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Ferri G, Giantomassi G, Tognetti D, Olivastri A, Vergara A. Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection in Liver and Muscle Tissues Sampled from Home Slaughtered Domestic Pigs in Central Italy. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s12560-024-09606-2. [PMID: 38862750 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-024-09606-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus is a worldwide emerging foodborne pathogen; raw or undercooked meats and liver pork products can cause infection through the orofecal route. In Central-Southern Italy, small traditional farming method, associated with the possibility of environmental sharing with wild species, can facilitate HEV diffusion and persistence. The aim of this study was to determine HEV genotype and subtype in Marche region from home slaughtered domestic pigs involved in small and traditional food chains. A total of 236 liver and muscle tissues and 6 pooled salami samples were screened. Laboratory workflow started with homogenization, followed by RNA extraction. Nested reverse transcription PCR and qRT-PCR were used to amplify specific parts of overlapping open reading frames belonging to the HEV genome. A total of 42/236 (17.79%) liver and 8/236 (3.39%) diaphragm specimens were positive; none of the pooled salami specimens showed positive HEV signal. The discovered HEV3c presented high nucleotide similarities with ones amplified from wild boar populations hunted in the same province. Extensive farming methods and environmental sharing with wild animal species support cross-infection infections, as observed in the present study. Although salami resulted negative for HEV RNA detection, the effects of food technologies on viral loads remain unclear. Therefore, further scientific investigations coupled with efficacious standardized laboratory procedures will be the next challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Vergara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Piccinini A, Ronconi D, De Luca A, D’Ovidio V, Ferri G, Vergara A. Trichinella spp. detection in hunted wild boar ( Sus scrofa) diaphragm biopsies in Central Italy. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11467. [PMID: 38192604 PMCID: PMC10772943 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11467] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a globally diffused foodborne parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the Trichinella complex. During evolution, guided by ecological interactions, natural selection, and biochemical "intelligence", these parasites developed admirable strategies to infect the host's organism. One of the most fascinating is represented by the nurse cell formation in muscular tissue (e.g., diaphragm, skeletal muscle, extrinsic ocular muscles, etc.). This strategy allowed the parasite to adapt and conquer the wider host species spectrum, including ungulates and humans. Consumption of undercooked meat from infected wild ungulates constitutes the most important source of infection for the human species. In this study, we show the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in hunted wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Central Italy. During the hunting season 2021/2022 in the province of Rieti, 554 wild boar diaphragm biopsies were collected for Trichinella spp. screening, in accordance with Regulation EU 1375/2015. An artificial digestion method was used for the detection of Trichinella spp. larval forms. The results revealed a positivity of 0.18% (1/554), and molecular biology identification demonstrated the presence of Trichinella britovi in the positive sample. This species is the most diffused in wild ungulate populations in Central Italy and the most frequently isolated in human patients with trichinellosis from this area, showing a close epidemiological relation between Homo sapiens and Sus scrofa for Trichinella spp. diffusion in an ecosystem. Epidemiological surveillance, in receptive animal species destined for human consumption and at any One Health level, represents the main "winning" strategy in the control of this worldwide, widespread foodborne parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Piccinini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Piano D’Accio, Teramo
| | - Daniela Ronconi
- Veterinary Service, Operative Complex Unit of Hygiene of Production, Transformation, Commercialization of Foods of Animal Origin, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority Rieti
| | | | - Valentina D’Ovidio
- Veterinary Service, Operative Complex Unit of Hygiene of Production, Transformation, Commercialization of Foods of Animal Origin, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority Rieti
| | - Gianluigi Ferri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Piano D’Accio, Teramo
| | - Alberto Vergara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Piano D’Accio, Teramo
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Oluremi AS, Casares-Jimenez M, Opaleye OO, Caballero-Gomez J, Ogbolu DO, Lopez-Lopez P, Corona-Mata D, Rivero-Juarez A, Rivero A. Butchering activity is the main risk factor for hepatitis E virus ( Paslahepevirus balayani) infection in southwestern Nigeria: a prospective cohort study. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1247467. [PMID: 37822752 PMCID: PMC10562583 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1247467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Paslahepevirus balayani (Hepatitis E virus; HEV) is an emerging virus that poses as a public health threat. The virus is now reported to be the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis, with a unique impact on African settings. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for HEV infection in three cohorts (animal handlers, villagers, and students). Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 752 subjects from southwestern Nigeria. In all individuals, anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM antibodies were evaluated by using ELISA (confirming positive results via immunoblotting), and serum viral RNA was evaluated by using two RT-PCR assays. Results The overall seroprevalence of HEV IgG and HEV IgM was 14.9% (95% CI: 12.5-17.6%) and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.7-2.5%), respectively. We observed the highest seroprevalence among animal contact individuals, with butchers being the population with the highest HEV IgG seroprevalence (31.1%). Similarly, HEV IgM was higher in the animal contact group (2.2%) than in the non-animal contact cohort (0%). Discussions Viral RNA was not detected in any of the samples. Butchering was significantly associated with higher HEV prevalence. Although all efforts to prevent HEV in Africa have focused on the chlorination of water, our study suggests that most new infections could currently be linked to animal manipulation. Therefore, education and guidelines must be provided in southwest Nigeria to ensure that animal handling and processing methods are safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeolu S. Oluremi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Maria Casares-Jimenez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Oluyinka O. Opaleye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Javier Caballero-Gomez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Olusoga Ogbolu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Osun State University, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Corona-Mata
