1
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Pischke S, Knoop EV, Mader M, Kling L, Wolski A, Wagner A, Mueller K, Horvatits T, Stiller J, Wisnewski K, Kohn B, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Anti-HEV seroprevalence and rate of viremia in a German cohort of dogs, cats, and horses. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19240. [PMID: 37935733 PMCID: PMC10630430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46009-y] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections in Germany are mainly transmitted zoonotically through the consumption of swine meat. Furthermore, there is evidence that pets might come into contact with HEV, but the relevance of companion animals as possible sources of HEV transmission in Germany still needs to be defined. A monitoring study was therefore carried out on dogs, cats, and horses from Germany. In total 365 serum samples from pets (124 dogs, 119 cats, and 122 horses) were tested for HEV by PCR and for anti-HEV antibodies by a commercial ELISA. The HEV seroprevalence determined by the sero-assay varied significantly between dogs (10%), cats (6%), and horses (2%). Liver injury-related enzymes, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no differences between HEV-positive or negative animals. None of the pet serum samples tested positive for PCR. This serological study suggests that dogs and cats are significantly exposed to HEV in Germany, while horses are of minor relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pischke
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - M Mader
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - L Kling
- SYNLAB.Vet GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Wolski
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Wagner
- Vetambulanz Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Mueller
- Small Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - T Horvatits
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J Stiller
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - K Wisnewski
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - B Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Schulze Zur Wiesch
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M H Groschup
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Eiden
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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2
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Tsachev I, Gospodinova K, Pepovich R, Takova K, Kundurzhiev T, Zahmanova G, Kaneva K, Baymakova M. First Insight into the Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Dogs, Cats, Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Goats from Bulgaria. Viruses 2023; 15:1594. [PMID: 37515279 PMCID: PMC10385379 DOI: 10.3390/v15071594] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been found to be widespread among different animal species worldwide. In Bulgaria, high HEV seropositivity was found among pigs (60.3%), wild boars (40.8%), and East Balkan swine (82.5%). The aim of the present study was to establish the seroprevalence of HEV among dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats in Bulgaria. In total, 720 serum samples from six animal species were randomly collected: dogs-90 samples; cats-90; horses-180; cattle-180; sheep-90; and goats-90. The serum samples were collected from seven districts of the country: Burgas, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Sliven, Smolyan, and Stara Zagora. The animal serum samples were tested for HEV antibodies using the commercial Wantai HEV-Ab ELISA kit (Beijing, China). The overall HEV seroprevalence among different animal species from Bulgaria was as follows: dogs-21.1%; cats-17.7%; horses-8.3%; cattle-7.7%; sheep-32.2%; and goats-24.4%. We found the lowest overall HEV seropositivity in Plovdiv district (6.2%; 4/64; p = 0.203) and Smolyan district (8.8%; 4/45; p = 0.129), vs. the highest in Pazardzhik district (21.6%; 29/134; p = 0.024) and Burgas district (28.8%; 26/90; p = 0.062). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first serological evidence of HEV infection in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats from Bulgaria. We found high HEV seropositivity in small ruminants (sheep and goats), moderate seropositivity in pets (dogs and cats), and a low level of seropositivity in large animals (horses and cattle). Previous Bulgarian studies and the results of this research show that HEV infection is widespread among animals in our country. In this regard, the Bulgarian health authorities must carry out increased surveillance and control of HEV infection among animals in Bulgaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Krasimira Gospodinova
