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Zahmanova G, Takova K, Lukov GL, Andonov A. Hepatitis E Virus in Domestic Ruminants and Virus Excretion in Milk-A Potential Source of Zoonotic HEV Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:684. [PMID: 38793568 PMCID: PMC11126035 DOI: 10.3390/v16050684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus is a serious health concern worldwide, with 20 million cases each year. Growing numbers of autochthonous HEV infections in industrialized nations are brought on via the zoonotic transmission of HEV genotypes 3 and 4. Pigs and wild boars are the main animal reservoirs of HEV and play the primary role in HEV transmission. Consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat and close contact with infected animals are the most common causes of hepatitis E infection in industrialized countries. However, during the past few years, mounting data describing HEV distribution has led experts to believe that additional animals, particularly domestic ruminant species (cow, goat, sheep, deer, buffalo, and yak), may also play a role in the spreading of HEV. Up to now, there have not been enough studies focused on HEV infections associated with animal milk and the impact that they could have on the epidemiology of HEV. This critical analysis discusses the role of domestic ruminants in zoonotic HEV transmissions. More specifically, we focus on concerns related to milk safety, the role of mixed farming in cross-species HEV infections, and what potential consequences these may have on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi L. Lukov
- Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
| | - Anton Andonov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
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Turlewicz-Podbielska H, Augustyniak A, Wojciechowski J, Pomorska-Mól M. Hepatitis E Virus in Livestock-Update on Its Epidemiology and Risk of Infection to Humans. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3239. [PMID: 37893962 PMCID: PMC10603682 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health problem worldwide and an important food pathogen known for its zoonotic potential. Increasing numbers of infection cases with human HEV are caused by the zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly by consuming contaminated, undercooked or raw porcine meat. Pigs are the main reservoir of HEV. However, it should be noted that other animal species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits, may also be a source of infection for humans. Due to the detection of HEV RNA in the milk and tissues of cattle, the consumption of infected uncooked milk and meat or offal from these species also poses a potential risk of zoonotic HEV infections. Poultry infected by avian HEV may also develop symptomatic disease, although avian HEV is not considered a zoonotic pathogen. HEV infection has a worldwide distribution with different prevalence rates depending on the affected animal species, sampling region, or breeding system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
| | - Agata Augustyniak
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
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Cao K, Wu X, Yang M, Chen C, Zhang X, Jiang D, Du Y, Chen M, You Y, Zhou W, Qi J, Chen D, Yan R, Miao Z, Yang S. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus in China from 1997 to 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1243408. [PMID: 37744517 PMCID: PMC10512461 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1243408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several studies have reported on hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalence in various regions of China, but the results vary widely. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the seroprevalence, RNA-positive rate, genotype distribution of HEV in China, and its risk factors. Methods We included 208 related studies involving 1,785,569 participants published between 1997 and 2022. Random-effects models were used to pool prevalence, and subgroup analyses were conducted by population, gender, age, study period, regions, and rural-urban distribution. The meta regression models and pooled odds ratios (OR) were performed to identify risk factors for HEV infections. Results The pooled anti-HEV IgG, IgM, and Ag seroprevalence, and RNA detection rates in China from 1997 to 2022 were 23.17% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.23-26.25], 0.73% (95% CI: 0.55-0.93), 0.12% (95% CI: 0.01-0.32), and 6.55% (95% CI: 3.46-12.05), respectively. The anti-HEV IgG seropositivity was higher in the occupational population (48.41%; 95% CI: 40.02-56.85) and older adult aged 50-59 years (40.87%; 95% CI: 31.95-50.11). The dominant genotype (GT) of hepatitis E in China was GT4. Notably, drinking non-tap water (OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.50-2.20), consumption of raw or undercooked meat (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.17-1.84), and ethnic minorities (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.29-1.73) were risk factors of anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence. Discussions Overall, the prevalence of hepatitis E was relatively high in China, especially among older adults, ethnic minorities, and humans with occupational exposure to pigs. Thus, there is a need for preventive measures, including HEV infection screening and surveillance, health education, and hepatitis E vaccine intervention in high-risk areas and populations. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023397036.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengya Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Can Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobao Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Daixi Jiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxia Du
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengsha Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue You
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenkai Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxing Qi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingmo Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziping Miao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shigui Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Public Health, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Politi MD, Gallo A, Bouras G, Birkou M, Canard B, Coutard B, Spyroulias GA. 1H, 13C, 15N backbone resonance assignment of apo and ADP-ribose bound forms of the macro domain of Hepatitis E virus through solution NMR spectroscopy. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2023; 17:1-8. [PMID: 36272047 PMCID: PMC9589693 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-022-10111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The genome of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is 7.2 kilobases long and has three open reading frames. The largest one is ORF1, encoding a non-structural protein involved in the replication process, and whose processing is ill-defined. The ORF1 protein is a multi-modular protein which includes a macro domain (MD). MDs are evolutionarily conserved structures throughout all kingdoms of life. MDs participate in the recognition and removal of ADP-ribosylation, and specifically viral MDs have been identified as erasers of ADP-ribose moieties interpreting them as important players at escaping the early stages of host-immune response. A detailed structural analysis of the apo and bound to ADP-ribose state of the native HEV MD would provide the structural information to understand how HEV MD is implicated in virus-host interplay and how it interacts with its intracellular partner during viral replication. In the present study we present the high yield expression of the native macro domain of HEV and its analysis by solution NMR spectroscopy. The HEV MD is folded in solution and we present a nearly complete backbone and sidechains assignment for apo and bound states. In addition, a secondary structure prediction by TALOS + analysis was performed. The results indicated that HEV MD has a α/β/α topology very similar to that of most viral macro domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Politi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Angelo Gallo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Georgios Bouras
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Birkou
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Bruno Canard
- Université Aix-Marseille, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB) - UMR7257 CNRS - Case 932, 163 avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille CEDEX 09, France
| | - Bruno Coutard
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France.
