Occurrence of HEV-RNA in Italian Regional Pork and Wild Boar Food Products

Detection of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Pork Sold in Saint-Louis, the North of Senegal

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen with various hosts, including pigs, which act as reservoirs. In industrialized countries, sporadic cases caused by genotype 3, contracted by ingesting contaminated uncooked or undercooked meat, have been reported. However, in developing countries, HEV infection is mainly dominated by genotype 2 and often associated with poor hygiene conditions and drinking water supplies. HEV infection and its circulation in domestic fauna in West Africa are poorly documented. This study aimed to assess the presence of HEV in pork sold in Saint-Louis, Senegal. Meat products (250 g samples, n = 74) were purchased in August 2022 from three locations. Then, 2 g/sample was minced to extract total nucleic acids using the Purelink™ Viral DNA/RNA kit. RT-PCR reactions were performed using the One-Taq™ One-Step RT-PCR kit targeting the HEV ORF2 genomic region. The products obtained were visualized on a 1% agarose gel. Of a total of 74 samples, divided into pork meat (n = 65) and pork liver (n = 9), 5.4% (n = 4) tested positive for HEV. In both cases, two samples were positive, representing a rate of 3.1% and 22.2% for meat and pork liver, respectively. All new viral sequences were obtained from a monophyletic group within HEV genotype 3. This study is the first to report the presence of HEV in pork sold in Senegal and the results reveal a potential circulation of HEV in the pig population. The high proportion of contamination in the pork liver samples highlights a major risk associated with their consumption.

Salmonella in Wild Boar Meat: Prevalence and Risk Assessment in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche Region)

A survey was conducted from 2018 to 2023 to assess the presence of Salmonella in 280 hunted wild boar (carcasses after evisceration and skinning, N = 226; liver, N = 258; and fecal samples, N = 174). The overall prevalence was 2.86% (confidence interval 95%, 1.45-5.45%) with five positive samples detected in carcasses, three in the liver, and one in a fecal sample. This prevalence was in line with those found in nearby areas denoting a low number of positive samples. Positive animals were over 24 months of age and weighed, before skinning, 59.00 ± 9.11 Kg and no difference was detected in microbial loads between samples positive and negative for Salmonella (aerobic colony count of 4.59 and 4.66 log CFU/400 cm2, and Enterobacteriaceae count of 2.89 and 2.73 log CFU/400 cm2 (mean values) in positive and negative subjects, respectively). Salmonella Stanleyville was the most frequently isolated serotype. A semiquantitative risk assessment was conducted for the first time in game meat considering two products, meat cuts intended for cooking and fermented dry sausages. Only proper cooking can reduce the risk of ingestion of Salmonella to the minimum for consumers, whereas ready-to-eat dry sausages constitute risk products in terms of foodborne Salmonellosis (risk score of 64 out of 100).

Changes in Hepatitis E Virus Contamination during the Production of Liver Sausage from Naturally Contaminated Pig Liver and the Potential of Individual Production Parameters to Reduce Hepatitis E Virus Contamination in the Processing Chain

In this study, changes in hepatitis E virus (HEV) contamination in the production of liver sausage from naturally contaminated pork liver were investigated. Furthermore, the potential effectiveness of individual production parameters in reducing viral loads was measured. When processing moderately contaminated liver (initial Cq-value 29), HEV RNA persisted in the finished sausages, even after heating for 90 min at 75 °C. A matrix-specific standard curve was created using a spiking experiment to accurately quantify HEV RNA in a particularly challenging matrix like liver sausage. Variations in product-specific production parameters, including mincing and heating times, showed some reduction in contamination levels, but even prolonged heating did not render all finished products HEV negative. The persistence of HEV contamination underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring in the pig population and raw materials to enhance food safety measures and reduce the likelihood of transmission through pork consumption. The detection of HEV RNA within all processing stages of pork liver in the production of liver sausage suggests that further research into the risk of infection posed by this detection and vigilance in managing HEV risks in the food chain, particularly in pork products, are required to protect public health.

