivirus to our knowledge. Further phylogenetic analysis suggested that the hepaciviruses derived from hoary bamboo rats in either the current or previous studies represent a novel species within the genus Hepacivirus. This finding is a breakthrough that has significantly updated our understanding about the pathogenicity of animal hepaciviruses, and the hepacivirus-associated hepatitis in bamboo rats may have a use as an animal infection model to understand HCV infection and develop therapeutic strategies.
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Meister TL, Arroyo LG, Shanahan R, Papapetrou MA, Reinecke B, Brüggemann Y, Todt D, Stang A, Hazlett M, Baird JD, Steinmann E. Infection of young foals with Equine Parvovirus-Hepatitis following a fatal non-biologic case of Theiler's disease. Vet Microbiol 2022; 274:109557. [PMID: 36088712 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109557] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Theiler's disease (TD) is a (sub-)acute hepatitis in adult horses and one of the most common causes of acute hepatic failure. Recent findings indicate that equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) likely causes TD and that its transmission occurs via iatrogenic and/or natural routes. Following the death of an EqPV-H positive mare with TD, close-contact mares and foals in the same paddock were monitored to evaluate if there was any evidence of EqPV-H. For this purpose, the serum of close contact horses was examined 6 and 42 days after the mare's death for the presence of EqPV-H DNA and changes in liver-associated serum biochemical parameters. The foals had higher EqPV-H viral loads than the mares. Apart from the mare that was euthanized, none of the horses included in this study showed signs of severe disease and nor did they have particularly elevated liver enzymes. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed no major differences between the viral DNA detected in the serum of the dead mare and any of the in-contact horses. In conclusion, our data confirmed previous findings that horizontal transmission of EqPV-H may occur through close contact between horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Luise Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Rachel Shanahan
- Port Perry Veterinary Services, 1589 King Street, Prince Albert, Ontario L9L 1C2, Canada
| | - Maria A Papapetrou
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Birthe Reinecke
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Stang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Murray Hazlett
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - John D Baird
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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Ramsauer AS, Badenhorst M, Cavalleri JMV. Equine parvovirus hepatitis. Equine Vet J 2021; 53:886-894. [PMID: 34101906 PMCID: PMC8457058 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV‐H) was first described in 2018 in a fatal case of Theiler's disease which followed the administration of an equine‐origin biological product. The virus has since been frequently identified in serum and liver tissue of horses affected by Theiler's disease—an acute, severe hepatitis characterised by fulminant hepatic necrosis with a fatal outcome in most cases. EqPV‐H is hepatotropic, appears to be associated with subclinical to severe hepatitis in horses, and is a likely cause of Theiler's disease. Although this disease is most frequently reported following the administration of equine‐origin biological products, it can also occur among in‐contact horses. Horizontal transmission may be iatrogenic, via contaminated equine‐origin biological products such as equine serum, botulism or tetanus antitoxin, and mesenchymal stem cells or by means of the oral route of infection. Other horizontal transmission routes, for example, arthropod vectors, warrant further investigation. A worldwide prevalence of EqPV‐H antibodies and DNA has been reported in asymptomatic horses. EqPV‐H‐positive horses suffering from acute, severe hepatitis have reportedly developed clinical signs including icterus, lethargy, inappetence, and neurological abnormalities and have had increased liver‐associated biochemistry parameters recorded. The most common histopathological abnormalities of the liver have been hepatocellular necrosis, collapse of the lobular architecture, and lymphocytic infiltration. Most horses infected experimentally with EqPV‐H have developed subclinical hepatitis, and close temporal associations between peak viraemia, seroconversion, and the onset of hepatitis have been observed. Based on strong evidence indicating that EqPV‐H causes hepatitis in horses, veterinarians should consider this virus an important differential diagnosis in such cases. Potential risks associated with the administration of equine‐origin biological products must be emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sophie Ramsauer
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Clinic - Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcha Badenhorst
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Clinic - Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jessika-M V Cavalleri
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Equine Clinic - Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Abbadi I, Lkhider M, Kitab B, Jabboua K, Zaidane I, Haddaji A, Nacer S, Matsuu A, Pineau P, Tsukiyama-Kohara K, Benjelloun S, Ezzikouri S. Non-primate hepacivirus transmission and prevalence: Novel findings of virus circulation in horses and dogs in Morocco. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104975. [PMID: 34175479 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is a homolog of hepatitis C virus and has been isolated from dogs and horses. Data on NPHV prevalence and distribution are not complete, and there is a particular lack of reports from the African continent. The present study represents the first investigation of NPHV prevalence in horses and dogs in North Africa. Blood was collected from 172 horses and 36 dogs at different locations in Morocco, and screened for NPHV RNA using nested PCR targeting 5'UTR and NS3 regions and analyzed for anti-NPHV NS3 antibody using a Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system-to determine seroprevalence. Eight sequences of the NS3 region isolated from positive serum samples were targeted for phylogenetic analysis. Horses and dogs showed respective NPHV RNA positivity rates of 10.5% and 5.5%, and seroprevalences of 65.7% and 8.33%. Juvenile horses appeared more susceptible to infection, with a 23.5% NHPV RNA positivity rate. Seropositivity was more extensive in mares than stallions (77.14% vs. 46.27%, p < 0.0001). Phylogenetically, that NPHV NS3 genes isolated from horses and dog are clustered together. The NPHV strains we detected showed no correlation with geographic location within Morocco. In conclusion, Moroccan horses showed much evidence of previous and/or current NPHV infection, with young age and female sex as noted potential risk factors. Interestingly, NPHV is circulating in dogs as well as horses, suggesting that it has crossed species barriers and that horses and dogs are potential vectors by which an ancestor to hepatitis C virus was transmitted into human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Abbadi
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco; Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Lkhider
- Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Bouchra Kitab
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | - Imane Zaidane
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Asmaa Haddaji
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sabrine Nacer
- Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Aya Matsuu
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Pascal Pineau
- Unité "Organisation Nucléaire et Oncogenèse", INSERM U993, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco.