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Batmagnai E, Boldbaatar B, Sodbayasgalan A, Kato-Mori Y, Hagiwara K. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Spreads from Pigs and Sheep in Mongolia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050891. [PMID: 36899748 PMCID: PMC10000034 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a viral infectious disease in pigs, wild boars, cows, deer, rabbits, camels, and humans as hosts caused by Paslahepevirus. Recently, it has been detected in a wide variety of animals including domestic small ruminants. Mongolia is a land of nomadic people living with livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle. Due to how Mongolian lifestyles have changed, pork has become popular and swine diseases have emerged. Among them, Hepatitis E disease has become a zoonotic infectious disease that needs to be addressed. The HEV problem in pigs is that infected pigs excrete the virus without showing clinical symptoms and it spreads into the environment. We attempted to detect HEV RNA in sheep which had been raised in Mongolia for a long time, and those animals living together with pigs in the same region currently. We also conducted a longitudinal analysis of HEV infection in pigs in the same area and found that they were infected with HEV of the same genotype and cluster. In this study, we examined 400 feces and 120 livers (pigs and sheep) by RT-PCR in Töv Province, Mongolia. HEV detection in fecal samples was 2% (4/200) in sheep and 15% (30/200) in pigs. The results of ORF2 sequence analysis of the HEV RT-PCR-positive pigs and sheep confirmed genotype 4 in both animals. The results suggest that HEV infection is widespread in both pigs and sheep and that urgent measures to prevent infection are needed. This case study points to the changing nature of infectious diseases associated with livestock farming. It will be necessary to reconsider livestock husbandry and public health issues based on these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkhbaatar Batmagnai
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Bazartseren Boldbaatar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Amarbayasgalan Sodbayasgalan
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Yuko Kato-Mori
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-1-49 Minatojima Minami-Machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Katsuro Hagiwara
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
- Correspondence:
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Wang L, Wang Y, Zhuang H. Puzzles for Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:247-256. [PMID: 37223871 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important but understudied virus that has been the major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In recent decades, our understanding of this neglected virus has changed greatly: novel forms of viral proteins and their functions have been discovered; HEV can transmit via blood transfusion and organ transplantation; HEV can infect many animal species and the number is still increasing; HEV can induce chronic hepatitis and extra-hepatic manifestations. However, we are short of effective treatment measures to counter the virus. In this chapter we tend to briefly introduce the puzzles and major knowledge gaps existed in the field of HEV research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Si F, Widén F, Dong S, Li Z. Hepatitis E as a Zoonosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:49-58. [PMID: 37223858 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E viruses in the family of Hepeviridae have been classified into 2 genus, 5 species, and 13 genotypes, involving different animal hosts of different habitats. Among all these genotypes, four (genotypes 3, 4, 7, and C1) of them are confirmed zoonotic causing sporadic human diseases, two (genotypes 5 and 8) were likely zoonotic showing experimental animal infections, and the other seven were not zoonotic or unconfirmed. These zoonotic HEV carrying hosts include pig, boar, deer, rabbit, camel, and rat. Taxonomically, all the zoonotic HEVs belong to the genus Orthohepevirus, which include genotypes 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 HEV in the species A and genotype C1 HEV in the species C. In the chapter, information of zoonotic HEV such as swine HEV (genotype 3 and 4), wild boar HEV (genotypes 3-6), rabbit HEV (genotype 3), camel HEV (genotype 7 and 8), and rat HEV (HEV-C1) was provided in detail. At the same time, their prevalence characteristics, transmission route, phylogenetic relationship, and detection technology were discussed. Other animal hosts of HEVs were introduced briefly in the chapter. All these information help peer researchers have basic understanding of zoonotic HEV and adopt reasonable strategy of surveillance and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusheng Si
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Frederik Widén
- The National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shijuan Dong
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhen Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Wang Y, Zhao C, Qi Y, Geng Y. Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:1-13. [PMID: 37223855 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Since the sequence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was determined from a patient with enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis in 1989, similar sequences have been isolated from many different animals, including pigs, wild boars, deer, rabbits, bats, rats, chicken, and trout. All of these sequences have the same genomic organization, which contains open reading frames (ORFs) 1, 2, and 3, although their genomic sequences are variable. Some have proposed that they be classified as new family, Hepeviridae, which would be further divided into different genera and species according to their sequence variability. The size of these virus particles generally ranged from 27 to 34 nm. However, HEV virions produced in cell culture differ in structure from the viruses found in feces. Those from cell culture have a lipid envelope and either lack or have a little ORF3, whereas the viruses isolated from feces lack a lipid envelope but have ORF3 on their surfaces. Surprisingly, most of the secreted ORF2 proteins from both these sources are not associated with HEV RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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9
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Current Knowledge of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Epidemiology in Ruminants. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101124. [PMID: 36297181 PMCID: PMC9609093 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection represents an emerging public health concern worldwide. In industrialized countries, increasing numbers of autochthonous cases of human HEV infection are caused by zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly through the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked meat of infected pigs and wild boars, which are considered the main reservoirs of HEV. However, in the last few years, accumulating evidence seems to indicate that several other animals, including different ruminant species, may harbor HEV. Understanding the impact of HEV infection in ruminants and identifying the risk factors affecting transmission among animals and to humans is critical in order to determine their role in the epidemiological cycle of HEV. In this review, we provide a summary of current knowledge on HEV ecology in ruminants. A growing body of evidence has revealed that these animal species may be potential important hosts of HEV, raising concerns about the possible implications for public health.