A review of nucleic acid-based detection methods for foodborne viruses: Sample pretreatment and detection techniques

Viruses are major pathogens that cause food poisoning when ingested via contaminated food and water. Therefore, the development of foodborne virus detection technologies that can be applied throughout the food distribution chain is essential for food safety. A common nucleic acid-based detection method is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which has become the gold standard for monitoring food contamination by viruses due to its high sensitivity, and availability of commercial kits. However, PCR-based methods are labor intensive and time consuming, and are vulnerable to inhibitors that may be present in food samples. In addition, the methods are restricted with regard to site of analysis due to the requirement of expensive and large equipment for sophisticated temperature regulation and signal analysis procedures. To overcome these limitations, optical and electrical readout biosensors based on nucleic acid isothermal amplification technology and nanomaterials have emerged as alternatives for nucleic acid-based detection of foodborne viruses. Biosensors are promising portable detection tools owing to their easy integration into compact platforms and ability to be operated on-site. However, the complexity of food components necessitates the inclusion of tedious preprocessing steps, and the lack of stability studies on residual food components further restricts the practical application of biosensors as a universal detection method. Here, we summarize the latest advances in nucleic acid-based strategies for the detection of foodborne viruses, including PCR-based and isothermal amplification-based methods, gene amplification-free methods, as well as food pretreatment methods. The principles, strengths/disadvantages, and performance of each method, problems to be solved, and future prospects for the development of a universal detection method are discussed.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boar and Red Deer in Portugal

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic foodborne virus with an annual infection prevalence of 20 million human cases, which seriously affects public health and economic development in both developed and developing countries. To better understand the epidemiology of HEV in Central Portugal, a cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2023 with sera samples from wild ungulates. The seroprevalence and risk factors for HEV seropositivity were evaluated in the present study. Specifically, antibodies against HEV were determined by a commercial enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Our results show that in the 650 sera samples collected from 298 wild red deer and 352 wild boars in Portugal, 9.1% red deer and 1.7% wild boar were positive for antibodies to HEV. Regarding age, the seropositivity in juvenile wild ungulates was 1.3%, whereas it was 7.2% in adults. Logistic regression models investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds of being seropositive was 3.6 times higher in adults than in juveniles, and the risk was 4.2 times higher in red deer than in wild boar. Both wild ungulate species were exposed to HEV. The higher seroprevalence in red deer suggests that this species may make a major contribution to the ecology of HEV in Central Portugal. Further research is needed to understand how wildlife affects the epidemiology of HEV infections in Portugal.

Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus as Food- and Waterborne Pathogens-Transmission Routes and Methods for Detection in Food

Foodborne viruses are an important threat to food safety and public health. Globally, there are approximately 5 million cases of acute viral hepatitis due to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) every year. HAV is responsible for numerous food-related viral outbreaks worldwide, while HEV is an emerging pathogen with a global health burden. The reported HEV cases in Europe have increased tenfold in the last 20 years due to its zoonotic transmission through the consumption of infected meat or meat products. HEV is considered the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide currently. This review focuses on the latest findings on the foodborne transmission routes of HAV and HEV and the methods for their detection in different food matrices.

Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection from Hunted Wild Boars in Central Italy: an Epidemiological Investigation

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.

Hepatitis E virus in pork meat products and exposure assessment in Belgium

Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections are the predominant cause of acute viral hepatitis in Europe, mostly associated with the consumption of HEV contaminated pork meat. In this study we looked at the HEV RNA positivity rate of pork meat products readily available from Belgian supermarkets and evaluated the overall HEV consumer exposure in a Belgian context. Two basic assessments were performed in a 'worst-case' scenario setting: one solely focusing on the contamination level of the product itself (ingredients and processing parameters) and another estimating the overall consumer exposure, taking into account consumption habits in Belgium. Non-thermal-processed ready-to-eat (i.e. ready for consumption without additional cooking step by consumer) pork meat products (e.g. raw dried sausages), had a high estimated HEV contamination level, while thermal-processed ready-to-eat pork meat products (e.g. pork liver pâté) had the highest overall consumer exposure estimates. Following these assessments, pork liver pâtés, raw dried hams and raw dried sausages (n = 54) were purchased from Belgian supermarkets (n = 3) and analyzed for HEV RNA by RT-PCR. In total, 31 % (n = 17) products tested positive. HEV RNA was found in 65 % of the pork liver pâtés, 15 % of raw dried hams and 0 % of raw dried sausages. Phylogenetic analysis of four isolates (all gt3c) from pork liver pâté samples showed similarities with human clinical cases from Germany and Belgium.