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Roman Pepovich
- Department of Infectious Pathology, Hygiene, Technology and Control of Foods from Animal Origin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Todor Kundurzhiev
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and 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
| | - Kristin Kaneva
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
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3
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The first evidence of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) exposure in domestic cats in Türkiye. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 86:101820. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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4
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Caballero-Gómez J, Rivero-Juarez A, Jurado-Tarifa E, Jiménez-Martín D, Jiménez-Ruiz E, Castro-Scholten S, Ulrich RG, López-López P, Rivero A, García-Bocanegra I. Serological and molecular survey of hepatitis E virus in cats and dogs in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:240-248. [PMID: 34951935 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that is currently recognized as one of the major causes of acute human hepatitis worldwide. In Europe, the increasing number of hepatitis E cases is mainly associated with the consumption of animal food products or contact with infected animals. Dogs and cats have been suggested as a zoonotic source of HEV infection. The aim of this study was to assess Orthohepevirus circulation, including HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C species, in sympatric urban cats and dogs in southern Spain. Between 2017 and 2020, blood samples were collected from 144 stray cats and 152 dogs, both strays and pets. The presence of antibodies against HEV were tested using a double-antigen sandwich ELISA and seropositive samples were further analyzed by western blot. A RT-PCR was performed to detect RNA of Orthohepevirus species (HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C). A total of 19 (6.4%; 95%CI: 3.6-9.2) of the 296 animals tested showed anti-HEV antibodies by ELISA. Seropositivity was significantly higher in dogs (9.9%; 15/152; 95%CI: 5.1-14.6) than in cats (2.8%; 4/144; 95%CI: 0.1-5.5). Ten out of the 18 ELISA-positive animals that could be further analyzed by western blot, reacted against HEV-3 and/or HEV-C1 antigens, which suggest circulation of both genotypes in urban cats and dogs in the study area. However, HEV-A, HEV-B and HEV-C RNA was not detected in any of the tested sera. This is the first study to assess HEV circulation in both stray cats and dogs in Europe. Our results provide evidence of HEV exposure in sympatric urban cat and dog populations in southern Spain. Further studies are needed to determine the role of these species in the epidemiology of HEV. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España.,Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14004, España.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14004, España.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Estefanía Jurado-Tarifa
- Centro de Sanidad y Bienestar Animal (SBA), Empresa Municipal de Saneamiento de Córdoba (SADECO), Córdoba, 14005, España
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España
| | - Elena Jiménez-Ruiz
- Centro de Sanidad y Bienestar Animal (SBA), Empresa Municipal de Saneamiento de Córdoba (SADECO), Córdoba, 14005, España
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493, Germany
| | - Pedro López-López
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14004, España.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14004, España.,CIBERINFEC
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, 14014, España.,CIBERINFEC
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Capozza P, Decaro N, Beikpour F, Buonavoglia C, Martella V. Emerging Hepatotropic Viruses in Cats: A Brief Review. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061162. [PMID: 34204394 PMCID: PMC8233973 DOI: 10.3390/v13061162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The possible role of viruses in feline liver disease has long remained neglected. However, in 2018, an analogue of human hepatitis B virus was identified in cats. Moreover, antibodies for human hepatitis E have been detected consistently at various prevalence rates in cats. Although the correlation between these viruses and the liver injury in cats must be clarified, hepatotropic viruses might represent an increasing risk for feline and public health.
