scholarly journals Seroprevalence of hepatitis E in pigs and wild boars in the region of the city Belgrade

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (06) ◽  
pp. 669-673
Author(s):  
Branislav Kureljušić ◽  
Božidar Savić ◽  
Nemanja Jezdimirović ◽  
Jasna Kureljušić ◽  
Vesna Milićević ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Pig Farms ◽  
Swine Population ◽  
The City ◽  
Fattening Pigs ◽  
Backyard Pigs ◽  
Slaughtered Pigs

Introduction: Hepatitis E is considered an emerging human viral disease with many evidences of zoonotic nature of disease, and swine are the main reservoir of HEV. The aim of this study was to determine HEV seroprevalence in commercial pig farms, backyard pigs, slaughtered pigs and wild boars in the region of the city Belgrade. Methodology: A total of 405 sera samples: 150 samples from 3 commercial pig farms, 70 samples from backyard pigs, 119 samples from slaughtered pigs and 66 samples from wild boars of the region of the city Belgrade, Serbia were analysed by commercial ELISA test. Results: The overall HEV seroprevalence in 3 commercial pig farms was 55.33% (83/150). All tested farms (farm A, B and C) were positive on the presence of anti-HEV antibodies, respectively 58% (29/50), 54% (27/50) and 54% (27/50). From 70 tested backyard pigs, 75.71% (53/70) were tested seropositive. In total, 26 backyard pig holidngs were confirmed as positive to anti-HEV antibodies (81.25%). At slaughterhouse, 25% (8/32) weaned piglets and 20.69% (18/87) fattening pigs were tested positive on anti-HEV antibodies. Overall HEV seroprevalence in tested wild boar population was 52.25% (36/66). Conclusions: Detected very high seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies indicated an active circulation of HEV, being enzootic in the swine population, and wild boars, as well, in the region of the city Belgrade.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Blood Donors in Bulgaria

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 492
Author(s):  
Magdalena Baymakova ◽  
Krasimira Terzieva ◽  
Rumen Popov ◽  
Elisaveta Grancharova ◽  
Todor Kundurzhiev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Domestic Pigs ◽  
Specific Questionnaire ◽  
Positive Results

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is widespread among domestic pigs, industrial swine, and wild boars in Bulgaria. The aim of the current research was to present the HEV seroprevalence among blood donors in Bulgaria. In the present study, 555 blood donors (479 males and 76 females) were enrolled from five districts in the country (Shumen, Pleven, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and Sofia districts). All blood samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG using the recomWell HEV IgG ELISA test (Mikrogen GmbH, Neuried, Germany). Each participating donor completed a short, structured, and specific questionnaire to document data on the current study. Anti-HEV IgG positive results were detected in 144 (25.9%) blood donors, including 129 (26.9%) males and 15 (19.7%) females. The established HEV seropositivity was 28.8% (23/80) in Shumen district, 23.2% (22/95) in Pleven district, 27.1% (38/140) in Stara Zagora district, 27.5% (44/160) in Plovdiv district, and 21.3% (17/80) in Sofia district. A high HEV seroprevalence was found for persons who declared that they were general hunters (48.7%; 19/39; p = 0.001) and hunters of wild boars (51.6%; 16/31; p = 0.001). We present the first seroprevalence rates of HEV infection in blood donors from Bulgaria. The results of our research showed high HEV seropositivity among blood donors.

scholarly journals African Swine Fever Outbreak Investigation on Large Commercial Pig Farm in Serbia

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-229
Author(s):  
Milijana Nešković ◽  
Bojan Ristić ◽  
Rade Došenović ◽  
Siniša Grubač ◽  
Tamaš Petrović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Risk Period ◽  
Pig Farms ◽  
Pig Farm ◽  
Sources Of Infection ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
The City