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Wong LP, Tay ST, Chua KH, Goh XT, Alias H, Zheng Z, Zhao Q, Wu T, Xia N, Hu Z, Lin Y. Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection Among Ruminant Farmworkers: A Retrospective Study from Malaysia. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:5533-5541. [PMID: 36164335 PMCID: PMC9508706 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s367394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As scant data are available about Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Malaysia, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HEV amongst ruminant farmworkers in Malaysia. Methods A total of 87 farmworkers provided serum samples, which were collected from eight farms. All serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Wantai HEV-IgG and HEV-IgM ELISA kits from Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co., Ltd, Beijing, China. Results Farmworkers from six cattle farms, one sheep farm and one goat farm were investigated in this study. Only one farm practices zero-grazing, with the rest using rotational grazing. Of the 87 farmworkers, males comprised 83.9%, and almost half (47.1%) were aged 20-35 years old. By ethnic group, the vast majority were Malay. Most of the farmworkers have good hygiene practices; washing or changing their clothes and showering after dealing with farm animals were common. None of the farmworker serum samples had anti-HEV IgM and IgG detected (95% confidence interval (CI): 0, 0.0415). Conclusion The finding suggests that the farmworkers had no previous exposure to Hepatitis E, and were not at risk of occupational exposure to HEV infection. Our findings suggest that a zero seroprevalence of HEV infection among ruminant farmworkers in the Muslim majority country. Good farm management, hygiene practices and the absence of contact with swine-related contamination might have contributed to the no or minimal zoonotic risks of HEV amongst farmworkers surveyed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Sun Tee Tay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Xiang Ting Goh
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Haridah Alias
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Zizheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, People's Republic of China.,The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, People's Republic of China
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Sultana R, Bhuiyan TR, Sathi AS, Sharmin S, Yeasmin S, Uddin MI, Bhuiyan MS, Mannoor K, Karim MM, Zaman K, Qadri F. Developing and validating a modified enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method for detecting HEV IgG antibody from dried blood spot (DBS) samples in endemic settings. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:104890. [PMID: 34628012 PMCID: PMC8960178 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2021.104890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serological analysis is an integral part of laboratory practice nowadays. The present study was aimed to develop and validate a modified Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for determination of IgG antibody against Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) using dried blood spots (DBS) and corresponding plasma samples. A total of 65 samples (45 HEV patients, 20 healthy controls) were analyzed. DBS and plasma samples demonstrated equivalent optical densities for detecting anti-HEV IgG. A highly significant correlation was observed between plasma and DBS sample absorbances (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.001) at dilution 1:200, indicating true agreement between the two procedures. The assay exhibited decent linearity and showed no effect of physiological hematocrit on assay performance. Data suggested recommendable promise in using DBS as a suitable alternative to plasma samples to determine HEV IgG antibody evidenced by significant correlation with plasma results. Therefore, identical method for processing DBS specimens including it's proper storage is recommended for implementation of a modified ELISA in different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosy Sultana
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Immunology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Taufiqur Rahman Bhuiyan
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Bangladesh
| | - Afsana Shirin Sathi
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Bangladesh
| | - Salma Sharmin
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Bangladesh
| | - Sharmina Yeasmin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences and General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Ikhtear Uddin
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Bangladesh
| | - Md Saruar Bhuiyan
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Bangladesh
| | - Kaiissar Mannoor
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - K Zaman
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Bangladesh
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Bangladesh; Department of Immunology, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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12
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Tialla D, Cissé A, Ouédraogo GA, Hübschen JM, Tarnagda Z, Snoeck CJ. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus antibodies in cattle in Burkina Faso associated with swine mixed farming. J Vet Sci 2022; 23:e33. [PMID: 35332710 PMCID: PMC9149500 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.21235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endemic circulation of human-specific hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 1 and 2 may occult the importance of sporadic zoonotic HEV transmissions in Africa. Increasing numbers of studies reporting anti-HEV antibodies in cattle and the discovery of infectious HEV in cow milk has raised public health concern, but cattle exposure has seldom been investigated in Africa. Objectives This study aimed at investigating the role of cows in the epidemiology of HEV in Burkina Faso and farmers habits in terms of dairy product consumption as a prerequisite to estimate the risk of transmission to humans. Methods Sera from 475 cattle and 192 pigs were screened for the presence of anti-HEV antibodies while HEV RNA in swine stools was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data on mixed farming, dairy product consumption and selling habits were gathered through questionnaires. Results The overall seroprevalence in cattle was 5.1% and herd seroprevalence reached 32.4% (11/34). Herd seropositivity was not associated with husbandry practice or presence of rabbits on the farms. However, herd seropositivity was associated with on-site presence of pigs, 80.7% of which had anti-HEV antibodies. The majority of farmers reported to preferentially consume raw milk based dairy products. Conclusions Concomitant presence of pigs on cattle farms constitutes a risk factor for HEV exposure of cattle. However, the risk of HEV infections associated with raw cow dairy product consumption is currently considered as low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieudonné Tialla
- Unit of Epidemic-Prone Diseases, Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses (UMEMEZ), National Influenza Reference Laboratory (LNR-G), Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Health Science Research Institute (IRSS), National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7192, Burkina Faso
- Department Animal Health, National School of Animal Husbandry and Health (ENESA), Ouagadougou, Secteur 28, Burkina Faso
| | - Assana Cissé
- Unit of Epidemic-Prone Diseases, Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses (UMEMEZ), National Influenza Reference Laboratory (LNR-G), Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Health Science Research Institute (IRSS), National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7192, Burkina Faso
| | - Georges Anicet Ouédraogo
- Laboratory of Research and Teaching in Health and Animal Biotechnology (LARESBA), University Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, 01 BP 109, Burkina Faso
| | - Judith M. Hübschen
- Clinical and Applied Virology Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4354, Luxembourg
| | - Zékiba Tarnagda
- Unit of Epidemic-Prone Diseases, Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses (UMEMEZ), National Influenza Reference Laboratory (LNR-G), Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Health Science Research Institute (IRSS), National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7192, Burkina Faso
| | - Chantal J. Snoeck
- Clinical and Applied Virology Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4354, Luxembourg
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13
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Sayed IM, El-Mokhtar MA. Are ruminants and their products potential sources of human hepatitis E virus infection? Future Virol 2021. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sphinx University, Assiut, Egypt
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14
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Long-Term Determinants of the Seroprevalence of the Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061805. [PMID: 34204315 PMCID: PMC8235029 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging multi-host pathogen whose main reservoir is suids, and the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans. This study evaluates the main long-term drivers of the exposure to HEV are in the wild boar population from Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain) during a 13-year period (2005–2018). For this purpose, we assay sera from 700 wild boar in which anti-HEV antibodies are widely distributed (46.7 ± 3.8%, 327 out of 700 sampled). The observed marked interannual fluctuations could be explained by the variations in the population control of the wild boar during the study period and its impact on abundance rates. Several factors operating in the medium and long-term (individual, environmental, populational and stochastic) and their interplay explained the exposure to HEV in wild boar. The preferential use of certain areas by wild boar together with its abundance and the meteorological conditions may be behind the level of exposure. Wild boar population control remains a challenge at the international level, and an increase of shared pathogen-related conflicts associated with this species is expected, as exemplified by HEV. Abstract The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen whose main reservoir is suids. Most of the ecological and epidemiological aspects of its sylvatic cycle remain unknown. Thus, in this work, we study the drivers of HEV exposure in the wild boar population of Doñana National Park (DNP, southwest Spain) operating in the medium and long-term (2005–2018). Anti-HEV antibodies are widely distributed throughout the wild boar (46.7 ± 3.8%, 327 out of 700 sampled), showing a statistically significant age-increasing pattern. The temporal pattern displayed important interannual fluctuations. This could be mediated by marked variations in the population control of the wild boar, and subsequent changes in abundance rates, and its interplay with climatic conditions; as wet years together with a low abundance of wild boar led to the lowest seroprevalence. The fact that seroprevalence is high during conditions of high abundance, and not affected by rainfall level, is probably due to the increased interactions among the animals, and possibly, the subsequent higher environmental contamination with HEV particles. The proximity to the marshland (the main water body of the study area) is associated with a higher risk of testing positive, which is probably mediated by the preferential use of this area during the dry season and the favourable environmental conditions for the survival of HEV particles. A deeper understanding of the epidemiology of HEV in host communities deserves future research concerning other susceptible species. Most importantly, wild boar population control remains a challenge at the international level, and an increase of shared pathogen-related conflicts associated with this species is expected, as exemplified by HEV. Therefore, surveillance of wild boar diseases, including integrated population monitoring and sustainable population control programmes, will be essential to control the associated risks.