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6
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Nishizawa T, Usui R, Narabu Y, Takahashi M, Murata K, Okamoto H. Identification of a novel pegivirus in pet cats (Felis silvestris catus) in Japan. Virus Res 2021; 301:198452. [PMID: 33971193 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We report a novel pegivirus in pet cats (Felis silvestris catus) in Japan. This virus was only 44.0-49.6 % identical to the reported viruses in the 11 current Pegivirus species and an unclassified pegivirus in dolphins within the entire protein-coding nucleotide sequence and was detected in 1.6 % of pet cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Nishizawa
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Reiko Usui
- Usui Dog and Cat Hospital, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-0136, Japan
| | - Yoko Narabu
- Narabu Animal Hospital, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0227, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Murata
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
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7
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Capozza P, Martella V, Lanave G, Beikpour F, Di Profio F, Palombieri A, Sarchese V, Marsilio F, La Rosa G, Suffredini E, Camero M, Buonavoglia C, Di Martino B. A surveillance study of hepatitis E virus infection in household cats. Res Vet Sci 2021; 137:40-43. [PMID: 33932821 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) typically causes self-limiting acute viral hepatitis, however chronic infection and extrahepatic manifestations have increasingly become a significant health problem. Domestic pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs of HEV genotype 3 and genotype 4 for human infections in industrialized countries, although molecular and serological evidence suggest that several additional animal species may act as HEV hosts. In this study, by assessing serologically and molecularly the sera of 324 household cats from Apulia region (Italy), HEV antibodies were detected with an overall prevalence of 3.1%. Viral RNA was not detected in the sera of the animals using both HEV-specific assays and a pan-hepevirus broadly reactive set of primers for Hepeviridae. These findings document a low seroprevalence to HEV in cats in the investigated geographical setting. The exact nature of the HEV-like strains circulating in feline population remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Capozza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Farzad Beikpour
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Federica Di Profio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Palombieri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sarchese
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Camero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Canio Buonavoglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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8
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Li P, Liu J, Li Y, Su J, Ma Z, Bramer WM, Cao W, de Man RA, Peppelenbosch MP, Pan Q. The global epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2020; 40:1516-1528. [PMID: 32281721 PMCID: PMC7384095 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis E virus (HEV), as an emerging zoonotic pathogen, is a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide, with a high risk of developing chronic infection in immunocompromised patients. However, the global epidemiology of HEV infection has not been comprehensively assessed. This study aims to map the global prevalence and identify the risk factors of HEV infection by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic searching of articles published in Medline, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane and Google scholar databases till July 2019 was conducted to identify studies with HEV prevalence data. Pooled prevalence among different countries and continents was estimated. HEV IgG seroprevalence of subgroups was compared and risk factors for HEV infection were evaluated using odd ratios (OR). RESULTS We identified 419 related studies which comprised of 1 519 872 individuals. A total of 1 099 717 participants pooled from 287 studies of general population estimated a global anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence of 12.47% (95% CI 10.42-14.67; I2 = 100%). Notably, the use of ELISA kits from different manufacturers has a substantial impact on the global estimation of anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence. The pooled estimate of anti-HEV IgM seroprevalence based on 98 studies is 1.47% (95% CI 1.14-1.85; I2 = 99%). The overall estimate of HEV viral RNA-positive rate in general population is 0.20% (95% CI 0.15-0.25; I2 = 98%). Consumption of raw meat (P = .0001), exposure to soil (P < .0001), blood transfusion (P = .0138), travelling to endemic areas (P = .0244), contacting with dogs (P = .0416), living in rural areas (P = .0349) and receiving education less than elementary school (P < .0001) were identified as risk factors for anti-HEV IgG positivity. CONCLUSIONS Globally, approximately 939 million corresponding to 1 in 8 individuals have ever experienced HEV infection. 15-110 million individuals have recent or ongoing HEV infection. Our study highlights the substantial burden of HEV infection and calls for increasing routine screening and preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jiaye Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Junhong Su
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands,Biomedical Research CenterNorthwest Minzu UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Zhongren Ma