Abstract The first confirmed case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Serbia occurred in 2019. Since then, numerous outbreaks in domestic pigs and wild boars have been reported. Until April 2021, all the detected ASF cases were in backyard pigs. Beside backyard and smallholders farming systems as a dominant pig production system in Serbia, large commercial pig farms can also be found, located mostly in villages. In the beginning of April 2021, a large commercial farrow-to-finish pig farm in Serbia with almost 19,000 animals was affected with the ASF virus. The pig farm analysed in this paper is located in an area where ASF was confirmed earlier in both backyard and wild boars. In this study, we describe the overall epidemiological course of the ASF outbreak. Epidemiological investigation using a hypothesis-based approach was conducted in order to reconstruct the disease course until the official notification. All the available data from the farm were analysed with the aim to determine the high-risk period (HRP). Some of the key points to consider when it comes to the sources of infection and entry route of ASF are the following: contamination of the area in the immediate vicinity of the farm, risky human activities, irregularities and some omissions in the external farm biosecurity and immediate proximity of the city waste-yard where the communal waste is disposed of. It was concluded that when commercial pig farms are surrounded by villages with a large number of backyards, hence the anthropogenic factor is the key risk factor for ASF spreading.

scholarly journals Screening of Swiss Pig Herds for Hepatitis E Virus: A Pilot Study

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3050
Author(s):  
Julia Lienhard ◽  
Isabelle Vonlanthen-Specker ◽  
Xaver Sidler ◽  
Claudia Bachofen
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Sequence Collection ◽  
Pig Farms ◽  
Industrialised Countries ◽  
Fattening Pigs ◽  
Subtype 3 ◽  
Specific Cluster

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide. In industrialised countries, most infections are caused by the zoonotic genotype 3. The main reservoir was found in pigs, with fattening pigs as the main shedders. The aim of this study was to establish a screening tool to detect HEV in pig farms. HEV-positive samples were sequenced using Sanger sequencing. First, different sample materials, including floor swabs, slurry, dust swabs and faeces were tested for HEV. Floor swabs turned out to give the best results and, in the form of sock swabs, were used for the screening of Swiss pig herds. A total of 138 pig farms were tested, with a focus on fattening pigs. Overall, 81 farms (58.8%) were HEV positive. Most sequences belonged to subtype 3h, in which they formed a specific cluster (Swiss cluster). In addition, subtype 3 l and two unassigned sequences were detected. As a conclusion, sock swabs were found to be a helpful tool to screen pig herds for HEV and establish a sequence collection that may enable molecular epidemiology and support outbreak investigation and prevention.

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in humans, pigs and wild boars in Sweden

2010 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. WIDÉN ◽  
L. SUNDQVIST ◽  
A. MATYI-TOTH ◽  
G. METREVELI ◽  
S. BELÁK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Tree ◽  
Molecular Epidemiology ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Unknown Source ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Pig Farms ◽  
Close Relatedness

SUMMARYHepatitis E infections in humans are usually acquired in endemic countries in Asia or Africa. In Sweden 17 cases infected in Europe, between 1993 and 2009, were identified. All had clinical hepatitis E with unknown source of infection. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was identified in faecal samples from 63 piglets in 12 pig farms in Sweden. HEV was also identified in blood from 13 out of 159 investigated Swedish wild boars from nine counties. Partial HEV genomes from humans, pigs and wild boars were sequenced and compared by phylogeny. The results showed close relatedness between HEV strains from piglets from the same farm and from wild boars from the same county. HEV strains from humans showed relatedness with strains from pigs and wild boars from the same county. This study showed that HEV strains form geographical clusters in the phylogenetic tree. The methods used in this study may thus be used for tracing the origin of an infecting strain. Furthermore, this study indicated that there are endemic sources of human HEV infections in Sweden.

scholarly journals Infection dynamics and persistence of hepatitis E virus on pig farms – a review

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Meester ◽  
T. J. Tobias ◽  
M. Bouwknegt ◽  
N. E. Kusters ◽  
J. A. Stegeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Infection Dynamics ◽  
Pig Farms ◽  
Slaughter Pigs