Hepatitis E virus detection in hunted wild boar (Sus scrofa) livers in Central Italy

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen, responsible for numerous cases of infection in humans. Transmission occurs through the orofecal route, and ingestion of contaminated foods represents an important risk factor for final consumer's health. Wild animal species, in particular wild boar (Sus scrofa), are the main virus reservoirs; liver is the target organ, from which, through the hematic diffusion, HEV reaches different tissues and organs, as muscular one. The hygienic-sanitary critical issues connected with game meat food chain in general, and particularly wild boar, with special regards to any geographical area where this animal species can be directly in contact with humans, domestic ones (i.e., domestic pig), and other wild reservoirs (i.e., wild ruminants), finds favorable environmental conditions, have induced us to conduce the present scientific investigation. During the hunting season 2019/2020, a total of 156 wild boar livers were collected from provided plucks at slaughterhouse in Ascoli Piceno. Nested RT-PCR was used for the viral RNA detection. Results demonstrated a positivity of 5.12% (8/156), and the circulation in the screened area of genotype 3 subtype c, which is frequently identified in Central Italy. HEV sanitary relevance and the emerging role of any food chains in its transmission impose further detailed studies. The molecular screening of hunted wild boars' livers can provide important information about virus's circulation in wild animal populations in a specific area.

Real-Time PCR-Based Methods for Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Pork Products: A Critical Review

Standard methods for detection of hepatitis A virus and norovirus in at-risk foodstuffs are available, but currently there is no standard method for detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pork products or other foods that can be contaminated with the virus. Detection assays for HEV are mainly based on nucleic acid amplification, particularly the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) in real-time format. RTPCR-based methods can be sensitive and specific, but they require a suite of controls to verify that they have performed correctly. There have been several RTPCR methods developed to detect HEV in pork products, varying in details of sample preparation and RTPCR target sequences. This review critically discusses published HEV detection methods, with emphasis on those that have been successfully used in subsequent studies and surveys. RTPCR assays have been used both qualitatively and quantitatively, although in the latter case the data acquired are only reliable if appropriate assay calibration has been performed. One particular RTPCR assay appears to be ideal for incorporation in a standard method, as it has been demonstrated to be highly specific and sensitive, and an appropriate control and calibration standard is available. The review focuses on the detection of HEV in pork products and similar foodstuffs (e.g., boar). The information may be useful to inform standardisation activities.

Pharmacological Applications and Action Mechanisms of Phytochemicals as Alternatives to Antibiotics in Pig Production

Antibiotics are widely used for infectious diseases and feed additives for animal health and growth. Antibiotic resistant caused by overuse of antibiotics poses a global health threat. It is urgent to choose safe and environment-friendly alternatives to antibiotics to promote the ecological sustainable development of the pig industry. Phytochemicals are characterized by little residue, no resistance, and minimal side effects and have been reported to improve animal health and growth performance in pigs, which may become a promising additive in pig production. This paper summarizes the biological functions of recent studies of phytochemicals on growth performance, metabolism, antioxidative capacity, gut microbiota, intestinal mucosa barrier, antiviral, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, detoxification of mycotoxins, as well as their action mechanisms in pig production. The review may provide the theoretical basis for the application of phytochemicals functioning as alternative antibiotic additives in the pig industry.

