1
|
Di Bartolo I, De Sabato L, Ianiro G, Vaccari G, Dini FM, Ostanello F, Monini M. Exploring the Potential of Muridae as Sentinels for Human and Zoonotic Viruses. Viruses 2024; 16:1041. [PMID: 39066204 PMCID: PMC11281464 DOI: 10.3390/v16071041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the transmission of viruses from wildlife to humans has raised significant public health concerns, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Human activities play a substantial role in increasing the risk of zoonotic virus transmission from wildlife to humans. Rats and mice are prevalent in urban environments and may act as reservoirs for various pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of zoonotic viruses in wild rats and mice in both urban and rural areas, focusing on well-known zoonotic viruses such as betacoronavirus, hantavirus, arenavirus, kobuvirus, and monkeypox virus, along with other viruses occasionally detected in rats and mice, including rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus, which are known to infect humans at a high rate. A total of 128 animals were captured, including 70 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 45 black rats (Rattus rattus), and 13 house mice (Mus musculus), and feces, lung, and liver were collected. Among brown rats, one fecal sample tested positive for astrovirus RNA. Nucleotide sequencing revealed high sequence similarity to both human and rat astrovirus, suggesting co-presence of these viruses in the feces. Murine kobuvirus (MuKV) was detected in fecal samples from both black (n = 7) and brown (n = 6) rats, primarily from urban areas, as confirmed by sequence analysis. These findings highlight the importance of surveillance and research to understand and mitigate the risks associated with the potential transmission of pathogens by rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.D.B.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.D.B.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.D.B.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Gabriele Vaccari
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.D.B.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.D.B.); (L.D.S.); (G.I.); (G.V.); (M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dubbert T, Meester M, Smith RP, Tobias TJ, Di Bartolo I, Johne R, Pavoni E, Krumova-Valcheva G, Sassu EL, Prigge C, Aprea G, May H, Althof N, Ianiro G, Żmudzki J, Dimitrova A, Alborali GL, D'Angelantonio D, Scattolini S, Battistelli N, Burow E. Biosecurity measures to control hepatitis E virus on European pig farms. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1328284. [PMID: 38983773 PMCID: PMC11231669 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1328284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is a prevalent zoonotic pathogen in European pig farms, posing a significant public health risk primarily through the foodborne route. The study aimed to identify effective biosecurity measures for controlling HEV transmission on pig farms, addressing a critical gap in current knowledge. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, fecal samples from gilts, dry sows, and fatteners were collected on 231 pig farms of all farm types across nine European countries. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to test these samples for HEV. Simultaneously, a comprehensive biosecurity questionnaire captured data on various potential measures to control HEV. The dependent variable was HEV risk, categorized as lower or higher based on the percentage of positive pooled fecal samples on each farm (25% cut-off). The data were analyzed using generalized linear models (one for finisher samples and one for all samples) with a logit link function with country and farm type as a priori fixed factors. The results of the final multivariable models identified key biosecurity measures associated with lower HEV risk, which were the use of a hygienogram in the breeding (OR: 0.06, p = 0.001) and/or fattening area after cleaning (OR: 0.21, p = 0.019), the presence of a quarantine area (OR: 0.29, p = 0.025), testing and/or treating purchased feed against Salmonella (OR: 0.35, p = 0.021), the presence of other livestock species on the farm, and having five or fewer persons in charge of the pigs. Contrary to expectations, some biosecurity measures were associated with higher HEV risk, e.g., downtime of 3 days or longer after cleaning in the fattening area (OR: 3.49, p = 0.005) or mandatory handwashing for farm personnel when changing barn sections (OR: 3.4, p = 0.026). This novel study unveils critical insights into biosecurity measures effective in controlling HEV on European pig farms. The identification of both protective and risk-associated measures contributes to improving strategies for managing HEV and underscores the complexity of biosecurity in pig farming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamino Dubbert
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Meester
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University (UU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Richard Piers Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Tijs J Tobias
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University (UU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Reimar Johne
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Pavoni
- Food Safety Department, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Gergana Krumova-Valcheva
- National Food Safety Center, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute (NDRVMI), Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Lucia Sassu
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Christopher Prigge
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Aprea
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Hannah May
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Althof
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Jacek Żmudzki
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet), Puławy, Poland
| | - Albena Dimitrova
- National Food Safety Center, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute (NDRVMI), Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Giovanni Loris Alborali
- Food Safety Department, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela D'Angelantonio
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Silvia Scattolini
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Noemi Battistelli
- Department of Food Safety, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS), Teramo, Italy
| | - Elke Burow
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Department for Rural Development and Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection of the State of Brandenburg (MLUK), Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