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15
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Treagus S, Wright C, Baker-Austin C, Longdon B, Lowther J. The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:127-145. [PMID: 33738770 PMCID: PMC8116281 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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16
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Osundare FA, Klink P, Akanbi OA, Wang B, Harms D, Ojurongbe O, Ajayi MA, Babaranti EO, Bock CT, Opaleye OO. Hepatitis E virus infection in high-risk populations in Osun State, Nigeria. One Health 2021; 13:100256. [PMID: 34007873 PMCID: PMC8111252 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an emerging infection that is of major public health concern, especially in some vulnerable groups like immunosuppressed individuals, pregnant women and HBV-coinfected individuals. HEV is transmitted faecal/oral or zoonotically depending on the HEV-genotype. This study aimed at investigating HEV infections among different at-risk populations in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 720 serum samples were collected from animal handlers, pregnant women, people living with HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected individuals. Commercially available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) were used for the detection of anti-HEV total and IgM antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out in the HEV seropositive samples and all the samples from individuals infected with HBV. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test of association were performed. The anti-HEV total antibody seroprevalence in HIV-positive individuals, animal handlers and pregnant women was 11.4% (n = 47/411), 7.9% (n = 7/89), and 6.3% (n = 10/160), respectively. Markers of acute HEV infection (anti-HEV IgM) were detected in 2.2% of HIV-positive individuals (n = 9/411) and 1.8% of animal handlers (n = 2/89), respectively, and in 0.6% of pregnant women (n = 1/160). However, all samples were HEV RNA negative. This study analysed the presence of markers of HEV infection among different at-risk populations without clinical symptoms of HEV infection. Our results showed that HEV is an underestimated threat to public health in Nigeria and underlines the need of an HEV surveillance system to understand the distribution and transmission of HEV infection in animals and/to humans. The risk of HEV-infection in at-risk populations like animal handlers, pregnant, or HIV infected individuals were assessed. Anti-HEV seroprevalence in animal handlers, HIV-positive individuals, and pregnant was 11.4%, 7.9%, and 6.3%, respectively. Anti-HEV IgM antibodies were detected in 2.2% of HIV-positive individuals, 1.8% of animal handlers, and in 0.6% of pregnant. The finding has One Health implication underscoring the need of HEV surveillance to understand animal-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folakemi Abiodun Osundare
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria.,Science Laboratory Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Patrycja Klink
- Department Infectious Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olusola Aanuoluwapo Akanbi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria.,Department Infectious Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bo Wang
- Department Infectious Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Dominik Harms
- Department Infectious Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olusola Ojurongbe
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Moses Adedapo Ajayi
- Science Laboratory Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Ede, Nigeria
| | | | - C-Thomas Bock
- Department Infectious Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Oladele Oluyinka Opaleye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria.,Department Infectious Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Aslan AT, Balaban HY. Hepatitis E virus: Epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5543-5560. [PMID: 33071523 PMCID: PMC7545399 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i37.5543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the fifth known form of viral hepatitis and was first recognized as the cause of an epidemic of unexplained acute hepatitis in the early 1980s. Globally, it is one of the most frequent causes of acute viral hepatitis. The majority of HEV infections are asymptomatic and lead to the spontaneous clearance of the virus. Among the eight different genotypes identified to date, HEV genotype 1 (HEV1), HEV2, HEV3, and HEV4 are the most frequent genotypes causing infections in humans. HEV1 and HEV2 are prevalent in developing regions and able to result in large-scale outbreaks originating from contaminated water supplies. They are also responsible for severe hepatitis in pregnant patients and infants. In contrast, HEV3 and HEV4 are zoonotic, and the transmission of these genotypes to humans occurs mainly through the fecal contamination of water and consumption of contaminated meat from infected animals. Their main reservoir is the pig, and they are mostly encountered in developed countries. The major risk groups for HEV infection and its ensuing adverse consequences are pregnant women, infants, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients with underlying chronic liver diseases, and workers that come into close contact with HEV-infected animals. In the clinical perspective, HEV infections have diverse clinical manifestations including acute and self-limiting hepatitis, acute-on-chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Although HEV mainly results in acute self-limiting infection, chronic HEV infection may occur among immunocompromised patients (e.g., solid-organ transplant recipients). Additionally, HEV-associated extrahepatic manifestations involving various organs have been reported in the last decade, although the causal link for many of them still needs to be proven. Ribavirin and interferon-alpha are the most widely used agents for the treatment of HEV infections with a certain level of success. However, ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnant patients, and interferon-alpha cannot be used in most transplant recipients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel antiviral compounds that are safe and effective particularly for patients having contraindications for ribavirin or interferon-alpha and infected by the ribavirin-resistant HEV. In this review article, a literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed, up to March 2020. Only the articles published in English were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hatice Yasemin Balaban
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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18
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Wei D, Zhao Y, Jia Y, Hao X, Situ J, Yu W, Huang F, Jiang H. Hepatitis E virus infection in buffaloes in South China. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-11309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an important global public health issue. HEV infections are recognized as a zoonotic disease. Swine are believed to be the main reservoir of HEV. Recently, yaks, cows, and yellow cattle have been reported as new reservoirs of HEV. However, whether other species of cattle and buffaloes are sensitive to HEV infection is unknown. To investigate the prevalence of HEV infection in buffaloes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) were performed. Only one buffalo was positive to anti-HEV IgM antibody (1/106, 0.94%), and none were positive for anti-HEV IgG antibody. To our surprise, five serum (5/106, 4.72%) and three milk samples (3/40, 7.50%) from buffaloes were positive to HEV RNA. All strains of HEV isolated from buffaloes belong to genotype 4. Results indicate that buffaloes may be a new reservoir of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Wei