- Biomedical Research CenterNorthwest Minzu UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Wichor M. Bramer
- Medical LibraryErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Wanlu Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Robert A. de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MC‐University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands,Biomedical Research CenterNorthwest Minzu UniversityLanzhouChina
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9
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Li Y, Qu C, Spee B, Zhang R, Penning LC, de Man RA, Peppelenbosch MP, Fieten H, Pan Q. Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence in pets in the Netherlands and the permissiveness of canine liver cells to the infection. Ir Vet J 2020; 73:6. [PMID: 32266057 PMCID: PMC7119158 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-020-00158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) as an emerging zoonotic pathogen causes a major public health issue. Transmission from domestic, wildlife and zoo animals to human has been widely reported. Whether pets also serve as reservoirs remains an intriguing question. In this study, we found the sero-positive rates of HEV-specific antibodies in pet dogs, cats and horses of 18.52% (30/162), 14.89% (7/47) and 18.18% (4/22) in the Netherlands. Although HEV viral RNA was not detected in these animals, we have demonstrated that dog liver cells are susceptible to HEV infection in vitro. These results call more attention to address the potential role of pets in the zoonotic transmission of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Li
- 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, room Na-1005, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Changbo Qu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, room Na-1005, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Spee
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, room Na-1005, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louis C Penning
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A de Man
- 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, room Na-1005, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, room Na-1005, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hille Fieten
- 2Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, room Na-1005, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, NL-3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Dähnert L, Conraths FJ, Reimer N, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Molecular and serological surveillance of Hepatitis E virus in wild and domestic carnivores in Brandenburg, Germany. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:1377-1380. [PMID: 29655214 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12877] [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: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic virus which circulates in pigs and wild boars as main reservoir species. To reveal the infection rate in carnivores, we have carried out a monitoring study of raccoons, raccoon dogs, dogs and cats sampled in Brandenburg, Germany. In summary, 53.8% (43 of 80) of the raccoons, 34.3% (25 of 73) of the raccoon dogs, 56.6% (47 of 83) of dogs and 32.3% (21 of 65) of cats were tested positive for HEV-specific antibodies. No viral RNA could be detected. This first description of anti-HEV antibodies in raccoons and raccoon dogs worldwide and in dogs and cats in Germany highlights the natural host range expansion of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dähnert
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F J Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - N Reimer
- Institute of Epidemiology at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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11
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Baumann-Popczyk A, Popczyk B, Gołąb E, Rożej-Bielicka W, Sadkowska-Todys M. A cross-sectional study among Polish hunters: seroprevalence of hepatitis E and the analysis of factors contributing to HEV infections. Med Microbiol Immunol 2017; 206:367-378. [PMID: 28776194 PMCID: PMC5599476 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-017-0515-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is known as zoonotic agent. The main reservoirs of HEV in Europe are pigs, wild boars, and deer. Hunting activity is considered to be a risk factor for HEV infection. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1021 Polish hunters. To understand socio-demographic characteristics of this population and to gather information on potential exposures, all participants completed a questionnaire. Commercial immunoassays were employed to estimate seroprevalence anti-HEV. Samples with confirmed positive result of anti-HEV IgM were examined for HEV RNA. Anti-HEV IgG were identified in 227 people, 22.2% of the studied group. Seroprevalence among the studied hunters was associated with age ≥65 [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.6, p = 0.037), living in a house (aPR 1.54, p = 0.013), professional contact with farm animals (aPR 1.09, p = 0.01), and consumption of stewed offal (aPR 1.61, p = 0.00). Washing hands after disembowelment was linked to lower seroprevalence (aPR 0.53; p = 0.00). Lower prevalence of anti-HEV IgG among hunters living in cities was associated with age: 35–49 (aPR 0.52, p = 0.011) and 50–64 (aPR 0.93, p = 0.58), living in a house (aPR 1.58, p = 0.002) and owning a cat (aPR 0.58, p = 0.042). Among hunters living in rural areas, seropositivity was associated with contact with farm animals (aPR 1.66, p = 0.013) and consumption of stewed offal (aPR 1.81; p = 0.001). Contrary to initial assumptions, it was concluded that hunting was of significantly lesser importance than other factors. Due to the high level of HEV seroprevalence identified, we recommend conducting a large-scale study in the general population of Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Baumann-Popczyk