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 and 4 is a zoonosis that causes hepatitis in humans. Humans can become infected by consumption of pork or contact with pigs. Pigs are the main reservoir of the virus worldwide and the virus is present on most pig farms. Main body Though HEV is present on most farms, the proportion of infected pigs at slaughter and thus the level of exposure to consumers differs between farms and countries. Understanding the cause of that difference is necessary to install effective measures to lower HEV in pigs at slaughter. Here, HEV studies are reviewed that include infection dynamics of HEV in pigs and on farms, risk factors for HEV farm prevalence, and that describe mechanisms and sources that could generate persistence on farms. Most pigs become infected after maternal immunity has waned, at the end of the nursing or beginning of the fattening phase. Risk factors increasing the likelihood of a high farm prevalence or proportion of actively infected slaughter pigs comprise of factors such as farm demographics, internal and external biosecurity and immunomodulating coinfections. On-farm persistence of HEV is plausible, because of a high transmission rate and a constant influx of susceptible pigs. Environmental sources of HEV that enhance persistence are contaminated manure storages, water and fomites. Conclusion As HEV is persistently present on most pig farms, current risk mitigation should focus on lowering transmission within farms, especially between farm compartments. Yet, one should be aware of the paradox of increasing the proportion of actively infected pigs at slaughter by reducing transmission insufficiently. Vaccination of pigs may aid HEV control in the future.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in risk populations and blood donors in a referral hospital in the south of Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Boff Costa ◽  
Michele Soares Gomes Gouvêa ◽  
Samira Chuffi ◽  
Gustavo Hirata Dellavia ◽  
Felipe Ornel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Populations At Risk

AbstractThe prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies has a high heterogeneity worldwide. South American data are still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HEV in populations at risk in comparison to blood donors (BD). A cross-sectional study was carried out in adults of different risk populations including crack users (CK), residents in a low income area (LIA), cirrhotic (CIR) and liver transplant patients (LT) compared with BD. The WANTAI HEV ELISA test was used and real-time PCR (in-house for screening and ALTONA as confirmatory test) for HEV RNA screening. A total of 400 participants were included. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 19.5% of the total sample, reaching the highest rate in the CIR group, 22.5%, followed by CK, LT, and LIA (20%, 18.7%, and 17.5%, respectively). The prevalence found in BD individuals was of 18.7% (p = NS). Anti-HEV IgM was positive in only 1.5% of the sample (6/400). No blood or stools samples were positive for HEV RNA. The seroprevalence reported is among the highest rates ever found in Brazil. Considering the intense diagnostic investigation, data show that HEV circulation is more common that might be expected in our country.

scholarly journals Longitudinal study describing time to Salmonella seroconversion in piglets on three farrow-to-finish farms

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Cevallos-Almeida ◽  
Christelle Fablet ◽  
Catherine Houdayer ◽  
Virginie Dorenlor ◽  
Florent Eono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Serological Status ◽  
Pig Farms ◽  
Human Salmonellosis ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundPigs are frequently colonised with Salmonella enterica, and this constitutes a major risk for human salmonellosis. The infection can be assessed by the serological response of pigs to S enterica. A longitudinal study was undertaken on-farm to correctly describe this serological response and investigate factors associated with age at Salmonella seroconversion.MethodsThree pig farms and in each farm three successive batches were considered. Per batch, 40 piglets were selected at random from 10 sows (four piglets per sow). Blood was sampled from sows one week after farrowing and from piglets at weeks 1, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 and at the slaughterhouse. Salmonella antibodies were detected in serum using a commercial ELISA test. Factors related to farm characteristics, batch management system, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome infection, and sows’ Salmonella serological status were recorded to assess their effect on age at seroconversion.ResultsAt week 1 after farrowing, 96.5 per cent of the sows had antibodies against Salmonella. The serological results of piglets at weeks 1 and 6 only were positively correlated with those of the sows. The average age at Salmonella seroconversion was 137±2.2 days (confidence interval at 95 per cent). The first seroconversions occurred from weeks 10 to 14, but most of the pigs (54.6 per cent) were seropositive at the end of the fattening period, with variations between farms and batches (28.9–75.7 per cent). Herd/farm was significantly associated with age at seroconversion.ConclusionThis longitudinal study allowed the authors to follow precisely the evolution of Salmonella seroconversion from maternity to slaughterhouse and confirm the relationship between the seroconversion of sows and serology of their piglets. Moreover, factors related to farm practices and management as a whole are more influential than individual factors (at the pig level) on age at Salmonella seroconversion.