La Bella G, Basanisi MG, Nobili G, Coppola R, Damato AM, Donatiello A, Occhiochiuso G, Romano AC, Toce M, Palazzo L, Pellegrini F, Fanelli A, Di Martino B, Suffredini E, Lanave G, Martella V, La Salandra G. Evidence of Circulation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Wild Boar in South-East Italy. Viruses 2023; 15:2021. [PMID: 37896798 PMCID: PMC10611066 DOI: 10.3390/v15102021] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. The food-borne transmission of HEV appears to be a major route in Europe through the consumption of pork and wild boar meat. HEV epidemiology in wild boars has been investigated mainly in Northern and Central Italian regions, whilst information from Southern Italy is limited. We investigated the occurrence of HEV in wild boar in the Apulia and Basilicata regions (Southern Italy). Thirteen (10.4%) out of one hundred and twenty-five wild boar samples tested positive for HEV using a quantitative reverse transcription PCR. HEV prevalence was 12% in Apulia and 9.3% in Basilicata. Seven samples were genotyped, and different subtypes (c, f, m) of genotype 3 were identified. The complete genome of a 3m strain was determined, and the virus showed the highest nucleotide identity to a human HEV strain identified in France in 2017. These findings demonstrate the substantial circulation of HEV in the wild boar population in Italian Southern regions. Gathering information on the HEV strains circulating in different geographical areas is useful for tracking the origin of HEV outbreaks and assessing the epidemiological role of wild boar as a potential virus reservoir for domestic pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco La Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Basanisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gaia Nobili
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosa Coppola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Annita Maria Damato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Adelia Donatiello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gilda Occhiochiuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Mariateresa Toce
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Lucia Palazzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna La Salandra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abrantes AC, Santos-Silva S, Mesquita J, Vieira-Pinto M. Hepatitis E Virus in the Wild Boar Population: What Is the Real Zoonotic Risk in Portugal? Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:433. [PMID: 37755894 PMCID: PMC10535446 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important zoonosis in wild boar. Reported zoonotic cases are mainly associated with the consumption of raw/undercooked meat and/or liver. This study aims to determine the occurrence of HEV in the Portuguese wild boar population. During the hunting season 2021/2022, 123-matched samples (liver, faeces, and blood) were collected from hunted wild boars throughout Portugal. An RT-PCR assay tested liver and faeces samples to detect HEV-RNA. From blood samples, an ELISA test was performed. Only one liver sample was positive for HEV (0,8%) and one other from faeces. A total of 34 sera were seropositive (26.7%). At the same time, in a survey of 106 hunters, 21 consumed/ate the liver of wild boars (19.8%). Only three recognised the possibility of consuming it undercooked. Contrary to previous studies in Portugal, the prevalence of HEV in liver and faeces is low, but the seropositivity is higher. But, when analyzing in detail, it could be observed that an HEV hotspot exists in the southeast of central Portugal and that it is a zoonotic risk for hunters of this region. The data of this study reinforce the importance of including HEV in surveillance programs for wildlife diseases to expand the potential zoonotic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Abrantes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Mesquita
- Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena Vieira-Pinto
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro University (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS-Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nemes K, Persson S, Simonsson M. Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus as Food- and Waterborne Pathogens-Transmission Routes and Methods for Detection in Food. Viruses 2023; 15:1725. [PMID: 37632066 PMCID: PMC10457876 DOI: 10.3390/v15081725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne viruses are an important threat to food safety and public health. Globally, there are approximately 5 million cases of acute viral hepatitis due to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) every year. HAV is responsible for numerous food-related viral outbreaks worldwide, while HEV is an emerging pathogen with a global health burden. The reported HEV cases in Europe have increased tenfold in the last 20 years due to its zoonotic transmission through the consumption of infected meat or meat products. HEV is considered the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide currently. This review focuses on the latest findings on the foodborne transmission routes of HAV and HEV and the methods for their detection in different food matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Nemes
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Swedish Food Agency, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 56 A, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.P.); (M.S.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abrantes AC, Vieira-Pinto M. 15 years overview of European zoonotic surveys in wild boar and red deer: A systematic review. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
|
8
|
De Sabato L, Ianiro G, Filipello V, Arnaboldi S, Righi F, Ostanello F, Giammarioli M, Lavazza A, Di Bartolo I. Absence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Italian Lagomorph Species Sampled between 2019 and 2021. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030545. [PMID: 36766433 PMCID: PMC9913390 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) causes most autochthonous human hepatitis E cases in Europe, which are due to the consumption of raw or undercooked food products of animal origin. Pigs and wild boars are considered the main reservoirs of this genotype, while rabbits are the reservoir of a distinct phylogenetic group named HEV-3ra, which is classified within the HEV-3 genotype but in a separate clade. Evidence for the zoonotic potential of HEV-3ra was suggested by its detection in immunocompromised patients in several European countries. HEV-3ra infection was found in farmed and feral rabbit populations worldwide and its circulation was reported in a few European countries, including Italy. Furthermore, Italy is one of the major rabbit meat producers and consumers across Europe, but only a few studies investigated the presence of HEV in this reservoir. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of HEV in 328 Italian hares and 59 farmed rabbits collected in 3 Italian macro-areas (North, North-Central, and South-Central), between 2019 and 2021. For this purpose, liver samples were used to detect HEV RNA using broad-range real-time RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR. Using 28 liver transudates from hares, the ELISA test for anti-HEV IgG detection was also performed. Neither HEV RNA nor anti-HEV antibodies were detected. Further studies will be conducted to assess the HEV presence in Italian lagomorphs to establish the role of this host and the possible risk of transmission for workers with occupational exposure, to pet owners and via food.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.I.); (F.O.)
| | - Virginia Filipello
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi, 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Arnaboldi
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi, 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Righi
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi, 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano dell’ Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.I.); (F.O.)