Inactivation of Foodborne Viruses by UV Light: A Review

Viruses on some foods can be inactivated by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This green technology has little impact on product quality and, thus, could be used to increase food safety. While its bactericidal effect has been studied extensively, little is known about the viricidal effect of UV on foods. The mechanism of viral inactivation by UV results mainly from an alteration of the genetic material (DNA or RNA) within the viral capsid and, to a lesser extent, by modifying major and minor viral proteins of the capsid. In this review, we examine the potential of UV treatment as a means of inactivating viruses on food processing surfaces and different foods. The most common foodborne viruses and their laboratory surrogates; further explanation on the inactivation mechanism and its efficacy in water, liquid foods, meat products, fruits, and vegetables; and the prospects for the commercial application of this technology are discussed. Lastly, we describe UV’s limitations and legislation surrounding its use. Based on our review of the literature, viral inactivation in water seems to be particularly effective. While consistent inactivation through turbid liquid food or the entire surface of irregular food matrices is more challenging, some treatments on different food matrices seem promising.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in wild boars

This systematic review and meta-analysis summarize the available information on Hepatitis E virus (HEV) -specific antibody seroprevalence and HEV RNA prevalence in wild boar, one of the most abundant game species worldwide. A literature search (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus) was performed to find relevant peer-reviewed works published during the period 1990-2020. A random-effect model was carried out to calculate the pooled HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence and HEV RNA prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, and I2 statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the data. Values by subgroups were compared according to the geographical area, age class (≤ 12 months old and > 12 months old), and sample type (bile, faeces, liver, meat/muscle, serum). Sixty-nine publications were selected, with the majority of the studies from Southern Europe (n = 27). The pooled HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence in wild boar was 28% (CI95% 23-34) and the HEV RNA prevalence 8% (CI95% 6-10). The analysis highlighted a significant heterogeneity among the estimates from the included studies (I2 = 98% and I2 = 95% for HEV-specific antibody seroprevalence and viral prevalence respectively). The moderator analysis indicated a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.03) for the HEV RNA prevalence according to the sample type, with the highest value in bile (17%, CI95% 9-27), followed by liver (10%, CI95% 7-14), serum (7%, CI95% 4-10), faeces (5%, CI95% 2-9), and meat/muscle (3%, CI95% 0.04-10). Finally, the HEV RNA prevalence in Europe (8.7, CI95% 6.7-11) was significantly (p-value = 0.04) higher than in Asia (4, CI95% 0.6-8). The analysis highlights the important role of wild boar in the epidemiology of HEV.

Systematic Review of Hepatitis E Virus in Brazil: A One-Health Approach of the Human-Animal-Environment Triad

Simple Summary

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important causative agent of acute and chronic hepatitis worldwide. Originally identified in epidemics associated with flooding in Asia, it nowadays shows very distinct genetic and epidemiological patterns. While HEV genotypes (HEV-) 1 and 2 are associated with the original outbreaks (waterborne diseases), HEV-3 and HEV-4 present a zoonotic pattern (associated with consumption of meat from infected animals), HEV-5 and 6 have been found only in wild boar in Japan, and HEV-7 and 8 have been detected in camels and dromedary seldom affecting humans. Brazil, with a precarious sanitary structure and being an important world meat producer, was the focus of this study in order to identify patterns of occurrence of HEV. After reviewing scientific studies, it was identified that the only genotype found in Brazil is HEV-3 and the area where there were more reports was the South region of the country. This is the region that produces more pork. These results indicate that HEV-3 is widespread in the country and sanitary surveillance is essential in the national production of pigs, as well as the implementation of monitoring protocols in hospitals.

Abstract

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world with diverse socioeconomic and sanitary conditions, also being the fourth largest pig producer in the world. The aim of the present systematic review was to collect and summarize all HEV published data from Brazil (from 1995 to October 2020) performed in humans, animals, and the environment, in a One Health perspective. A total of 2173 papers were retrieved from five search databases (LILACs, Mendeley, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) resulting in 71 eligible papers after application of exclusion/inclusion criteria. Data shows that HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) was the only retrieved genotype in humans, animals, and environment in Brazil. The South region showed the highest human seroprevalence and also the highest pig density and industry, suggesting a zoonotic link. HEV-1 and 2 were not detected in Brazil, despite the low sanitary conditions of some regions. From the present review we infer that HEV epidemiology in Brazil is similar to that of industrialized countries (only HEV-3, swine reservoirs, no waterborne transmission, no association with low sanitary conditions). Hence, we alert for the implementation of HEV surveillance systems in swine and for the consideration of HEV in the diagnostic routine of acute and chronic hepatitis in humans.

Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Acquired Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Blood Donors, United Kingdom, 2018-2019

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in England. Substantial yearly increases of autochthonous infections were observed during 2003–2016 and again during 2017–2019. Previous studies associated acute HEV cases with consumption of processed pork products, we investigated risk factors for autochthonous HEV infections in the blood donor population in England. Study participants were 117 HEV RNA–positive blood donors and 564 HEV RNA–negative blood donors. No persons with positive results were vegetarian; 97.4% of persons with positive results reported eating pork products. Consuming bacon (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.7–5.5; p<0.0001), cured pork meats (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.2–5.4; p<0.0001), and pigs’ liver (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–8.3; p = 0.04) were significantly associated with HEV infection. Our findings confirm previous links to pork products and suggest that appropriate animal husbandry is essential to reduce the risk for HEV infection.

Hepatitis E Virus in the Food of Animal Origin: A Review

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cosmopolitan foodborne pathogen. The viral agent infects humans through the consumption of contaminated food (uncooked or undercooked). Most cases of infection are asymptomatic and for this reason, this pathology is considered underdiagnosed. Domestic and wild animals are considered natural reservoirs: that is, domestic pig, wild boar, sheep, goat, deer, rabbit, and so on. Therefore, various work categories are at risk: that is, veterinarians, farmers, hunters, slaughterhouse workers, and so on. In these last decades, researchers found a high percentage of positivity to the molecular viral detection in several food matrices included: ready-to-eat products, processed meat products, milk, and shellfish. This review aims to provide an international scenario regarding HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) detection in several foodstuffs. From this investigative perspective, the study aims to highlight various gaps of the current knowledge about technologies treatments' impact on viral loads. The purpose was also to provide an innovative point of view "One Health"-based, pointing out the strategic role of environmental safety.

Foodborne transmission of hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses: A literature review

Foodborne viruses have been recognized as a growing concern to the food industry and a serious public health problem. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is responsible for the majority of viral outbreaks of food origin worldwide, while hepatitis E virus (HEV) has also been gaining prominence as a foodborne viral agent in the last years, due to its zoonotic transmission through the consumption of uncooked or undercooked infected meat or derivatives. However, there is a lack of scientific reports that gather all the updated information about HAV and HEV as foodborne viruses. A search of all scientific articles about HAV and HEV in food until March 2020 was carried out, using the keywords "HAV", "HEV", "foodborne", "outbreak" and "detection in food". Foodborne outbreaks due to HAV have been reported since 1956, mainly in the USA, and in Europe in recent years, where the number of outbreaks has been increasing throughout time, and nowadays it has become the continent with the highest foodborne HAV outbreak report. Investigation and detection of HAV in food is more recent, and the first detections were performed in the 1990s decade, most of them carried out on seafood, first, and frozen food, later. On the other hand, HEV has been mainly looked for and detected in food derived from reservoir animals, such as meat, sausages and pate of pigs and wild boars. For this virus, only isolated cases and small outbreaks of foodborne transmission have been recorded, most of them in industrialized countries, due to HEV genotype 3 or 4. Virus detection in food matrices requires special processing of the food matrix, followed by RNA detection by molecular techniques. For HAV, a real-time PCR has been agreed as the standard method for virus detection in food; in the case of HEV, a consensus assay for its detection in food has not been reached yet. Our investigation shows that there is still little data about HAV and HEV prevalence and frequency of contamination in food, prevalent viral strains, and sources of contamination, mainly in developing countries, where there is no research and legislation in this regard. Studies on these issues are needed to get a better understanding of foodborne viruses, their maintenance and their potential to cause diseases.