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Y. Zhao
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Y. Jia
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - X. Hao
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
| | - J. Situ
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
| | - W. Yu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - F. Huang
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
| | - H. Jiang
- Animal Husbandry Research Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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El-Mokhtar MA, Elkhawaga AA, Sayed IM. Assessment of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the edible goat products pointed out a risk for human infection in Upper Egypt. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 330:108784. [PMID: 32659521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic in developed and developing countries. Although the seroprevalence of HEV among the Egyptians is high, the sources of HEV infection in Egypt are not completely identified. Zoonotic HEV transmission among Egyptians is underestimated. Recently, we detected HEV in the milk of cows, this suggests the possibility of HEV transmission through the ingestion of contaminated milk. However, the role of small ruminants especially the goats in HEV epidemiology in Egypt remains unclear. Herein, we screened HEV markers in the edible goat products, mainly the milk and liver and we assessed the risk factor for HEV infection to the goat owners. A total of 280 goat milk samples were collected from 15 villages in the Assiut governorate. Anti-HEV IgG and HEV Ag were detected in 7.14% and 1.8% of the samples, respectively. HEV RNA was detected in 2 milk samples, cladogram analysis revealed that the isolated viruses belonged to HEV-3 subtype 3a. One viral isolate showed high homology to HEV recently isolated from the cow milk in the same geographic area. The level of anti-HEV IgG and HEV Ag were comparable in the milk and matched blood samples. While the urine and stool of HEV seropositive goats tested negative for HEV markers. HEV RNA was also detectable in the fresh goat liver samples (n = 2) derived from HEV seropositive goats. Finally, we analyzed HEV seroprevalence in households (n = 5) that owned the seropositive goats and households (n = 5) that owned the seronegative goats. Interestingly, anti-HEV IgG was recorded in 80% of households owned and frequently consumed the products of HEV seropositive goats, while HEV markers were not detectable in the owners of the seronegative goats. In conclusion: Here, we report HEV in the milk and liver of goats distributed in the villages of Assiut governorate. Higher HEV seroprevalence was recorded in the households that owned the seropositive goats. Investigation of the goat products is pivotal to assess the risk factor of HEV transmission to villagers in the Assiut governorate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amal A Elkhawaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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20
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Obaidat MM, Roess AA. Individual animal and herd level seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis E in ruminants in Jordan. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 81:104276. [PMID: 32147473 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is zoonotic and endemic in several countries. There are no data on the farm level-prevalence and risk factors of HEV in ruminant farms in Jordan or elsewhere. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of HEV in ruminant farms in all regions of Jordan. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 460 apparently healthy ruminants from 115 (31 cow, 51 sheep and 33 goat) farms were tested for HEV antibodies using a double antigen sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent test. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on animal health and husbandry practices. RESULTS The results showed that 37.4% of the dairy farms under study (51.6%, 37.2% and 24.2% of dairy cow, sheep and goat farms; respectively) had at least one HEV seropositive animal. At the individual animal level, 12.1% of the tested animals were HEV positive; 14.5% (n = 18), 12.7% (n = 26) and 8.3% (n = 11) of cows, sheep and goats; respectively. Infrequent cleaning of feeders was associated with a significantly greater odds of HEV seropositivity in both large and small dairy ruminant farms (AOR = 16.0, p-val = 0.03, AOR = 3.4, p-val = 0.02, respectively). Farms which reported that small ruminants (sheep and goats) were mixed together had a greater odds of farm-level HEV seroprevalence (AOR = 3.1, p-val = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS This study shows widespread and high farm-level HEV seroprevalence in dairy farms in Jordan. Husbandry practices and off-abattoir carcass processing in Jordan could amplify emergence and transmission of zoonotic HEV. Future studies should include HEV genotyping in ruminants, their products and humans to better understand HEV epidemiology in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Obaidat
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Amira A Roess
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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21
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Circulation of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and/or HEV-like agent in non-mixed dairy farms could represent a potential source of infection for Egyptian people. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 317:108479. [PMID: 31874303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic in many developing countries and becomes of interest in the developed countries. Several animals are sources of HEV infection to humans. Recently, HEV was detected in the milk of cows in China, this data comes up with the probability of HEV transmission to humans via ingestion of contaminated milk. In Egypt, contaminated water and residing in rural communities are risk factors for HEV infection, while limited data is available on the zoonotic HEV transmission. Since pigs, wild boars, camels are not common in Egypt, we investigated if cows and/or cow milk represent a risk factor for HEV transmission in the Assiut governorate. Milk samples (n = 480), collected from Assiut city and 12 non-mixed dairy farms distributed in the rural communities, were tested for HEV markers such as anti-HEV IgG, HEV RNA, and HEV Ag. All milk samples collected from Assiut city (n = 220) were negative for HEV markers. Also, milk samples collected from 11 farms (n = 220) were negative for HEV markers. While, in one farm, we could detect anti-HEV IgG in 8 out of 40 samples (20%), HEV RNA and HEV Ag were detectable in 1 out of 40 samples (2.5%). However, we could not detect the HEV markers in the stool from anti-HEV IgG positive cows. Surprisingly, phylogenetic analysis of the isolated virus revealed it belonged to HEV-3 subtype 3a. Importantly, when cows from the positive farm were retested 1 month later, we observed an increase in the number of animals that were positive for anti-HEV IgG (10/40, 25%). In addition, the level of anti-HEV IgG was significantly higher in the milk of these cows in the second collection than the samples of the first collection suggesting ongoing infection on this farm. In conclusion: we reported that HEV-3 and/or HEV like agent was detected in the milk of the cow distributed in rural communities of Assiut governates. Investigation of the cow milk should be done to assess if the cow milk is a risk factor for HEV transmission for Egyptian people, especially in rural communities.