| | - Monica Giammarioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati” (IZSUM), Via Salvemini, 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), Via Antonio Bianchi, 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carella E, Oberto F, Romano A, Peletto S, Vitale N, Costa A, Caruso C, Chiavacci L, Acutis PL, Pite L, Masoero L. Molecular and serological investigation of Hepatitis E virus in pigs slaughtered in Northwestern Italy. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:21. [PMID: 36698186 PMCID: PMC9875460 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03578-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is recently considered an emerging public health concern. HEV genotypes 1 and 2 are widely distributed and pathogenic only for humans. In contrast, HEV, genotypes 3 and 4 are observed in swine, deer, wild boars and rabbits and can also be transmitted to humans. The presence of HEV in the liver, muscle, faeces, blood, and bile was detected by real-time RT-PCR in 156 pigs belonging to twenty different farms, ranging from 1 to 8 months of age. The phylogenetic analysis was performed on the viral strain present in the positive biological matrix, with the lowest Ct. HEV-IgG and HEV-IgM in the sera were analysed by two different ELISA kits. RESULTS Twenty-one pigs, i.e., 13.46% of them (21/156, 95% CI: 8.53%-19.84%), tested positive for HEV in at least one biological matrix by real-time RT-PCR, while phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of HEV subtypes 3f and 3c. Pig serums analysed by ELISA showed an overall prevalence of 26.92% (42/156, 95% CI: 20.14%-34.60%) for HEV-IgG, whereas the 28.95% (33/114, 95% CI: 20.84%-38.19%) of them tested negative resulted positive for the HEV-IgM. CONCLUSIONS The faeces are the biological matrix with the highest probability of detecting HEV. The best concordance value (Kappa Kohen index) and the highest positive correlation (Phi index) were observed for the correlation between bile and liver, even when the number of positive liver samples was lower than the positive bile samples. This finding may suggest that a higher probability of HEV occurs in the bile, when the virus is present in the liver, during the stages of infection. Finally, the presence of HEV in muscle was observed in 11 pigs, usually used for the preparation of some dishes, typical of the Italian tradition, based on raw or undercooked meat. Therefore, their consumption is a possible source of infection for final consumer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Carella
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Oberto
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo Romano
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Peletto
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Annalisa Costa
- grid.476863.80000 0004 1755 6398Azienda Sanitaria Locale CN2, Via Gerolamo Vida 10, 12051 Alba (CN), Italy
| | - Claudio Caruso
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale CN1, Via Pier Carlo Boggio 12, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Laura Chiavacci
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Acutis
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Ledi Pite
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Loretta Masoero
- grid.425427.20000 0004 1759 3180Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria E Valle d’ Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Battistini R, Serracca L, Razzuoli E, Listorti V, Guardone L, Dellepiane M, Pussini N, Brunelli F, Peletto S, Beltramo C, Ercolini C, Masotti C. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV): Identification of Subtypes 3b and 3m in Wild Boar Population in Liguria Region, Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:1236. [PMID: 36364986 PMCID: PMC9694157 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The wild boar is an important natural reservoir for the zoonotic transmission of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) around the world. In particular, HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are an emerging problem in industrialized countries, as the number of wild boars has increased, and their territory is ever closer to farms and populated areas. This study describes the HEV prevalence and geographic circulation among wild boar populations in the Ligurian region (Italy) during the period 2019-2022. Liver samples from 849 wild boars were analyzed for HEV RNA using real-time RT-PCR; positive samples were then subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, 6.7% of the wild boars were positive for HEV RNA; however, in the last two years, the percentage of positive animals almost doubled. Phylogenetic analysis showed that wild boar HEV sequences belonged to genotype 3 and clustered within subtypes 3a and 3c, and, for the first time in Italy, subtypes 3b and 3m were identified. Interestingly, 13 sequences could not be assigned to a recognized subtype. Furthermore, the results showed different circulations of identified subtypes across the territory. These findings increase the knowledge of HEV-3 heterogeneity in Italy and describe the role of wild boars in maintaining an active viral circulation in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Battistini
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Laura Serracca
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- Department of Genoa, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39/24, 16129 Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Listorti
- Department of Genoa, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39/24, 16129 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lisa Guardone
- Department of Genoa, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39/24, 16129 Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Dellepiane
- Department of Savona, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Martiri 6, 17056 Savona, Italy
| | - Nicola Pussini
- Department of Imperia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Nizza 4, 18100 Imperia, Italy
| | - Francesco Brunelli
- Department of Imperia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Nizza 4, 18100 Imperia, Italy
| | - Simone Peletto
- Department of Turin, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Beltramo
- Department of Turin, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Ercolini
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Chiara Masotti
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Serological, Virological Investigation and Hepatic Injury Evaluation for Hepatitis E Virus in Hunting Dogs. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101123. [PMID: 36297180 PMCID: PMC9608991 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Orthohepevirus A genus within the Hepeviridae family. The most common transmission route of this virus is fecal–oral, although zoonotic transmission by contact with infected animals has also been described. In this study, 80 sera and rectal swabs were collected from dogs during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 wild boar hunting season in Tuscany. All dogs were submitted for serological screening to detect the presence of anti-HEV antibodies. To evaluate the circulation of HEV, rectal swabs from both seropositive dogs and dogs living in the same kennels were examined by One-Step RT-qPCR. In addition, the presence of markers of hepatic damage in dogs’ sera was investigated. Results indicated the presence of anti-HEV antibodies in 4/80 subjects (5%). However, neither HEV RNA nor signs of hepatic damage were found. In conclusion, although HEV can stimulate a specific immuno-response in dogs, this species does not seem to play an important role in HEV epidemiology.