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska str 24, 00-791, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Bartłomiej Popczyk
- Department of Genetic and Animal Breeding, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,Polish Hunting Association, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gołąb
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wioletta Rożej-Bielicka
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sadkowska-Todys
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska str 24, 00-791, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Pelosi E, Clarke I. Hepatitis E: a complex and global disease. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v1i0.7069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Pelosi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Health Protection Agency, Southeast Regional Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; and
| | - I Clarke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Southampton Medical School, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
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13
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Yang Y, Shi R, She R, Soomro MH, Mao J, Du F, Zhao Y, Liu C. Effect of swine hepatitis E virus on the livers of experimentally infected Mongolian gerbils by swine hepatitis E virus. Virus Res 2015; 208:171-9. [PMID: 26093307 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be transmitted between rats, pigs, cattle, rabbits, chicken, cats, and deer. Because wild and domestic rodents have anti-HEV antibodies, they are considered potential reservoirs of HEV. In the current study, Mongolian gerbils were experimentally infected with swine hepatitis E virus and the effects of this infection were investigated. After inoculation with HEV, the liver-to-body weight ratio increased at 7 dpi. Mongolian gerbils demonstrated significant increase (p<0.05) in Aspartate Transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and total bilirubin (T-BIL) concentrations in the sera, and HEV IgG was detected at 21 days post-inoculation (dpi). Real-time PCR revealed that the copies of HEV RNA in the liver were detected at 7 dpi, and peaked at 28 dpi at a concentration of 7.73 logs g(-1). Using both light and electron microscopy, hepatic lesions were observed in the HEV inoculated animals. In the experimental group, characteristic viral hepatitis lesions were prominent in the liver. HEV antigen was detected in the liver by immunohistochemistry, and HEV ORF3 antigen was detectable in liver by Western blot. These results clearly demonstrate that viral load of HEV in livers was dynamic, and ultrastructural hepatic injury in HEV infected Mongolian gerbils and anti-HEV IgG positive seroconversion were observed during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Yang
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Ruihan Shi
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Ruiping She
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Majid Hussain Soomro
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jingjing Mao
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation Research Center, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Fang Du
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Can Liu
- Lab of Animal Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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14
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Hepatitis E virus serosurvey among pet dogs and cats in several developed cities in China. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98068. [PMID: 24896257 PMCID: PMC4045666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by Hepatitis E virus (HEV), as a zoonotic disease virus, is well studied in pigs in China, but few studies in pets have been performed. This study was designed to characterize the prevalence of HEV infection among pet dogs and cats in major metropolitan areas of China. We conducted a seroepidemiological survey from 2012 to 2013 in 5 developed cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Canton, Shenzhen and Macao, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall HEV seroprevalence in 658 dog and 191 cat serum samples was 21.12% and 6.28%, respectively. The analysis in dogs suggested that there were significant differences among cities, and the positive rate of HEV-specific antibody in all cities ranged from 6.06% (Shenzhen) to 29.34% (Beijing). Older pet cats have a high risk (OR, 10.25) for HEV seropositivity, but no strong relationship was observed between different genders and age groups. Additionally, it was revealed that stray dogs, omnivorous pet dogs and pet cats who share food, such as kitchen residue, with the general population would have a higher risk for HEV seropositivity. The odds ratios for these groups are 2.40, 2.83 and 5.39, respectively, compared with pet dogs and cats fed on commercial food. In this study, we first report that HEV is prevalent in pet dogs and cats in several large cities in China. Swill and kitchen residue may be a potential risk for HEV transmission from human to pets. As the sample size was relatively small in this study and may not be fully representative of China, further investigation is required to confirm the conclusions.