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Da Silva MS, Weber MN, Baumbach LF, Cibulski SP, Budaszewski RF, Mósena ACS, Canova R, Varela APM, Mayer FQ, Canal CW. Highly divergent cattle hepacivirus N in Southern Brazil. Arch Virol 2019; 164:3133-3136. [PMID: 31563979 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-019-04419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The genus Hepacivirus includes 14 species (Hepacivirus A-N). In this study, we determined a partial genome sequence of a highly divergent bovine hepacivirus (hepacivirus N, HNV) isolate from cattle in Southern Brazil. Previously described HNV isolates have shared 80-99.7% nucleotide sequence identity in the NS3 coding region. However, the sequence determined in this study had 72.6% to 73.8% nucleotide sequence identity to known HNV NS3 sequences. This high divergence could be seen in a phylogenetic tree, suggesting that it represents a new genotype of HNV. These data expand our knowledge concerning the genetic variability and evolution of hepaciviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Da Silva
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - M N Weber
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - L F Baumbach
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - S P Cibulski
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - R F Budaszewski
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A C S Mósena
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - R Canova
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A P M Varela
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular-Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - F Q Mayer
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular-Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cláudio W Canal
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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23
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Ouoba JB, Traore KA, Rouamba H, Setondji KVM, Minoungou GL, Ouoba BL, Ouedraogo A, Moctar S, M'Bengue AK, Kakou SN, Doumbia M, Traore AS, Roques P, Barro N. Prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus antibodies in domestic animal from three representative provinces of Burkina Faso. Vet Anim Sci 2019; 7:100059. [PMID: 32734080 PMCID: PMC7386747 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2019.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Four major genotypes of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been documented worldwide (1-4) with genotypes 1 and 2 found in human in Sub-Saharan Africa. Human Hepatitis cases due to HEV genotype 3 and 4 are zoonotic with various animal identified as possible reservoirs. Recently, HEV genotype 3 was found in pigs and human beings in West Africa, which may change the epidemic in human. Here, we assessed the prevalence of HEV antibodies in various domestic and wild mammalians in Burkina Faso. Random sampling was performed between 2015 and 2017 to collect serum from 100 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), 19 hares (Lepus africana), 72 cattle (Bos taurus), 75 sheep (Ovis aries) and 81 goats (Capra aegagrus) in three provinces in Burkina Faso. A multi-species ELISA was performed on serum samples from 328 domestic animals and 19 hunting hares. HEV total antibodies were identified in 121 out of 347 specimens (34.9% CI95% [29.9-39.9]). Sera from rabbits (60% CI95% [50.4-69.6]), hares (52.6% CI95% [30.2-75.1]), cattle (26.4% CI95% [16.2-36.6]), sheep (12.0% CI95% [4.6-19.4]), and goats (28.4% CI95% [18.6-38.2]) tested positive for antibodies anti-HEV. In this study we evidence presence of HEV antibodies in various mammalians and highlight the importance of these species in the epidemiology of HEV infection in Burkina Faso.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Bienvenue Ouoba
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Surveillance des Agents transmissibles par les aliments et l'eau (LaBESTA) Centre de Recherche en Sciences Biologique Alimentaire Nutritionnelles (CRSBAN), Université Ouaga I, Pr Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Unité de sérologie bactérienne et virale, Institut Pasteur, Côte D'Ivoire
| | - Kuan Abdoulaye Traore
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Surveillance des Agents transmissibles par les aliments et l'eau (LaBESTA) Centre de Recherche en Sciences Biologique Alimentaire Nutritionnelles (CRSBAN), Université Ouaga I, Pr Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Université Norbert ZONGO de Koudougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Hortense Rouamba
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Surveillance des Agents transmissibles par les aliments et l'eau (LaBESTA) Centre de Recherche en Sciences Biologique Alimentaire Nutritionnelles (CRSBAN), Université Ouaga I, Pr Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre Médical de Samandin, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Komi Victor-Mari Setondji
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Surveillance des Agents transmissibles par les aliments et l'eau (LaBESTA) Centre de Recherche en Sciences Biologique Alimentaire Nutritionnelles (CRSBAN), Université Ouaga I, Pr Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Sidi Moctar
- Laboratoire National d'Elevage (LNE), Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Moussa Doumbia
- Unité de sérologie bactérienne et virale, Institut Pasteur, Côte D'Ivoire
| | - Alfred S Traore
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Surveillance des Agents transmissibles par les aliments et l'eau (LaBESTA) Centre de Recherche en Sciences Biologique Alimentaire Nutritionnelles (CRSBAN), Université Ouaga I, Pr Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Pierre Roques
- IDMIT Département / IBFJ, CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases (IMVA), U1184, INSERM, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,IMVA, Univ Paris-Sud, UMR1184, Saclay, France
| | - Nicolas Barro
- Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Surveillance des Agents transmissibles par les aliments et l'eau (LaBESTA) Centre de Recherche en Sciences Biologique Alimentaire Nutritionnelles (CRSBAN), Université Ouaga I, Pr Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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24
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The Current Host Range of Hepatitis E Viruses. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050452. [PMID: 31108942 PMCID: PMC6563279 DOI: 10.3390/v11050452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen transmitting both human to human via the fecal oral route and from animals to humans through feces, direct contact, and consumption of contaminated meat products. Understanding the host range of the virus is critical for determining where potential threats to human health may be emerging from and where potential reservoirs for viral persistence in the environment may be hiding. Initially thought to be a human specific disease endemic to developing countries, the identification of swine as a primary host for genotypes 3 and 4 HEV in industrialized countries has begun a long journey of discovering novel strains of HEV and their animal hosts. As we continue identifying new strains of HEV in disparate animal species, it is becoming abundantly clear that HEV has a broad host range and many of these HEV strains can cross between differing animal species. These cross-species transmitting strains pose many unique challenges to human health as they are often unrecognized as sources of viral transmission.
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25
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Sarchese V, Di Profio F, Melegari I, Palombieri A, Sanchez SB, Arbuatti A, Ciuffetelli M, Marsilio F, Martella V, Di Martino B. Hepatitis E virus in sheep in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1120-1125. [PMID: 30811818 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of human enterically transmitted viral hepatitis occurring around the world both as outbreaks and as sporadic cases. The accumulating literature indicates that domestic pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs of genotype 3 and genotype 4 for human infections in industrialized countries. However, the recent identification of HEV from various animal species poses additional potential concerns for HEV zoonotic infection. In this study, the role of sheep as potential host of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was investigated. By screening 192 sheep from seven farms located in Abruzzo Region (Southern Italy), HEV-specific antibodies were detected in the sera of 41 animals (21.3%) whilst the RNA of HEV, genotype 3, was detected in 20 faecal (10.4%) and three serum samples (1.6%). Upon sequence analyses of a partial ORF2 gene region of eight HEV positive samples, the sheep sequences all grouped together within HEV genotype 3 subtype c, being most closely related to HEV strains identified in goat and wild boar from Abruzzo. This is the first study that demonstrates, serologically and molecularly, the presence of HEV in sheep population in a European country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Sarchese
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Di Profio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Irene Melegari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Palombieri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Arbuatti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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26
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Yugo DM, Cossaboom CM, Heffron CL, Huang YW, Kenney SP, Woolums AR, Hurley DJ, Opriessnig T, Li L, Delwart E, Kanevsky I, Meng XJ. Evidence for an unknown agent antigenically related to the hepatitis E virus in dairy cows in the United States. J Med Virol 2018; 91:677-686. [PMID: 30318625 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Genotypes 3 and 4 hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains within the species Orthohepevirus A in the family Hepeviridae are zoonotic. Recently, a genotype 4 HEV was reportedly detected in fecal samples of cows, although independent confirmation is lacking. In this study, we first tested serum samples from 983 cows in different regions in the United States for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-HEV and found that 20.4% of cows were seropositive. The highest seroprevalence rate (68.4%) was from a herd in Georgia. In an attempt to genetically identify HEV in cattle, a prospective study was conducted in a known seropositive dairy herd by monitoring 10 newborn calves from birth to 6 months of age for evidence of HEV infection. At least 3 of the 10 calves seroconverted to IgG anti-HEV, and importantly the antibodies presented neutralized genotype 3 human HEV, thus, indicating the specificity of IgG anti-HEV in the cattle. However, our extensive attempts to identify HEV-related sequences in cattle using broad-spectrum reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays and MiSeq deep-sequencing technology failed. The results suggest the existence of an agent antigenically related to HEV in cattle, although, contrary to published reports, we showed that the IgG recognizing HEV in cattle was not caused by HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Yugo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Caitlin M Cossaboom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Connie Lynn Heffron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Scott P Kenney