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Elia G, Caringella F, Lanave G, Martella V, Losurdo M, Tittarelli M, Colitti B, Decaro N, Buonavoglia C. Genetic heterogeneity of bovine hepacivirus in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2731-2740. [PMID: 32426936 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viruses similar to human hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Hepacivirus genus have been identified in several animal hosts, including cattle. Since its first discovery in Germany, bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) has been described in several countries globally. However, limited data are available on BovHepV epidemiology and genetic variability. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of BovHepV in Italy. Viral RNA was identified in 37 (0.15%) of 24,820 bovine sera, with titres ranging from 1.09 × 103 to 8.27 × 106 RNA copies/ml. Upon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 5'UTR and NS3 genomic portions, the Italian BovHepV strains segregated into at least four distinct subtypes (A, B, C and F) that are also co-circulating globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Elia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | | | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Michele Losurdo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Manuela Tittarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Colitti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco (Torino), Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Canio Buonavoglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
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Qiang X, Shen X, Peng H, Guo X, He Z, Yao M, Fu G, Cui Y, Zhang X, Huang Y, Fan H, Du C, Tong Y, Mi Z. Complete genome sequence of a novel bovine hepacivirus from Yunnan, China. Arch Virol 2020; 165:1489-1494. [PMID: 32266550 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04611-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We detected a novel bovine hepacivirus N (HNV) subtype, IME_BovHep_01, in the serum of cattle in Tengchong, Yunnan, China, by high-throughput sequencing. The complete genome of IME_BovHep_01, was sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq sequencer and found to be 8850 nt in length, encoding one hypothetical protein. BLASTn analysis showed that the genome sequence shared similarity with the bovine hepacivirus isolate BovHepV_209/Ger/2014, with 88% query coverage and 70.8% identity. However, the highest similarity was to bovine hepacivirus N strain BRBovHep_RS963, for which only a partial genome sequence is available, with 68% query coverage and 81.5% identity. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis suggested that IME_BovHep_01 is a novel HNV subtype. Importantly, IME_BovHep_01 is the first member of this new genotype for which the complete genome sequence was determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Shen
- Tengchong Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tengchong, 679100, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Vector-borne Diseases Control and Research, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er, 665000, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihai He
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingguo Yao
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guozhang Fu
- Tengchong Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tengchong, 679100, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujun Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianglilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chunhong Du
- Yunnan Institute for Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yigang Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering (BAIC-SM), College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiqiang Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Date T, Sugiyama M, Lkhagvasuren D, Wakita T, Oyunsuren T, Mizokami M. Prevalence of equine hepacivirus infection in Mongolia. Virus Res 2020; 282:197940. [PMID: 32259615 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EHV) belongs to the hepacivirus A and is related to hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus shows hepatic tropism and is known to chronically infect horses. EHV has been reported from various countries, but the prevalence in Mongolia, where large horse populations are pastured, remains unknown. This study collected serum samples from horses in six areas across Mongolia, in order to investigate the status of infection. The possibility of human infection was also examined. The results showed an infection rate among horses of about 40 % in all regions. However, no evidence of EHV viremia was found in human serum. A mutation characteristic of Mongolian EHV was found in the 5'-untranslated region of the viral sequence. Molecular phylogenetic trees for core, NS3, and NS5B sequences showed the formation of two clusters depending on the area from which samples were taken. The same results were obtained from molecular phylogenetic analyses using the full genome. From detailed calculations of genetic diversity calculated using the full genome, EHV appears divisible into two subgenotypes. Blood samples were collected again after a 7-month interval to examine infection persistence. Seventeen of 19 horses retested showed positive results for EHV after 7 months, suggesting a high rate of persistent infection. These results indicate a relatively higher frequency of EHV infection in Mongolia than in Europe or North America, with virus strains divided into at least two subgenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Date
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.