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15
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Junaid SA, Agina SE, Abubakar KA. Epidemiology and associated risk factors of hepatitis e virus infection in plateau state, Nigeria. Virology (Auckl) 2014; 5:15-26. [PMID: 25512696 PMCID: PMC4251053 DOI: 10.4137/vrt.s15422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study in Nigeria was undertaken to determine the epidemiology, seroprevalence, and associated risk factors, of hepatitis E virus (HEV). A total of 462 subjects were used for the study, categorized into four groups: apparently healthy persons, pregnant women, HIV positive subjects, and animal handlers. Information was obtained from subjects using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 statistical software. The overall seroprevalence of IgG and IgM was 42.7 and 0.9%, respectively. Animal handlers had the highest seroprevalence (66.7%). The associated risk factors for IgM seroprevalence were rural dwelling (P = 0.039, odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–15.4), blood transfusion (P < 0.001, OR 9.6, 95% CI 2.6–35.6), attending to animals (P = 0.032, OR 4.9, 95% CI 0.9–26.6), and waste disposal (P < 0.001). Factors associated with IgG were age (P = 0.044), location (P < 0.001), marital status (P < 0.001), formal education (P < 0.001), farming as occupation (P < 0.001), rural dwelling (P = 0.001), waste disposal (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P = 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.0), open defecation (P < 0.001, OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.7), attending to animals (P < 0.001, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.4), consuming unwashed fruits/vegetables (P < 0.001, OR 4.2, 95% CI 0.3–54.1), and stream/river as a source of drinking water (P < 0.001, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.8). Preventive public health measures should be reinforced among all communities, particularly domestic animal handlers and pregnant women. Potable water should be provided for all communities. Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, warranting further attention and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajudeen A Junaid
- Applied Microbiology Unit, Department of Plant Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria. ; Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria
| | - Samuel E Agina
- Applied Microbiology Unit, Department of Plant Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria
| | - Khadijah A Abubakar
- Department of Medical Virology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria
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16
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Complete genome sequence of Swine hepatitis e virus prevalent in southwest china. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2014; 2:2/2/e00090-14. [PMID: 24625866 PMCID: PMC3953187 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00090-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important public health concern in the world, especially in developing countries of Africa and Asia, including China. Hepatitis E is recognized as a zoonotic disease, which is transmitted across species, including between humans and swine. HEV is highly endemic in China, but the complete sequence of HEV in southwestern China is lacking. Swine HEV strain KM01 was isolated from a village in rural Kunming, Yunnan province, China, where swine are housed with humans. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the swine HEV strain KM01. The sequence and phylogenetic analyses reveal that swine HEV is closely related to the strain isolated from Xinjiang (CHN-XJ-SW13). The genome of the KM01 strain will facilitate further study of HEV molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity in China.
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17
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Pischke S, Gisa A, Suneetha PV, Wiegand SB, Taubert R, Schlue J, Wursthorn K, Bantel H, Raupach R, Bremer B, Zacher BJ, Schmidt RE, Manns MP, Rifai K, Witte T, Wedemeyer H. Increased HEV seroprevalence in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85330. [PMID: 24465537 PMCID: PMC3897432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection takes a clinically silent, self-limited course in the far majority of cases. Chronic hepatitis E has been reported in some cohorts of immunocompromised individuals. The role of HEV infections in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unknown. METHODS 969 individuals were tested for anti-HEV antibodies (MP-diagnostics) including 208 patients with AIH, 537 healthy controls, 114 patients with another autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 109 patients with chronic HCV- or HBV-infection (HBV/HCV). Patients with AIH, RA and HBV/HCV were tested for HEV RNA. HEV-specific proliferative T cell responses were investigated using CFSE staining and in vitro stimulation of PBMC with overlapping HEV peptides. RESULTS HEV-antibodies tested more frequently positive in patients with AIH (n = 16; 7.7%) than in healthy controls (n = 11; 2.0%; p = 0.0002), patients with RA (n = 4; 3.5%; p = 0.13) or patients with HBV/HCV infection (n = 2; 2.8%; p = 0.03). HEV-specific T cell responses could be detected in all anti-HEV-positive AIH patients. One AIH patient receiving immunosuppression with cyclosporin and prednisolone and elevated ALT levels had acute hepatitis E but HEV viremia resolved after reducing immunosuppressive medication. None of the RA or HBV/HCV patients tested HEV RNA positive. CONCLUSIONS Patients with autoimmune hepatitis but not RA or HBV/HCV patients are more likely to test anti-HEV positive. HEV infection should been ruled out before the diagnosis of AIH is made. Testing for HEV RNA is also recommended in AIH patients not responding to immunosuppressive therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/blood