Collapse
|
12
|
De Sabato L, Suffredini E, Di Pasquale S, La Rosa G, De Santis P, Giammarioli M, Vaccari G, Bartolo ID. Novel subtypes and unexpected heterogeneity of hepatitis E viral strains in wild boar captured in a small area in Central Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2541-e2550. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health Istituto Superiore di Sanità Viale Regina Elena, 299 Rome 00161 Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health Istituto Superiore di Sanità Viale Regina Elena, 299 Rome 00161 Italy
| | - Simona Di Pasquale
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health Istituto Superiore di Sanità Viale Regina Elena, 299 Rome 00161 Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health Istituto Superiore di Sanità Viale Regina Elena, 299 Rome 00161 Italy
| | - Paola De Santis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri'' Via Appia Nuova, 1411 Rome 00178 Italy
| | - Monica Giammarioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati” Via Salvemini, 1 Perugia 06100 Italy
| | - Gabriele Vaccari
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health Istituto Superiore di Sanità Viale Regina Elena, 299 Rome 00161 Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health Istituto Superiore di Sanità Viale Regina Elena, 299 Rome 00161 Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Occurrence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Calabrian wild boars. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 371:109671. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
14
|
Cook N, D’Agostino M, Wood A, Scobie L. Real-Time PCR-Based Methods for Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Pork Products: A Critical Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020428. [PMID: 35208881 PMCID: PMC8877315 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard methods for detection of hepatitis A virus and norovirus in at-risk foodstuffs are available, but currently there is no standard method for detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pork products or other foods that can be contaminated with the virus. Detection assays for HEV are mainly based on nucleic acid amplification, particularly the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) in real-time format. RTPCR-based methods can be sensitive and specific, but they require a suite of controls to verify that they have performed correctly. There have been several RTPCR methods developed to detect HEV in pork products, varying in details of sample preparation and RTPCR target sequences. This review critically discusses published HEV detection methods, with emphasis on those that have been successfully used in subsequent studies and surveys. RTPCR assays have been used both qualitatively and quantitatively, although in the latter case the data acquired are only reliable if appropriate assay calibration has been performed. One particular RTPCR assay appears to be ideal for incorporation in a standard method, as it has been demonstrated to be highly specific and sensitive, and an appropriate control and calibration standard is available. The review focuses on the detection of HEV in pork products and similar foodstuffs (e.g., boar). The information may be useful to inform standardisation activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Cook
- Jorvik Food Safety Services, York YO32 2GN, UK
- Correspondence: (N.C.); (L.S.)
| | | | - Ann Wood
- Campden BRI, Chipping Campden GL55 6LD, UK; (M.D.); (A.W.)
| | - Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
- Correspondence: (N.C.); (L.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fanelli A, Tizzani P, Buonavoglia D. A systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in wild boars. Res Vet Sci 2021; 142:54-69. [PMID: 34864434 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis summarize the available information on Hepatitis E virus (HEV) -specific antibody seroprevalence and HEV RNA prevalence in wild boar, one of the most abundant game species worldwide. A literature search (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus) was performed to find relevant peer-reviewed works published during the period 1990-2020. A random-effect model was carried out to calculate the pooled HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence and HEV RNA prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, and I2 statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the data. Values by subgroups were compared according to the geographical area, age class (≤ 12 months old and > 12 months old), and sample type (bile, faeces, liver, meat/muscle, serum). Sixty-nine publications were selected, with the majority of the studies from Southern Europe (n = 27). The pooled HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence in wild boar was 28% (CI95% 23-34) and the HEV RNA prevalence 8% (CI95% 6-10). The analysis highlighted a significant heterogeneity among the estimates from the included studies (I2 = 98% and I2 = 95% for HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence and viral prevalence respectively). The moderator analysis indicated a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.03) for the HEV RNA prevalence according to the sample type, with the highest value in bile (17%, CI95% 9-27), followed by liver (10%, CI95% 7-14), serum (7%, CI95% 4-10), faeces (5%, CI95% 2-9), and meat/muscle (3%, CI95% 0.04-10). Finally, the HEV RNA prevalence in Europe (8.7, CI95% 6.7-11) was significantly (p-value = 0.04) higher than in Asia (4, CI95% 0.6-8). The analysis highlights the important role of wild boar in the epidemiology of HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Paolo Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Martino C, Rampacci E, Pierini I, Giammarioli M, Stefanetti V, Hyatt DR, Ianni A, Di Paolo G, Coletti M, Passamonti F. Detection of anti-HEV antibodies and RNA of HEV in pigs from a hyperendemic Italian region with high human seroprevalence. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:68-72. [PMID: 32705126 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pigs are considered the main reservoir of genotypes 3 and 4 of hepatitis E virus (HEV), which is the major cause of acute hepatitis of viral origin in humans worldwide. An increasing number of autochthonous HEV infections have been observed in recent years in industrialized countries, most likely as a result of zoonotic transmission through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat products. METHODS Two hundred and thirty-three blood and liver samples were collected at four different local slaughterhouses from domestic pigs bred in Abruzzo, a region of south-central Italy, where there is the highest human seroprevalence to HEV compared with the rest of Italy. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used for detecting anti-HEV IgG in the sera, while the presence of HEV RNA was investigated by performing a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Between 87.3% and 100% of swine serum samples collected in different slaughterhouses of Abruzzo were positive for anti-HEV antibodies. Conversely, none of the liver samples collected from the same animals were positive for HEV by real-time RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS The hypothesis of foodborne zoonotic transmission from local pigs as responsible for the hyperendemic status of Abruzzo cannot be corroborated. However, the high seroprevalence observed in pigs indicates that HEV is highly circulating in these territories. We propose to further investigate the role of wild fauna and trade in carrier pigs, and the maintenance of HEV virulence in the environment and meat supply chain to shed light on the possible sources of human infection and the degree of occupational risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rampacci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pierini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Giammarioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Doreene R Hyatt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Andrea Ianni
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Coletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Genetic Diversity and Epidemiological Significance of Wild Boar HEV-3 Strains Circulating in Poland. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061176. [PMID: 34205456 PMCID: PMC8235543 DOI: 10.3390/v13061176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The wild boar is the most important reservoir of zoonotic HEV-3 strains among different wildlife species. The aim of the study was subtype identification of wild boar HEV-3 strains circulating in Poland. Wild boar liver was used in the study in the form of homogenates prepared from 57 samples positive for HEV in a real-time RT-PCR. These samples were collected from juvenile and adult wild boars hunted in the jurisdictions of different Regional Directorates of State Forests (RDSF) across Poland. Subtype identification of detected HEV strains was based on a phylogenetic analysis of the most conserved HEV ORF2 genome fragment. Out of 57 tested samples, consensus HEV ORF2 sequences of 348 bp were obtained for 45 strains. Nineteen strains were identified and belonged to the HEV gt 3a and 3i subtypes, whereas 26 were not assigned to any virus subtype. HEV gt 3i strains prevailed in the Polish wild boar population, 16 of such were identified, and they were significantly more often observed in the RDSF Katowice area (χ2 = 28.6, p = 0.027 (<0.05)) compared to other regions of the country. Circulation of 3a strains was limited only to the RDSF Gdańsk territory (χ2 = 48, p = 0.000 (<0.05)). The virus strains detected in the Polish population of wild boars representing previously identified HEV subtypes in wild boars, pigs, or humans in Europe are of epidemiological importance for public health.