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Amelia R Woolums
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
| | - David J Hurley
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Tanja Opriessnig
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Linlin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, California
| | - Eric Delwart
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, California
| | - Isis Kanevsky
- Department of Dairy Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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27
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King NJ, Hewitt J, Perchec-Merien AM. Hiding in Plain Sight? It's Time to Investigate Other Possible Transmission Routes for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Developed Countries. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2018; 10:225-252. [PMID: 29623595 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-018-9342-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Historically in developed countries, reported hepatitis E cases were typically travellers returning from countries where hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic, but now there are increasing numbers of non-travel-related ("autochthonous") cases being reported. Data for HEV in New Zealand remain limited and the transmission routes unproven. We critically reviewed the scientific evidence supporting HEV transmission routes in other developed countries to inform how people in New Zealand may be exposed to this virus. A substantial body of indirect evidence shows domesticated pigs are a source of zoonotic human HEV infection, but there is an information bias towards this established reservoir. The increasing range of animals in which HEV has been detected makes it important to consider other possible animal reservoirs of HEV genotypes that can or could infect humans. Foodborne transmission of HEV from swine and deer products has been proven, and a large body of indirect evidence (e.g. food surveys, epidemiological studies and phylogenetic analyses) support pig products as vehicles of HEV infection. Scarce data from other foods suggest we are neglecting other potential sources of foodborne HEV infection. Moreover, other transmission routes are scarcely investigated in developed countries; the role of infected food handlers, person-to-person transmission via the faecal-oral route, and waterborne transmission from recreational contact or drinking untreated or inadequately treated water. People have become symptomatic after receiving transfusions of HEV-contaminated blood, but it is unclear how important this is in the overall hepatitis E disease burden. There is need for broader research efforts to support establishing risk-based controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J King
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand
| | - Joanne Hewitt
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Kenepuru, Porirua, 5022, New Zealand.
| | - Anne-Marie Perchec-Merien
- New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand
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28
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Tritz SE, Khounvisith V, Pommasichan S, Ninnasopha K, Keosengthong A, Phoutana V, Camoin M, Hübschen JM, Black AP, Muller CP, Snoeck CJ, Pauly M. Evidence of increased Hepatitis E virus exposure in Lao villagers with contact to ruminants. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 65:690-701. [PMID: 29888475 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although pigs are the main reservoir, ruminants have also been shown to be susceptible to hepatitis E virus (HEV). We investigated zoonotic transmission of HEV in rural settings of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) where humans are in close contacts with ruminants and where pigs are rare. Villagers with (n = 171, risk group) and without (n = 155, control group) cattle were recruited in seven villages in Vientiane Capital. Owners of pigs were excluded. Blood, as well as information on socio-demographics, animal contact, dietary habits and awareness of zoonoses were collected to assess risk factors. Blood and rectal swabs were collected from cattle (n = 173) and other ruminants (27 goat, 5 buffaloes) to measure anti-HEV antibody and virus prevalence. A similar anti-HEV antibody seroprevalence was found in cattle (6.8%) and other ruminants (8%). HEV RNA was detected in none of the animal rectal swabs and human sera. Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was higher in cattle farmers than in the control group (59.1% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.008) and increased significantly with age. Other risk factors included male gender, close contact with cattle and consumption of undercooked meat. We find that HEV is highly endemic in rural Laos and provide first evidence that HEV circulates in free-roaming ruminants with open access to village water sources. Despite some awareness about hygiene, villagers are likely constantly exposed to zoonotic diseases by dietary and lifestyle habits. Cattle farmers had a higher risk of HEV infection than other villagers. Our study highlights the need to raise the awareness of the rural population about water- and food-borne pathogens, and about the role of cattle as a possible source of infection. The knowledge gained on local risk factors and husbandry conditions should guide future awareness raising campaigns and promote appropriate hygienic measures including handwashing and the consumption of safe food and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia E Tritz
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Vilaysone Khounvisith
- Lao-Lux-Laboratory, Institute Pasteur du Laos, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Sisavath Pommasichan
- The Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Laos - Nabong Campus, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Khampasong Ninnasopha
- The Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Laos - Nabong Campus, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Amphone Keosengthong
- The Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Laos - Nabong Campus, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Vannaphone Phoutana
- The Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Laos - Nabong Campus, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Margot Camoin
- Veterinarians without Borders-Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judith M Hübschen
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Antony P Black
- Lao-Lux-Laboratory, Institute Pasteur du Laos, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Claude P Muller
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg.,Lao-Lux-Laboratory, Institute Pasteur du Laos, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.,Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Chantal J Snoeck
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Maude Pauly
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
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29
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Absence of zoonotic hepatitis E virus infection in Flemish dairy cows. Int J Food Microbiol 2018; 281:54-59. [PMID: 29852395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recently, infectious HEV particles were discovered in milk and fecal samples of dairy cows in China. Given the recent increase of autochthonous HEV infections in Europe, we wanted to assess whether cows constitute an HEV reservoir in this region and hence may be responsible for the advance of HEV through consumption of cow produce. To verify the zoonotic risk cows potentially pose towards European consumers, we screened >10% of dairy milk farms in Flanders, Belgium for the presence of HEV. A quarter of these housed both cows and pigs, the latter a well-known reservoir for HEV. Milk and fecal samples were analyzed for the presence of HEV RNA and HEV-specific antibodies. Despite the fact that HEV is circulating amongst pig farms in Flanders and proof of active HEV infection in the pigs of at least one of the mixed farms included in our study, we could not detect any sign of active or past HEV infection in cows. The HEV prevalence in our study was 0%, with a 99.99% confidence interval (CI) for HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibody of [0%-2.30%] and [0%-4.23%] respectively. Our results suggest that, at least in Flanders, cows are not an HEV reservoir and hence do not pose a major health risk towards humans.
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30
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Obaidat MM, Roess AA. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis E infection in Jordan’s population: First report. Int J Infect Dis 2018; 66:121-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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31
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Detection and Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus in Goats at Slaughterhouse in Tai'an Region, China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:3723650. [PMID: 29379797 PMCID: PMC5742876 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3723650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant pathogen of viral hepatitis and can be transmitted through fecal-oral route. Epidemiological data concerning HEV in goats, however, are relatively sparse to date. Here, the prevalence and characteristics of HEV isolated from goats at slaughterhouse were investigated in Tai'an region, China. Methods Anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in blood samples and HEV RNA in the liver samples were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. In addition, partial nucleotide sequences of open reading frame 2 (ORF-2) of HEV isolates were analyzed. Results Fifty goat blood samples (46.7%, 50/120) were masculine for anti-HEV IgG. HEV RNA was detected in 2 liver samples (4.0%, 2/50) and belonged to genotype 4 subtype 4 h, with high identity (91.2-93%) with cow HEV strains detected in the same province, China. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that goats may be an important reservoir for HEV and can become a major source of HEV infection in humans via food chain.