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnosis
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/virology
- Case-Control Studies
- Coinfection
- Female
- Hepatitis Antibodies/blood
- Hepatitis B/blood
- Hepatitis B/diagnosis
- Hepatitis B/immunology
- Hepatitis B/virology
- Hepatitis C/blood
- Hepatitis C/diagnosis
- Hepatitis C/immunology
- Hepatitis C/virology
- Hepatitis E/blood
- Hepatitis E/diagnosis
- Hepatitis E/immunology
- Hepatitis E/virology
- Hepatitis E virus/immunology
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/blood
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/diagnosis
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/immunology
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/virology
- Hepatitis, Chronic
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host
- Male
- Middle Aged
- RNA, Viral/blood
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Pischke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anett Gisa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Steffen Björn Wiegand
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jerome Schlue
- Institute for Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karsten Wursthorn
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heike Bantel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Regina Raupach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgit Bremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Behrend Johann Zacher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael Peter Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kinan Rifai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Torsten Witte
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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18
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Takahashi M, Okamoto H. Features of hepatitis E virus infection in humans and animals in Japan. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:43-58. [PMID: 23721425 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In Japan, hepatitis E had long been considered to be a rare liver disease which can be accidentally imported from endemic countries in Asia and Africa, where the sanitation conditions are suboptimal. However, since the identification of the first autochthonous hepatitis E case and hepatitis E viremic domestic pigs in Japan in 2001, our understanding of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in this country has been changing markedly. This has largely been due to the development of serological and gene-based diagnostic assays, the accumulation of molecular epidemiological findings on HEV infection in humans and animals (as potential reservoirs for HEV in humans) and the recognition of the importance of zoonotic food-borne and other routes of transmission of HEV, including blood-borne transmission. Although it is now evident that autochthonous hepatitis E in Japan is far more common than was previously thought, clinical and subclinical HEV infections indigenous to Japan remain underdiagnosed and their prevalence is still underestimated due to the presence of unknown transmission routes and a low awareness of the infection status by many physicians in Japan. This review focuses on the features of HEV infection in humans and animals, as definitive or potential reservoirs for HEV, in Japan, and updates the current knowledge on the routes of transmission, including zoonotic routes, which are important for the maintenance and spread of HEV in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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19
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Krain LJ, Nelson KE, Labrique AB. Host immune status and response to hepatitis E virus infection. Clin Microbiol Rev 2014; 27:139-65. [PMID: 24396140 PMCID: PMC3910912 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00062-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), identified over 30 years ago, remains a serious threat to life, health, and productivity in developing countries where access to clean water is limited. Recognition that HEV also circulates as a zoonotic and food-borne pathogen in developed countries is more recent. Even without treatment, most cases of HEV-related acute viral hepatitis (with or without jaundice) resolve within 1 to 2 months. However, HEV sometimes leads to acute liver failure, chronic infection, or extrahepatic symptoms. The mechanisms of pathogenesis appear to be substantially immune mediated. This review covers the epidemiology of HEV infection worldwide, the humoral and cellular immune responses to HEV, and the persistence and protection of antibodies produced in response to both natural infection and vaccines. We focus on the contributions of altered immune states (associated with pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], and immunosuppressive agents used in cancer and transplant medicine) to the elevated risks of chronic infection (in immunosuppressed/immunocompromised patients) and acute liver failure and mortality (among pregnant women). We conclude by discussing outstanding questions about the immune response to HEV and interactions with hormones and comorbid conditions. These questions take on heightened importance now that a vaccine is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Krain