Collapse
|
18
|
Alvarado-Esquivel C, Gutierrez-Martinez VD, Ramírez-Valles EG, Sifuentes-Alvarez A. Hepatitis E virus infection and waste pickers: A case-control seroprevalence study. J Med Virol 2021; 93:3779-3785. [PMID: 33230851 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Whether waste pickers are a risk group for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the association between HEV exposure and the occupation of waste pickers and the work characteristics of waste pickers. An age-and gender-matched case-control seroprevalence study of 86 waste pickers and 86 control subjects of the general population was performed. We determined anti-HEV IgG antibodies in sera of cases and controls using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay. The McNemar's test was used to assess the association between HEV seropositivity and the occupation of waste picker. The association between HEV seropositivity and work characteristics of waste pickers was assessed by bivariate and logistic regression analyses. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (16.3%) of the 86 waste pickers and in 8 (9.3%) of the 86 control subjects (McNemar's pair test: odds ratio (OR) = 13.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73-230.77; p = .02). Bivariate analysis showed that HEV exposure was associated with an ill status (p = .01) and reflexes impairment (p = .009). Logistic regression analysis showed that HEV seropositivity was associated with increasing age (OR = 6.52; 95% CI: 1.95-21.78; p = .002) and raising pigs (OR = 12.01; 95% CI: 1.48-97.26; p = .02). This is the first age- and gender-matched case-control study on the association between HEV infection and the occupation of waste picker. Waste pickers represent a risk group for HEV infection. Factors associated with HEV seropositivity found in this study may help in the design of optimal planning to avoid HEV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | | | | | - Antonio Sifuentes-Alvarez
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ianiro G, Chelli E, De Sabato L, Monini M, Ostanello F, Di Bartolo I. Long-term surveillance for hepatitis E virus in an Italian two-site farrow-to-finish swine farm. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:474-482. [PMID: 33934531 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In humans, hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for an acute enterically transmitted hepatitis, which can become chronic in immune-compromised patients. Genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV-3 and HEV-4) are zoonotic, and domestic pigs and wild boar are the main reservoirs. The occurrence of autochthonous cases in Europe, which have been increasing over the last 10 years, has been associated with food-borne zoonotic transmission of HEV-3, mainly linked to consumption of undercooked or raw pork products (sausages containing liver) and wild boar meat. Zoonotic HEV-3 strains are widespread on pig farms, but little information is available on the dynamic of HEV-3 infection within farms, among pigs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of the infection among pigs of different ages along the production chain by the zoonotic HEVs, and to evaluate how long the virus may persist in the farm environment. The presence of HEV-RNA was investigated by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) in 281 test faecal pools over 19 months (2017-2019) on a two-site farrow-to-finish farm (about 1,000 sows), in Northern Italy. A total of 67/281 test faecal pools (23.8%) resulted positive for the presence of HEV-RNA (site 1: 59/221, 26.7%; site 2: 8/60, 13.3%). Nucleotide sequencing revealed a unique HEV-3 viral variant circulating during 19 months of surveillance. The same HEV-3 strain was detected in the same farm on 2012, indicating the persistence of the same virus over 7 years, and highlighting the role of the environment as a continuous source of infection on pig farms. The results confirmed the circulation of the zoonotic genotype HEV-3 in pigs before slaughtering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Chelli
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Monini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Alvarado-Esquivel C, Gutierrez-Martinez VD, Ramirez-Valles EG, Sifuentes-Alvarez A. Hepatitis E Virus Infection and Butchers: A Case-Control Seroprevalence Study. Gastroenterology Res 2021; 14:96-103. [PMID: 34007351 PMCID: PMC8110237 DOI: 10.14740/gr1198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Very few case-control studies to assess the risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in meat workers have been published. Therefore, we sought to determine: 1) the association of HEV IgG seropositivity and the occupation of butcher; and 2) the sociodemographic, work, clinical and behavioral characteristics of butchers associated with HEV exposure. Methods We performed a case-control seroprevalence study of 101 butchers (mean age: 38.50 ± 12.52 years) and 101 age-, gender- and residence-matched control subjects of the general population. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were determined using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay. Bivariate and regression analyses were used to assess the association between HEV seropositivity and characteristics of butchers. Results Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were found in 18 (17.8%) of the 101 butchers and in 14 (13.9%) of the 101 control subjects (odds ratio (OR): 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63 - 2.88; P = 0.44). Stratification by sex, age and area of residence (rural or urban) in cases and controls showed similar seroprevalences of HEV infection among groups. Bivariate analysis showed that HEV seroprevalence was associated with low education (up to 6 years), work place, seniority, eating while working, a history of raising farm animals and national trips. However, further analysis by logistic regression showed that only the variable of national trips was associated with HEV exposure (OR: 5.38; 95% CI: 1.02 - 28.16; P = 0.04). Concerning clinical characteristics of butchers, no association between HEV exposure and health status, history of surgery or blood transfusion was found. Conclusions Results from this first age-, gender- and residence-matched serosurvey of HEV infection in butchers in Mexico suggest that this population group does not have a higher risk for HEV infection than people from the general population. However, further studies to confirm the lack of association between HEV infection and the occupation of butcher are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Dgo, Mexico
| | | | - Eda Guadalupe Ramirez-Valles
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Veterinarias S/N, 34120 Durango, Dgo, Mexico