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Ferri G, Giantomassi G, Piccinini A, Olivastri A, Vergara A. Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection from Hunted Wild Boars in Central Italy: an Epidemiological Investigation. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:158-166. [PMID: 37029274 PMCID: PMC10261184 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09554-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Every year, foodborne pathogens, including the hepatitis E virus (HEV), cause thousands of infections in different continents. Final consumers become infected through the ingestion of contaminated animal origin foodstuffs. Generally, in industrialized countries, HEV genotype 3 is involved in sporadic outbreaks. Infections have been described, in Europe and Japan as consequence of pork products and contaminated wild boar's primary or processed products (liver and muscle tissues) consumption. In Central Italy, hunting activities are largely practiced. In these small and rural communities, game meat and liver are ingested by hunters' families or at local and traditional restaurants. Therefore, these food chains can be considered critical HEV reservoirs. In this study, 506 liver and diaphragm tissues were collected from hunted wild boars in the Southern Marche region (Central Italy) and were screened for HEV RNA detection. From the 10.87% of liver and 2.76% of muscle samples, HEV3 subtype c was discovered. The observed prevalence values resulted in line with previous investigations performed in other Central Italian regions, but higher than Northern ones (3.7% and 1.9% from liver tissue). Therefore, the obtained epidemiological data highlighted the wide occurrence of HEV RNA circulation in a low-investigated area. Basing on results, a One-health approach was adopted due to the sanitary relevance of this Public Health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | | | - Andrea Piccinini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Vergara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, Strada Porvinciale 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Battistini R, Serracca L, Razzuoli E, Listorti V, Guardone L, Dellepiane M, Pussini N, Brunelli F, Peletto S, Beltramo C, Ercolini C, Masotti C. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV): Identification of Subtypes 3b and 3m in Wild Boar Population in Liguria Region, Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:1236. [PMID: 36364986 PMCID: PMC9694157 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The wild boar is an important natural reservoir for the zoonotic transmission of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) around the world. In particular, HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are an emerging problem in industrialized countries, as the number of wild boars has increased, and their territory is ever closer to farms and populated areas. This study describes the HEV prevalence and geographic circulation among wild boar populations in the Ligurian region (Italy) during the period 2019-2022. Liver samples from 849 wild boars were analyzed for HEV RNA using real-time RT-PCR; positive samples were then subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, 6.7% of the wild boars were positive for HEV RNA; however, in the last two years, the percentage of positive animals almost doubled. Phylogenetic analysis showed that wild boar HEV sequences belonged to genotype 3 and clustered within subtypes 3a and 3c, and, for the first time in Italy, subtypes 3b and 3m were identified. Interestingly, 13 sequences could not be assigned to a recognized subtype. Furthermore, the results showed different circulations of identified subtypes across the territory. These findings increase the knowledge of HEV-3 heterogeneity in Italy and describe the role of wild boars in maintaining an active viral circulation in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Battistini
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Laura Serracca
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- Department of Genoa, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39/24, 16129 Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Listorti
- Department of Genoa, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39/24, 16129 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lisa Guardone
- Department of Genoa, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Piazza Borgo Pila 39/24, 16129 Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Dellepiane
- Department of Savona, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Martiri 6, 17056 Savona, Italy
| | - Nicola Pussini
- Department of Imperia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Nizza 4, 18100 Imperia, Italy
| | - Francesco Brunelli
- Department of Imperia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Nizza 4, 18100 Imperia, Italy
| | - Simone Peletto
- Department of Turin, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Beltramo
- Department of Turin, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Ercolini
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Chiara Masotti
- Department of La Spezia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via degli Stagnoni 96, 19100 La Spezia, Italy
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Ferri G, Lauteri C, Festino AR, Piccinini A, Olivastri A, Vergara A. Hepatitis E Virus Detection in Hunted Wild Boar Liver and Muscle Tissues in Central Italy. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081628. [PMID: 36014046 PMCID: PMC9414245 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In different European countries, including Italy, hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been recognized as an emerging public health concern. Humans are infected through the orofecal route by the ingestion of contaminated uncooked or undercooked animal-origin foodstuffs. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) have gained a crucial role as viral reservoirs. HEV-3 is the most frequently identified genotype from hunted wild boar liver and muscle tissues. The Marche region, more specifically Ascoli Piceno province, is characterized by a rooted hunting tradition and related product consumption. In this research study, 312 liver and 296 muscle specimens were screened using biomolecular assays, and HEV RNA was detected from 5.45% and 1.35% of liver and muscle samples, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that positive animals were infected by genotype 3 subtype c. Based on the environmental pathogen characteristics, HEV has also evolved to guarantee its survival in a wild environment. Therefore, wild boars and ruminants have a key role in its persistence. Epidemiological data regarding HEV circulation have resulted as necessary, and biomolecular analysis represents an important means of monitoring and establishing preventive measures. A multidisciplinary approach could provide a wide perspective regarding HEV and infectious implications on human, animal, and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861266886
| | - Carlotta Lauteri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Festino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccinini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Olivastri
- Veterinary Service I.A.O.A., ASUR Marche, Area Vasta 5 Ascoli Piceno/San Benedetto del Tronto, 63900 Fermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection “G. Tiecco”, University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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