First Serological Study of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Backyard Pigs from Serbia

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Lupulovic ◽  
Sava Lazic ◽  
Jasna Prodanov-Radulovic ◽  
Nereida Jiménez de Oya ◽  
Estela Escribano-Romero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Serological Study ◽  
Backyard Pigs

scholarly journals Research of immune response in unvaccinated piglets against porcine circovirus type 2

2014 ◽  
Vol 68 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
Ognjen Stevancevic ◽  
Nenad Stojanac ◽  
Aleksandar Potkonjak ◽  
Bozidar Savic ◽  
Ivan Stancic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Porcine Circovirus Type ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 ◽  
Porcine Circovirus ◽  
Sudden Increase ◽  
Data Points ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Fattening Pigs

Infection of pigs caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is present throughout the world. The aim of this study was to determine, based on the follow-up of the class IgG titers in piglets and fattening pigs, the duration of colostral immunity against infections in pigs caused by PCV2. The study included 28 piglets, whose titer was determined by using indirect ELISA test in intervals up to 110 days of age. The observed average values of IgG in piglets aged 21 days (8.47 log2) and 35 days (6.69 log2) in our surveys indicate very high titers of maternal antibodies, and that the piglets at this age are, to some extent, protected from infection caused by PCV2. Absence of the specific anti PCV2 antibodies was determined in 14.29% (21 days old) and 15.38% (35 days old) piglets at this age. The average titer of antibodies, specific for PCV2, in blood serum of piglets on the 50th day decreased to 3.74 log2, what indicates that in the majority of piglets (61.54%) catabolism of colostral antibodies occurred. On the 80th day of the piglets life there were no seropositive specimens, which unambiguously indicates that in this age, there was a complete catabolism of colostral antibodies and the disappearance of passive immunity. In all the 110 days? old fattening pigs, an average antibody titer recorded a sharp rise (12.78 log2). Possible reasons for this sudden increase in PCV2 antibody titers in the blood serum of fattening pigs is is a widespread presence of this infection in our region, as well as the fact that there exists a part of pigs population which is not immune to PCV2 infection. The results of this research are important for choosing the optimal moment for vaccination, considering that high titers of colostral antibodies of class G on the 21st and 35th day of piglets? life have been proven. This data points out to a possible interference with vaccine immunogens in the case of vaccination in this particular age.

scholarly journals Cell Culture Isolation and Whole Genome Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus Strains from Wild Boars in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2302
Author(s):  
Katja Schilling-Loeffler ◽  
Oliver Viera-Segura ◽  
Victor Max Corman ◽  
Julia Schneider ◽  
Ashish K. Gadicherla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Enriched Library ◽  
Genome Copy ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Copy Numbers ◽  
Cell Culture Isolation

Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. The HEV genotype 3 can be zoonotically transmitted from animals to humans, with wild boars representing an important reservoir species. Cell culture isolation of HEV is generally difficult and mainly described for human isolates so far. Here, five sera and five liver samples from HEV-RNA-positive wild boar samples were inoculated onto PLC/PRF/5 cells, incubated for 3 months and thereafter passaged for additional 6 weeks. As demonstrated by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and immune electron microscopy, virus was successfully isolated from two liver samples, which originally contained high HEV genome copy numbers. Both isolates showed slower growth than the culture-adapted HEV strain 47832c. In contrast to this strain, the isolated strains had no insertions in their hypervariable genome region. Next generation sequencing using an HEV sequence-enriched library enabled full genome sequencing. Strain Wb108/17 belongs to subtype 3f and strain Wb257/17 to a tentative novel subtype recently described in Italian wild boars. The results indicate that HEV can be successfully isolated in cell culture from wild boar samples containing high HEV genome copy numbers. The isolates may be used further to study the zoonotic potential of wild boar-derived HEV subtypes.

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