| | - Antonio Sifuentes-Alvarez
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Dgo, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Hepatitis E Virus Occurrence in Pigs Slaughtered in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020277. [PMID: 33499160 PMCID: PMC7911034 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis E is now recognized as an emerging zoonotic disease in Europe caused by an RNA virus (HEV) and foodborne is the main route of transmission. Human cases have been linked to the consumption of contaminated pig liver sausages, raw venison, or undercooked wild boar meat. The zoonotic genotype HEV-3 is widespread in pigs at farm level but little information is available on the occurrence of HEV-positive pigs at the slaughterhouse. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HEV-positive pigs during slaughtering, to understand which biological samples (feces and organs) were more frequently HEV positive. Our results showed that pigs positive for HEV can be slaughtered and that the percentage of positive animals depends on the age of animals. The other main result is the presence of the virus in the plasma of animals, which may contribute to the contamination of meat (muscle). Nevertheless, muscles are rarely contaminated by HEV-RNA compared to liver, which is the organ of replication. Abstract In Europe, foodborne transmission has been clearly associated to sporadic cases and small clusters of hepatitis E in humans linked to the consumption of contaminated pig liver sausages, raw venison, or undercooked wild boar meat. In Europe, zoonotic HEV-genotype 3 strains are widespread in pig farms but little information is available on the prevalence of HEV positive pigs at slaughterhouse. In the present study, the prevalence of HEV-RNA positive pigs was assessed on 585 animals from 4 abattoirs located across Italy. Twenty-one pigs (3.6%) tested positive for HEV in either feces or liver by real-time RT-PCR. In these 21 pigs, eight diaphragm muscles resulted positive for HEV-RNA. Among animals collected in one abattoir, 4 out of 91 plasma tested positive for HEV-RNA. ELISA tests for the detection of total antibodies against HEV showed a high seroprevalence (76.8%), confirming the frequent exposure of pigs to the virus. The phylogenetic analyses conducted on sequences of both ORF1 and ORF2 fragments, shows the circulation of HEV-3c and of a novel unclassified subtype. This study provides information on HEV occurrence in pigs at the slaughterhouse, confirming that muscles are rarely contaminated by HEV-RNA compared to liver, which is the most frequently positive for HEV.
Collapse
|
24
|
Focardi S, Morgia VL, Montanaro P, Riga F, Calabrese A, Ronchi F, Aragno P, Scacco M, Calmanti R, Franzetti B. Reliable estimates of wild boar populations by nocturnal distance sampling. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Focardi
- S. Focardi ✉ , Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, CNR, via Madonna del Piano 10, IT-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Valentina La Morgia
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Paolo Montanaro
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Francesco Riga
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Alessandro Calabrese
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Francesca Ronchi
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Paola Aragno
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Marianne Scacco
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Roberta Calmanti
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Barbara Franzetti
- V. La Morgia, P. Montanaro, F. Riga, A. Calabrese, F. Ronchi, P. Aragno, M. Scacco, R. Calmanti and B. Franzetti, Inst. Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Ozzano dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pierini I, Di Bartolo I, Manuali E, Pirani S, Bazzucchi M, Moscati L, De Mia GM, Giammarioli M. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 diversity: Identification of a novel HEV subtype in wild boar in Central Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2121-2129. [PMID: 33006818 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade in Europe, the number of autochthonous cases of hepatitis E has significantly increased. Most of the cases arise from foodborne infections caused by the zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4. Several human cases have been linked to consumption of raw or undercooked animal products of both pork (liver sausages) and wild boar meat. In this study, the occurrence of HEV infection was investigated in 611 livers and 88 paired lungs from wild boars collected during the hunting seasons of 2016-2020 in the Umbria-Marche Apennines (Central Italy). Using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, 15 liver samples (2.45%) and one lung sample were found to be positive for HEV RNA. The phylogenetic tree built on the partial ORF2 gene revealed that the detected HEV strains belonged to HEV-3f (n = 5), HEV-3e (n = 1) and HEV-3c (n = 1) subtypes. Interestingly, 8 strains were genetically placed in a different cluster, further away from all other subtypes. To corroborate this finding, four complete genomes were obtained by next generation sequencing. The full genome of the HEV strains clustered together with another wild boar strain previously detected in Southern Italy in 2015 but the strains were divergent from all the HEV-3 strains classified in any subtype defined so far. Thus, these strains represent a novel subtype that might have originated in Italy, which we have tentatively named HEV-3n.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Pierini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Manuali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Pirani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Moira Bazzucchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia Moscati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Gian Mario De Mia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Giammarioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aprea G, Scattolini S, D’Angelantonio D, Chiaverini A, Di Lollo V, Olivieri S, Marcacci M, Mangone I, Salucci S, Antoci S, Cammà C, Di Pasquale A, Migliorati G, Pomilio F. Whole Genome Sequencing Characterization of HEV3- e and HEV3- f Subtypes among the Wild Boar Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy: First Report. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091393. [PMID: 32932776 PMCID: PMC7565956 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent zoonotic pathogen, causing worldwide acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. HEV comprises eight genotypes and several subtypes. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV3 and HEV4) are zoonotic. In Italy, the most part of HEV infections (80%) is due to autochthonous HEV3 circulation of the virus, and the key role played by wild animals is generally accepted. Abruzzo is an Italian region officially considered an HEV "hot spot", with subtype HEV3-c being up to now the only one reported among wild boars. During the year 2018-2019, a group of wild boars in Abruzzo were screened for HEV; positive RNA liver samples were subjected to HEV characterization by using the whole genome sequencing (WGS) approach methodology. This represents the first report about the detection of HEV-3 subtypes e and f in the wild boar population in this area. Since in Italy human infections from HEV 3-e and f have been associated with pork meat consumption, our findings deserve more in-depth analysis with the aim of evaluating any potential correlation between wild animals, the pork chain production and HEV human infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Aprea
