scholarly journals Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis E Virus in Wild and Domestic Rabbits in Australia

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1637
Author(s):  
Maria Jenckel ◽  
Ina Smith ◽  
Tegan King ◽  
Peter West ◽  
Patrick L. Taggart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Rabbit Liver ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Domestic Rabbits ◽  
First Time

In 2020, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was detected for the first time in Australian rabbits. To improve our understanding of the genetic diversity and distribution of the virus, 1635 rabbit liver samples from locations across Australia were screened via RT-qPCR for HEV. HEV genomes were amplified and sequenced from 48 positive samples. Furthermore, we tested 380 serum samples from 11 locations across Australia for antibodies against HEV. HEV was detected in rabbits from all states and territories, except the Northern Territory. Seroprevalence varied between locations (from 0% to 22%), demonstrating that HEV is widely distributed in rabbit populations across Australia. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Australian HEV sequences are genetically diverse and that HEV was likely introduced into Australia independently on several occasions. In summary, this study broadens our understanding of the genetic diversity of rabbit HEV globally and shows that the virus is endemic in both domestic and wild rabbit populations in Australia.

scholarly journals Evidence for hepatitis E virus quasispecies

2004 ◽  
Vol 85 (11) ◽  
pp. 3189-3194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Grandadam ◽  
Soraya Tebbal ◽  
Mélanie Caron ◽  
Mahinda Siriwardana ◽  
Bernard Larouze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Rflp Analysis ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Replicase Gene ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Sequence Identity ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Rflp Profile ◽  
Patient Heterogeneity

The genetic diversity of hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been extensively analysed during the last decade. Most sporadic and epidemic HEV strains are distributed into genotypes or groups. Nevertheless, few studies have looked at the polymorphism of HEV strains isolated from a given outbreak. A serum bank collected in Tanefdour, Algeria, during an acute hepatitis epidemic (1986–1987), retrospectively confirmed as hepatitis E, was analysed. Of the 69 serum samples collected within an 8-week period, 23 were positive for both partial ORF1 (replicase gene) and ORF2 (capsid gene) sequences. Inter- and intra-patient diversities were assessed by RFLP, and by sequencing a 448 bp sequence corresponding to ORF2. RFLP analysis distinguished three profiles: A (18/23), B (3/23) and C (2/23). Most isolates (18/23) shared 99·7–100 % sequence identity and the remainder showed 1–1·3 % divergence. HEV intra-patient diversity was studied using 12 isolates (seven displaying the major RFLP profile and five displaying minor RFLP profiles). For 9 of 12 isolates, additional intra-patient heterogeneity was revealed by RFLP analysis of 100 clones from each isolate and sequence diversity ranging from 0·11 to 3·4 %. These data strongly support the quasispecies organization of HEV during epidemics and could explain the adaptable behaviour of the virus in the host–pathogen interrelations.

scholarly journals Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Imported and Domestic Camels in Saudi Arabia – A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Molecular Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherif A. El-Kafrawy ◽  
Ahmed M. Hassan ◽  
Mai M. El-Daly ◽  
Mohammed Al-Hajri ◽  
Elmoubashar Farag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Amino Acid Difference ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Zoonotic Viruses

Abstract Camels gained attention since the discovery of MERS-CoV as intermediary hosts for potentially epidemic zoonotic viruses. DcHEV is a novel zoonotic pathogen associated with camel contact. This study aimed to genetically characterize DcHEV in domestic and imported camels in Saudi Arabia. DcHEV was detected by RT-PCR in serum samples, PCR-positive samples were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. DcHEV was detected in 1.77% of samples with higher positivity in domestic DCs. All positive imported dromedaries were from Sudan with age declining prevalence. Domestic DcHEV sequences clustered with sequences from Kenya, Somalia, and UAE while imported sequences clustered with one DcHEV isolate from UAE and both sequences clustered away from isolates reported from Pakistan. Full-genome sequences showed 24 amino acid difference with reference sequences. Our results confirm the detection of DcHEV in domestic and imported DCs. Further investigations are needed in human and camel populations to identify DcHEV potential zoonosis threat.

scholarly journals Identity of a Novel Swine Hepatitis E Virus in Taiwan Forming a Monophyletic Group with Taiwan Isolates of Human Hepatitis E Virus

1999 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 3828-3834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sen-Yung Hsieh ◽  
Xiang-Jin Meng ◽  
Ying-Hua Wu ◽  
Shih-Tung Liu ◽  
Albert W. Tam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
The United States ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
History Of ◽  
Swine Hepatitis ◽  
Acute Hepatitis E ◽  
Swine Strain