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32
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Nan Y, Wu C, Zhao Q, Zhou EM. Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: An Ignored Risk for Public Health. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2396. [PMID: 29255453 PMCID: PMC5723051 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. HEV belongs to the family Hepeviridae, a family comprised of highly diverse viruses originating from various species. Since confirmation of HEV's zoonosis, HEV-induced hepatitis has been a public health concern both for developing and developed countries. Meanwhile, the demonstration of a broad host range for zoonotic HEV suggests the existence of a variety of transmission routes that could lead to human infection. Moreover, anti-HEV antibody serosurveillance worldwide demonstrates a higher than expected HEV prevalence rate that conflicts with the rarity and sporadic nature of reported acute hepatitis E cases. In recent years, chronic HEV infection, HEV-related acute hepatic failure, and extrahepatic manifestations caused by HEV infection have been frequently reported. These observations suggest a significant underestimation of the number and complexity of transmission routes previously predicted to cause HEV-related disease, with special emphasis on zoonotic HEV as a public health concern. Significant research has revealed details regarding the virology and infectivity of zoonotic HEV in both humans and animals. In this review, the discovery of HEV zoonosis, recent progress in our understanding of the zoonotic HEV host range, and classification of diverse HEV or HEV-like isolates from various hosts are reviewed in a historic context. Ultimately, this review focuses on current understanding of viral pathogenesis and cross-species transmission of zoonotic HEV. Moreover, host factors and viral determinants influencing HEV host tropism are discussed to provide new insights into HEV transmission and prevalence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
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33
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis as well as to extrahepatic manifestations such as neurological and renal disease; it is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Four genotypes are responsible for most infection in humans, of which HEV genotypes 1 and 2 are obligate human pathogens and HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are mostly zoonotic. Until quite recently, HEV was considered to be mainly responsible for epidemics of acute hepatitis in developing regions owing to contamination of drinking water supplies with human faeces. However, HEV is increasingly being recognized as endemic in some developed regions. In this setting, infections occur through zoonotic transmission or contaminated blood products and can cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised individuals. HEV infections can be diagnosed by measuring anti-HEV antibodies, HEV RNA or viral capsid antigen in blood or stool. Although an effective HEV vaccine exists, it is only licensed for use in China. Acute hepatitis E is usually self-limiting and does not require specific treatment. Management of immunocompromised individuals involves lowering the dose of immunosuppressive drugs and/or treatment with the antiviral agent ribavirin.
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34
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Spahr C, Knauf-Witzens T, Vahlenkamp T, Ulrich RG, Johne R. Hepatitis E virus and related viruses in wild, domestic and zoo animals: A review. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 65:11-29. [PMID: 28944602 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a human disease mainly characterized by acute liver illness, which is caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Large hepatitis E outbreaks have been described in developing countries; however, the disease is also increasingly recognized in industrialized countries. Mortality rates up to 25% have been described for pregnant women during outbreaks in developing countries. In addition, chronic disease courses could be observed in immunocompromised transplant patients. Whereas the HEV genotypes 1 and 2 are mainly confined to humans, genotypes 3 and 4 are also found in animals and can be zoonotically transmitted to humans. Domestic pig and wild boar represent the most important reservoirs for these genotypes. A distinct subtype of genotype 3 has been repeatedly detected in rabbits and a few human patients. Recently, HEV genotype 7 has been identified in dromedary camels and in an immunocompromised transplant patient. The reservoir animals get infected with HEV without showing any clinical symptoms. Besides these well-known animal reservoirs, HEV-specific antibodies and/or the genome of HEV or HEV-related viruses have also been detected in many other animal species, including primates, other mammals and birds. In particular, genotypes 3 and 4 infections are documented in many domestic, wildlife and zoo animal species. In most cases, the presence of HEV in these animals can be explained by spillover infections, but a risk of virus transmission through contact with humans cannot be excluded. This review gives a general overview on the transmission pathways of HEV to humans. It particularly focuses on reported serological and molecular evidence of infections in wild, domestic and zoo animals with HEV or HEV-related viruses. The role of these animals for transmission of HEV to humans and other animals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Spahr
- Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Gardens, Stuttgart, Germany.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - T Vahlenkamp
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Virology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - R G Ulrich
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Insel Riems, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - R Johne
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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Ricci A, Allende A, Bolton D, Chemaly M, Davies R, Fernandez Escamez PS, Herman L, Koutsoumanis K, Lindqvist R, Nørrung B, Robertson L, Ru G, Sanaa M, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Snary E, Speybroeck N, Ter Kuile B, Threlfall J, Wahlström H, Di Bartolo I, Johne R, Pavio N, Rutjes S, van der Poel W, Vasickova P, Hempen M, Messens W, Rizzi V, Latronico F, Girones R. Public health risks associated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) as a food-borne pathogen. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04886. [PMID: 32625551 PMCID: PMC7010180 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important infection in humans in EU/EEA countries, and over the last 10 years more than 21,000 acute clinical cases with 28 fatalities have been notified with an overall 10-fold increase in reported HEV cases; the majority (80%) of cases were reported from France, Germany and the UK. However, as infection in humans is not notifiable in all Member States, and surveillance differs between countries, the number of reported cases is not comparable and the true number of cases would probably be higher. Food-borne transmission of HEV appears to be a major route in Europe; pigs and wild boars are the main source of HEV. Outbreaks and sporadic cases have been identified in immune-competent persons as well as in recognised risk groups such as those with pre-existing liver damage, immunosuppressive illness or receiving immunosuppressive treatments. The opinion reviews current methods for the detection, identification, characterisation and tracing of HEV in food-producing animals and foods, reviews literature on HEV reservoirs and food-borne pathways, examines information on the epidemiology of HEV and its occurrence and persistence in foods, and investigates possible control measures along the food chain. Presently, the only efficient control option for HEV infection from consumption of meat, liver and products derived from animal reservoirs is sufficient heat treatment. The development of validated quantitative and qualitative detection methods, including infectivity assays and consensus molecular typing protocols, is required for the development of quantitative microbial risk assessments and efficient control measures. More research on the epidemiology and control of HEV in pig herds is required in order to minimise the proportion of pigs that remain viraemic or carry high levels of virus in intestinal contents at the time of slaughter. Consumption of raw pig, wild boar and deer meat products should be avoided.
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