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Scattolini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniela D’Angelantonio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Alexandra Chiaverini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Valeria Di Lollo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Sabrina Olivieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Maurilia Marcacci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Iolanda Mangone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Stefania Salucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | | | - Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Adriano Di Pasquale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Giacomo Migliorati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesco Pomilio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (D.D.); (A.C.); (V.D.L.); (S.O.); (M.M.); (I.M.); (S.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.P.); (G.M.); (F.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Prevalence and genotype/subtype distribution of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among wild boars in Japan: Identification of a genotype 5 HEV strain. Virus Res 2020; 287:198106. [PMID: 32777387 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To further investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and characterize HEV genomes among Japanese wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax), 1880 boars captured in 17 prefectures in Japan from 2013 to 2019 were studied. Overall, anti-HEV IgG was detected in 8.9 % and HEV RNA was detected in 3.9 % of boars, which was comparable with our previous studies during 2003-2013 (10.3 % and 3.5 %, respectively). Among 74 boar HEV strains obtained from infected boars in the present study, 50 (68 %) were classified into genotype 3 (3a and 3b), 23 (31 %) were classified into genotype 4 (4i), and the remaining strain (wbJGF_19-1) was classified into genotype 5. The wbGF_19-1 strain shared 92.7 % identity over the entire genome with the prototype genotype 5 strain (JBOAR135-Shiz09). The identification of the second genotype 5 HEV strain in a place that is located only 100 km from the site at which JBOAR135-Shiz09 was identified, suggests that genotype 5 HEV circulates within a relatively close range in Japan. Genetically similar HEV strains forming a clade were identified from wild boars living in each area during the observation period of 11-13 years, although the nucleotide sequence changed gradually, accounting for up to 3.4-3.6 % within the 412-nucleotide ORF2 sequence. Eight groups of boars with a cluster of HEV infections were observed, consisting of two, three or four infected offspring, presumably born to the same mother or offspring with their mother. These results suggest that wild boars continue to be important reservoirs for HEV infection in humans in Japan.
Collapse
|
28
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Iaconelli M, Bonanno Ferraro G, Mancini P, Suffredini E, Veneri C, Ciccaglione AR, Bruni R, Della Libera S, Bignami F, Brambilla M, De Medici D, Brandtner D, Schembri P, D’Amato S, La Rosa G. Nine-Year Nationwide Environmental Surveillance of Hepatitis E Virus in Urban Wastewaters in Italy (2011-2019). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2059. [PMID: 32244915 PMCID: PMC7143501 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17062059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging causative agent of acute hepatitis worldwide. To provide insights into the epidemiology of HEV in Italy, a large-scale investigation was conducted into urban sewage over nine years (2011-2019), collecting 1374 sewage samples from 48 wastewater treatment plants located in all the 20 regions of Italy. Broadly reactive primers targeting the ORF1 and ORF2 regions were used for the detection and typing of HEV, followed by Sanger and next generation sequencing (NGS). Real-time RT-qPCR was also used to attempt quantification of positive samples. HEV RNA detection occurred in 74 urban sewage samples (5.4%), with a statistically significant higher frequency (7.1%) in central Italy. Fifty-six samples were characterized as G3 strains and 18 as G1. While the detection of G3 strains occurred in all the surveillance period, G1 strains were mainly detected in 2011-2012, and never in 2017-2019. Typing was achieved in 2 samples (3f subtype). Viral concentrations in quantifiable samples ranged from 1.2 × 103 g.c./L to 2.8 × 104 g.c./L. Our results suggest the considerable circulation of the virus in the Italian population, despite a relatively small number of notified cases, a higher occurrence in central Italy, and a noteworthy predominance of G3 strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (G.B.F.); (P.M.); (C.V.); (S.D.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Giusy Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (G.B.F.); (P.M.); (C.V.); (S.D.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Pamela Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (G.B.F.); (P.M.); (C.V.); (S.D.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (D.D.M.)
| | - Carolina Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (G.B.F.); (P.M.); (C.V.); (S.D.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.R.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Simonetta Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (G.B.F.); (P.M.); (C.V.); (S.D.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Bignami
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (G.B.F.); (P.M.); (C.V.); (S.D.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Massimo Brambilla
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Engineering and Agri Food Processing, 24047 Treviglio, BG, Italy;
| | - Dario De Medici
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (D.D.M.)