Recently, we found that more than 10% of the cases of acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Taiwan were caused by a novel strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV). Since none of these patients had a history of travel to areas where HEV is endemic, the source of transmission remains unclear. The recent discovery of a swine HEV in herd pigs in the United States has led us to speculate that HEV may also circulate in herd pigs in Taiwan and may serve as a reservoir for HEV in Taiwan. Of 275 herd pigs obtained from 10 pig farms in Taiwan, 102 (37%) were seropositive for serum anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG). A 185-bp genomic sequence within the ORF-2 of the HEV genome was amplified and cloned from serum samples of an anti-HEV positive pig and subsequently from serum samples of a patient with acute hepatitis E. Sequence comparison revealed that the swine and human isolates of HEV share 97.3% identity. Phylogenetic analyses further showed that the Taiwan swine and human isolates of HEV form a distinct branch divergent from all other known strains of HEV, including the U.S. swine strain. To examine the potential risk of cross-species transmission of swine HEV to humans, the seroprevalences of anti-HEV IgG in 30 swine handlers, 20 pork dealers, and 50 control subjects were assessed and were found to be 26.7, 15, and 8%, respectively (for swine handlers versus controls,P = 0.048). Our findings may help provide an understanding of the modes of HEV transmission and may also raise potential public health concerns for HEV zoonosis.

scholarly journals High Hepatitis E virus (HEV) Positivity Among Domestic Pigs and Risk of HEV Infection of Individuals Occupationally Exposed to Pigs and Pork Meat in Hanoi, Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nghiem Xuan Hoan ◽  
Pham Xuan Huy ◽  
Bui Tien Sy ◽  
Christian G Meyer ◽  
Trinh Van Son ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Direct Sequencing ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Pork Meat ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Domestic Pigs ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Liver Tissues

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can occur through consumption of undercooked pork meat or exposure to animal feces. Because there are scarce data only in developing countries, we assessed whether pigs might be a potential source of human HEV infections in Vietnam. In addition, we determined anti-HEV seroprevalences in the general population and in individuals professionally exposed to pigs and pork meat. Methods The study took place in Hanoi, Vietnam. Liver tissues from domestic pigs (n = 210) and serum samples obtained from individuals occupationally exposed to pigs and pork meat (n = 283) and from unexposed healthy controls (n = 168) were screened for HEV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The exposed group was divided into pork meat vendors (n = 81), pig farmers (n = 96), and slaughterers (n = 106). Serum samples were subjected to HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The HEV genotypes were assessed by direct sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analyses. Results Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence was higher among persons occupationally exposed to pigs/pork meat compared with unexposed individuals (anti-HEV IgM 11% vs 6%, P = .07; anti-HEV IgG 53% vs 31%, P < .0001). Positivity of anti-HEV IgG among slaughterhouse staff was 66%, followed by 51% in pig-farmers and 38% in pork meat vendors (P = .00073). A similar trend was observed for IgM positivity. Of the pig liver tissues, 26 of 210 (12.4%) were positive for HEV-RNA and assessed to be HEV genotype 3. Conclusions Hepatitis E virus circulates in domestic pigs in Hanoi and constitutes a permanent zoonotic disease risk. The high HEV seroprevalence among occupationally exposed individuals indicates an associated risk of HEV infection.

scholarly journals Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Hyalomma lusitanicum Ticks Feeding on Wild Boars

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Rivero-Juarez ◽  
María A. Risalde ◽  
Christian Gortázar ◽  
Pedro Lopez-Lopez ◽  
Jose A. Barasona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Zoonotic Viruses ◽  
First Time

Little is known about the role of ticks in maintaining highly prevalent zoonotic viruses in wildlife, such as hepatitis E virus (HEV), which do not require ticks for transmission between animals and humans. In this cross-sectional study, adult female ticks were collected from Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) in autumn 2015 in Spain. HEV RNA in both ticks and wild boar was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Twenty-nine adult Hyalomma lusitanicum ticks were collected from 29 wild boars. HEV RNA was detected in a total of 10 tick (34.4%) and 11 wild boar serum samples (37.9%). In two cases, detectable HEV RNA was found in a wild boar but not in the tick collected from them. In contrast, one HEV-positive tick was collected from an HEV-negative wild boar. All viral sequences were consistent with genotype 3f. We describe for the first time the presence of HEV RNA in adult Hyalomma lusitanicum ticks.

scholarly journals Cross-species infection of hepatitis E virus in a zoo-like location, including birds

2007 ◽  
Vol 136 (8) ◽  
pp. 1020-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. ZHANG ◽  
Q. SHEN ◽  
J. MOU ◽  
Z. B. YANG ◽  
C. L. YUAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Positive Sequence ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Genotype 4 ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogen ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Animal Handlers

SUMMARYHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which several species of animals are considered to be reservoirs. Thirty-eight faecal samples, obtained from 22 species of animals including birds in a wildlife first-aid centre in Eastern China, were tested for HEV RNA. Our survey revealed that in total 28·9% (95% confidence interval 14·5–43·4) of the faecal samples from various mammals and birds were HEV RNA positive. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the 11 isolates demonstrated that all sequences clustered in genotype 4 with 96–100% identity to each other. In addition, serum samples from seven animal handlers have shown that five (71·4%) were seropositive. The findings imply that cross-species infection of HEV had probably occurred in this zoo-like location, and moreover, birds can be infected naturally with mammalian HEV.