| | - Damdindorj Lkhagvasuren
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Peace av.54b, Bayanzurkh 3, Ulaanbaatar, 13330, Mongolia
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tsendsuren Oyunsuren
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Peace av.54b, Bayanzurkh 3, Ulaanbaatar, 13330, Mongolia
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1 Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
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11
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Da Silva MS, Weber MN, Baumbach LF, Cibulski SP, Budaszewski RF, Mósena ACS, Canova R, Varela APM, Mayer FQ, Canal CW. Highly divergent cattle hepacivirus N in Southern Brazil. Arch Virol 2019; 164:3133-3136. [PMID: 31563979 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-019-04419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The genus Hepacivirus includes 14 species (Hepacivirus A-N). In this study, we determined a partial genome sequence of a highly divergent bovine hepacivirus (hepacivirus N, HNV) isolate from cattle in Southern Brazil. Previously described HNV isolates have shared 80-99.7% nucleotide sequence identity in the NS3 coding region. However, the sequence determined in this study had 72.6% to 73.8% nucleotide sequence identity to known HNV NS3 sequences. This high divergence could be seen in a phylogenetic tree, suggesting that it represents a new genotype of HNV. These data expand our knowledge concerning the genetic variability and evolution of hepaciviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Da Silva
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - M N Weber
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - L F Baumbach
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - S P Cibulski
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - R F Budaszewski
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A C S Mósena
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - R Canova
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A P M Varela
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular-Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - F Q Mayer
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular-Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cláudio W Canal
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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12
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Schlottau K, Fereidouni S, Beer M, Hoffmann B. Molecular identification and characterization of nonprimate hepaciviruses in equines. Arch Virol 2018; 164:391-400. [PMID: 30361815 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-4077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Hepacivirus, family Flaviviridae. Its genome has a length of 9.6 kb and encodes a single polyprotein flanked by two untranslated regions. HCV can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and approximately 2% of the world's population is chronically infected. The investigation of pathogenesis is complicated due to the lack of an animal model. The origin of this virus remains unclear, but in the last few years, relatives of HCV were initially identified in dogs and later in horses, rodents, bats and Old World monkeys. Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), which infects dogs and horses, is the closest relative to HCV. We established a pan-reactive "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay, which is able to detect human HCV as well as equine NPHV, and additionally, an equine-specific "equHepaci"-RT-qPCR for confirmation of positive results. Serum samples from 1158 clinically inconspicuous horses from Germany and several samples from other mammalian species were screened. We found 2.4% of the horses positive for hepacivirus RNA, and furthermore, the "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay also detected a hepacivirus in a donkey from Egypt. This virus had only 78% sequence identity in the E2 gene when compared to other known NPHVs. The established method could be useful for screening purposes, since it is likely that related hepaciviruses also occur in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kore Schlottau
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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13
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Lu G, Huang J, Yang Q, Xu H, Wu P, Fu C, Li S. Identification and genetic characterization of hepacivirus and pegivirus in commercial equine serum products in China. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189208. [PMID: 29216266 PMCID: PMC5720783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV), equine pegivirus (EPgV) and Theiler’s disease-associated virus (TDAV) are three novel equine viruses in the family Flaviviridae. EqHV and EPgV have been identified to circulate in the equine population worldwide, whereas TDAV has not been detected in equines since the first reported case. To date, no studies have focused on investigating EqHV, EPgV and TDAV in commercial equine sera or equine blood products in China. Considering the potential threat of EqHV, EPgV and TDAV to biosecurity and considering their possible influences on research results, equine sera for cell culture propagation and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) were purchased from different companies in China and investigated for EqHV, EPgV and TDAV in this study. By performing nested PCR or two rounds of PCR targeting the viral NS3 gene, four serum samples were confirmed to be EqHV-, EPgV-, or TDAV-RNA positive; all of the PMSG samples were negative for these three viruses. Subsequent sequencing results indicated that the serum samples contained multiple viral variants of EqHV, EPgV or TDAV, and a genetic analysis based on the partial NS3 gene of the three equine viruses was performed. Our study is the first to confirm the presence of EqHV, EPgV and TDAV in equine sera for cell culture propagation that is commercially available in China and provides the first demonstration of the presence of TDAV in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiliang Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haibin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peixin Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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