Whole Genome Sequencing Characterization of HEV3-e and HEV3-f Subtypes among the Wild Boar Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy: First Report

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent zoonotic pathogen, causing worldwide acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. HEV comprises eight genotypes and several subtypes. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV3 and HEV4) are zoonotic. In Italy, the most part of HEV infections (80%) is due to autochthonous HEV3 circulation of the virus, and the key role played by wild animals is generally accepted. Abruzzo is an Italian region officially considered an HEV "hot spot", with subtype HEV3-c being up to now the only one reported among wild boars. During the year 2018-2019, a group of wild boars in Abruzzo were screened for HEV; positive RNA liver samples were subjected to HEV characterization by using the whole genome sequencing (WGS) approach methodology. This represents the first report about the detection of HEV-3 subtypes e and f in the wild boar population in this area. Since in Italy human infections from HEV 3-e and f have been associated with pork meat consumption, our findings deserve more in-depth analysis with the aim of evaluating any potential correlation between wild animals, the pork chain production and HEV human infections.

Nine-Year Nationwide Environmental Surveillance of Hepatitis E Virus in Urban Wastewaters in Italy (2011-2019)

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging causative agent of acute hepatitis worldwide. To provide insights into the epidemiology of HEV in Italy, a large-scale investigation was conducted into urban sewage over nine years (2011-2019), collecting 1374 sewage samples from 48 wastewater treatment plants located in all the 20 regions of Italy. Broadly reactive primers targeting the ORF1 and ORF2 regions were used for the detection and typing of HEV, followed by Sanger and next generation sequencing (NGS). Real-time RT-qPCR was also used to attempt quantification of positive samples. HEV RNA detection occurred in 74 urban sewage samples (5.4%), with a statistically significant higher frequency (7.1%) in central Italy. Fifty-six samples were characterized as G3 strains and 18 as G1. While the detection of G3 strains occurred in all the surveillance period, G1 strains were mainly detected in 2011-2012, and never in 2017-2019. Typing was achieved in 2 samples (3f subtype). Viral concentrations in quantifiable samples ranged from 1.2 × 103 g.c./L to 2.8 × 104 g.c./L. Our results suggest the considerable circulation of the virus in the Italian population, despite a relatively small number of notified cases, a higher occurrence in central Italy, and a noteworthy predominance of G3 strains.

Molecular Characterization of HEV Genotype 3 in Italy at Human/Animal Interface

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging public health issue in industrialized countries. In the last decade the number of autochthonous human infections has increased in Europe. Genotype 3 (HEV-3) is typically zoonotic, being foodborne the main route of transmission to humans, and is the most frequently detected in Europe in both humans and animals (mainly pigs and wild boars). In Italy, the first autochthonous human case was reported in 1999; since then, HEV-3 has been widely detected in both humans and animals. Despite the zoonotic characteristic of HEV-3 is well established, the correlation between animal and human strains has been poorly investigated in Italy. In the present study, we compared the subtype distribution of HEV-3 in humans and animals (swine and wild boar) in the period 2000-2018 from Italy. The dataset for this analysis included a total of 96 Italian ORF2 sequences (300 nt long), including both NCBI database-derived (n = 64) and recent sequences (2016-2018, n = 32) obtained in this study. The results show that subtype 3f is the most frequent in humans and pigs, followed by the HEV-3e, HEV-3c and other unassignable HEV-3 strains. Diversely, in wild boar a wider group of HEV-3 subtypes have been detected, including HEV-3a, which has also been detected for the first time in a human patient in Central Italy in 2017, and a wide group of unassignable HEV-3 strains. The phylogenetic analysis including, besides Italian strains, also sequences from other countries retrieved from the NCBI database, indicated that human Italian sequences, in particular those of HEV-3f and HEV-3e, form significant clusters mainly with sequences of animal origin from the same country. Nevertheless, for HEV-3c, rarely detected in Italian pigs, human sequences from Italy are more correlated to human sequences from other European countries. Furthermore, clusters of near-identical human strains identified in a short time interval in Lazio Region (Central Italy) can be recognized in the phylogenetic tree, suggesting that multiple infections originating from a common source have occurred, and confirming the importance of sequencing support to HEV surveillance.