Serological and molecular studies on subclinical hepatitis E virus infection using periodic serum samples obtained from healthy individuals

2005 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 526-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takehiro Mitsui ◽  
Yukie Tsukamoto ◽  
Shigeru Suzuki ◽  
Chikao Yamazaki ◽  
Kazuo Masuko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Molecular Studies

scholarly journals Hepatitis E Virus Occurrence in Pigs Slaughtered in Italy

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 277
Author(s):  
Eleonora Chelli ◽  
Elisabetta Suffredini ◽  
Paola De Santis ◽  
Dario De Medici ◽  
Santina Di Bella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Sporadic Cases ◽  
Wild Boar Meat ◽  
Small Clusters ◽  
Frequent Exposure

In Europe, foodborne transmission has been clearly associated to sporadic cases and small clusters of hepatitis E in humans linked to the consumption of contaminated pig liver sausages, raw venison, or undercooked wild boar meat. In Europe, zoonotic HEV-genotype 3 strains are widespread in pig farms but little information is available on the prevalence of HEV positive pigs at slaughterhouse. In the present study, the prevalence of HEV-RNA positive pigs was assessed on 585 animals from 4 abattoirs located across Italy. Twenty-one pigs (3.6%) tested positive for HEV in either feces or liver by real-time RT-PCR. In these 21 pigs, eight diaphragm muscles resulted positive for HEV-RNA. Among animals collected in one abattoir, 4 out of 91 plasma tested positive for HEV-RNA. ELISA tests for the detection of total antibodies against HEV showed a high seroprevalence (76.8%), confirming the frequent exposure of pigs to the virus. The phylogenetic analyses conducted on sequences of both ORF1 and ORF2 fragments, shows the circulation of HEV-3c and of a novel unclassified subtype. This study provides information on HEV occurrence in pigs at the slaughterhouse, confirming that muscles are rarely contaminated by HEV-RNA compared to liver, which is the most frequently positive for HEV.

scholarly journals Identification and genetic diversity of hepatitis E virus in domestic swine from Slovakia

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Jackova ◽  
Katarina Dudasova ◽  
Slavomira Salamunova ◽  
Rene Mandelik ◽  
Jaroslav Novotny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Major Clade ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Production Stages ◽  
Suckling Piglets ◽  
Domestic Swine

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is agent causing hepatitis worldwide. Originally considered to be limited to developing countries, this virus was also detected in developed countries. In recent years an increasing number of reports indicate that farmed domestic pigs are widely infected with HEV in several European countries. The HEV status in Slovakia is still missing. Results In this study, the circulation of HEV among domestic swine in Slovakia and genetic diversity of the virus was studied. Overall HEV RNA was detected in 53/388 (13.7, 95% CI: 10.40–17.48%) pig rectal swabs in five production stages (age categories) with statistically significant differences among all the stages. The highest HEV prevalence was observed in weaners 24/81 (29.6, 95% CI: 19.99–40.81%) and then significantly declined in growers and fatteners. No HEV was detected in suckling piglets and sows. Twenty-eight partial sequences of ORF1 (242 bp) and seventeen of ORF2 (304 bp) were analysed. Phylogenetic analysis and p-distance comparisons confirmed in both ORFs that all Slovak HEV sequences belong to the genotype HEV-3, major clade 3abchij with higher identity to 3a and 3i subtypes. Three sequences were outside of all lastly updated HEV-3 subtypes. Conclusion This is the first report to fill the information gap about HEV infection in pigs in Slovakia. The results suggested a lower prevalence of HEV in Slovak pig farms than observed in other European countries. While most HEV isolates were typed as HEV-3 clade 3abchij, three sequences were unclassified.

Seroprevalence of the hepatitis E virus antibodies among blood donors in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bader Y Alhatlani ◽  
Waleed A Aljabr ◽  
Mohammed S Almarzouqi ◽  
Sami M Alhatlani ◽  
Rayan N Alzunaydi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Indirect Elisa ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Major Public Health Issue

Aim: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmission through blood transfusion is a major public health issue worldwide. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HEV in blood donors in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Materials & methods: Serum samples (n = 1078) were collected from volunteer blood donors and tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM by indirect ELISA. Results: The seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG among the blood donors was 5.7% overall. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity were significantly higher in non-Saudi donors than in Saudi donors (22.1 vs 3 and 7.8 vs 0.2% for anti-HEV IgG and IgM, respectively). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HEV among blood donors in the Qassim region was lower than previous estimates for other regions of the country and neighboring countries.

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