| | | | - Pietro Schembri
- Regional Department for Health Activities and Epidemiological Observatory of the Sicilian Region, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Stefania D’Amato
- Ministry of Health, Directorate-General for Prevention, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.); (G.B.F.); (P.M.); (C.V.); (S.D.L.); (F.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bertelloni F, Mazzei M, Cilia G, Forzan M, Felicioli A, Sagona S, Bandecchi P, Turchi B, Cerri D, Fratini F. Serological Survey on Bacterial and Viral Pathogens in Wild Boars Hunted in Tuscany. ECOHEALTH 2020; 17:85-93. [PMID: 32034585 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-020-01475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the large mammals most spread worldwide, including Italy. This animal is highly adaptable, and its population has rapidly increased in many areas in Europe. Central Italy, as well as Tuscany region, is an area particularly suitable for wild boar. In order to verify the role of this animal species in the epidemiology of some important infectious diseases for livestock and humans, a seroepidemiological survey on Brucella spp., Leptospira spp., Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Pseudorabies virus (PrV), and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been performed on 374 sera collected from wild boar during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 hunting seasons. Overall, 2 out of 374 sera (0.53%) tested positive to Brucella spp., 33 out of 374 sera (8.82%) tested positive for Leptospira spp., while 79 out of 374 (21.12%) were positive for M. hyopneumoniae. Considering viral pathogens, serology indicated that 107 out of 374 (28.60%) samples scored positive for PrV, while 186 out of 374 (49.73%) for HEV. This investigation indicated that wild boar free ranging in the study area are potential hosts for different etiological agents. This animal could contribute to maintaining and/or disseminating some bacterial or viral pathogens to humans (especially hunters) and domestic animals, especially in free range farms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mazzei
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cilia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Mario Forzan
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Sagona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Viale Bonanno 6, 20126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bandecchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Turchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 20159, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
De Sabato L, Amoroso MG, Ianiro G, Esposito C, De Grossi L, Fusco G, Barone A, Martini E, Ostanello F, Di Bartolo I. Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Livers and Muscle Tissues of Wild Boars in Italy. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2020; 12:1-8. [PMID: 31506837 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-019-09405-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In industrialized countries, hepatitis E is now recognized as an emerging zoonosis. Autochthonous cases have been increased over recent years in Europe and are mainly associated with HEV-3 infections. Pigs and wild boars are considered the main reservoirs of the zoonotic HEV-3 and HEV-4 genotypes. Over the past decade, the number of wild boars has drastically increased in Europe. Due to habitats closer to humans and domestic animals, the role of wild boar as a reservoir of the zoonotic HEV is considered to be an emerging issue. In this study, we investigated the presence of HEV RNA by a real-time RT-PCR assay in paired liver and muscle samples collected from 196 wild boars (Sus scrofa) hunted in the two areas of Central and Southern Italy. Twenty animals (10.2%) were HEV RNA positive in livers, 11 of which were also positive in muscles. The ORF2 and ORF1 partial viral sequences were obtained for nine paired livers and muscles, and when aligned were identical to each other. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed detection of different HEV-3 subtypes: 3c, 3f, 3i and some that were not assigned to any subtypes that have so far been identified. Results need further investigation because they are based on analyses of sequences of short genome regions. Nevertheless, we observed that the same strains were circulating in the wild boar populations from the two investigated areas, confirming persistence of the same HEV strains in the wild boar population over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Amoroso
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ianiro
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Esposito
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Luigi De Grossi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany "M. Aleandri", Strada Terme 4a, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Antonino Barone
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Latium and Tuscany "M. Aleandri", Strada Terme 4a, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Enrica Martini
- ASL Viterbo, via Enrico Fermi, 15, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chen R, Chen Q, Wu X, Che Y, Wang C, Wang L, Yan S, Zhou L. Development of a TaqMan Based Real-Time Fluorescent Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Porcine Cytomegalovirus in Semen. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5673145. [PMID: 32420350 PMCID: PMC7199591 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5673145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study described a TaqMan based real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to detect porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) infection, targeting the conserved region of the DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene. The standard curve showed a linear regression relationship with a coefficient of 0.999 and a slope of y = -3.249x + 38.958 corresponding to the amplification efficiency at 99.8%. The limit of the qPCR method was 51.9 copies/μl. The established qPCR method showed excellent specificity, with no cross-reaction observed with common porcine pathogens. The coefficient of variation for intra-assay and interassay variability ranged up to 1.51% and 2.24%, respectively. PCMV positive signals can be found in semen using this qPCR method, which suggested that we should pay more attention to PCMV contamination in semen in order to eliminate PCMV infection in artificial insemination and xenotransplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rujing Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Qiuyong Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Xuemin Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Yongliang Che
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Chenyan Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Longbai Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Shan Yan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Lunjiang Zhou
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zecchin B, Schivo A, Milani A, Fusaro A, Zamperin G, Bellinati L, Ceglie L, Natale A, Bonfanti L, Cunial G, Obber F, Di Bartolo I, Citterio C, Monne I. Identification of a zoonotic genotype 3 hepatitis E subtype in wildlife in north-eastern Italy. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 71:16-20. [PMID: 30876888 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonosis caused by a positive RNA single stranded virus of the Hepeviridae family. In developed countries, pigs and wild boars are the main reservoir for zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4. In spring 2017, for the first time HEV was detected in wild boars captured in the Regional Park of the Euganean Hills, in north-eastern Italy. Phylogenetic analysis of two complete viral genomes and seven partial ORF1 and ORF2 sequences of HEV viruses, selected from twelve positive animals, showed that the viruses grouped together within genotype 3 but clustered separately from previously identified subtypes, thus suggesting the identification of a novel genotype 3 subtype. The phylogenetic analysis of nine partial ORF2 sequences showed the closest similarity with wild boar/human viruses identified in central-northern Italy in 2012. The circulation of HEVs in this area, characterized by a vast man-made environment, an overpopulation of wild boars and >150 swine farms, should be considered in a public health perspective. Further investigations at the wild/domestic species and human interface are therefore necessary to gain a deeper understanding of HEV dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Zecchin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - A Schivo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - A Milani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - A Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - G Zamperin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - L Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - L Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - A Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - L Bonfanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - G Cunial
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - F Obber
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - I Di Bartolo
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Citterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - I Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|