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenrad E. Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alain B. Labrique
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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de Carvalho LG, Marchevsky RS, dos Santos DRL, de Oliveira JM, de Paula VS, Lopes LM, Van der Poel WHM, González JE, Munné MS, Moran J, Cajaraville ACRA, Pelajo-Machado M, Cruz OG, Pinto MA. Infection by Brazilian and Dutch swine hepatitis E virus strains induces haematological changes in Macaca fascicularis. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:495. [PMID: 24148233 PMCID: PMC3870956 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been described as an emerging pathogen in Brazil and seems to be widely disseminated among swine herds. An autochthonous human case of acute hepatitis E was recently reported. To obtain a better understanding of the phenotypic profiles of both human and swine HEV strains, a experimental study was conducted using the animal model, Macaca fascicularis. METHODS Six cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were inoculated intravenously with swine HEV genotype 3 that was isolated from naturally and experimentally infected pigs in Brazil and the Netherlands. Two other monkeys were inoculated with HEV genotype 3 that was recovered from Brazilian and Argentinean patients with locally acquired acute and fulminant hepatitis E. The haematological, biochemical, and virological parameters of all animals were monitored for 67 days. RESULTS Subclinical hepatitis was observed in all monkeys after inoculation with HEV genotype 3 that was recovered from the infected swine and human patients. HEV RNA was detected in the serum and/or faeces of 6 out of the 8 cynomolgus monkeys between 5 and 53 days after inoculation. The mild inflammation of liver tissues and elevations of discrete liver enzymes were observed. Seroconversions to anti-HEV IgM and/or IgG were detected in 7 animals. Reactivities to anti-HEV IgA were also detected in the salivary samples of 3 animals. Interestingly, all of the infected monkeys showed severe lymphopenia and a trend toward monocytosis, which coincided with elevations in alanine aminotransferase and antibody titres. CONCLUSIONS The ability of HEV to cross the species barrier was confirmed for both the swine (Brazilian and Dutch) and human (Argentinean) strains, thus reinforcing the zoonotic risk of hepatitis E in South America. Cynomolgus monkeys that were infected with HEV genotype 3 developed subclinical hepatitis that was associated with haematological changes. Haematological approaches should be considered in future studies of HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian G de Carvalho
- Centre for Laboratory Animal Breeding, Department of Primatology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renato S Marchevsky
- Laboratory of Neurovirulence, Institute of Technology on Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Debora RL dos Santos
- Laboratory of Veterinary Viruses, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, UFRRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline M de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vanessa S de Paula
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leilane M Lopes
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilhelmus HM Van der Poel
- Central Veterinary, Institute of Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jorge E González
- National Reference Laboratory in Viral Hepatitis, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria S Munné
- National Reference Laboratory in Viral Hepatitis, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julio Moran
- Dr. Julio Moran Laboratories, Ebmatingen, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Carolina R A Cajaraville
- Laboratory of Virological Technology, Institute of Technology on Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pelajo-Machado
- Laboratory of Pathology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Oswaldo G Cruz
- Programme of Scientific Computation, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Pinto
- Laboratory of Technological Development in Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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21
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Odaibo GN, Olaleye DO. Hepatitis E Virus Infection in HIV Positive ART Naive and Experienced Individuals in Nigeria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/wja.2013.33029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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22
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Sanford BJ, Emerson SU, Purcell RH, Engle RE, Dryman BA, Cecere TE, Buechner-Maxwell V, Sponenberg DP, Meng XJ. Serological evidence for a hepatitis e virus-related agent in goats in the United States. Transbound Emerg Dis 2012; 60:538-45. [PMID: 22909079 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes an important public health disease in many developing countries and is also endemic in some industrialized countries. In addition to humans, strains of HEV have been genetically identified from pig, chicken, rat, mongoose, deer, rabbit and fish. While the genotypes 1 and 2 HEV are restricted to humans, the genotypes 3 and 4 HEV are zoonotic and infect humans and other animal species. As a part of our ongoing efforts to search for potential animal reservoirs for HEV, we tested goats from Virginia for evidence of HEV infection and showed that 16% (13/80) of goat sera from Virginia herds were positive for IgG anti-HEV. Importantly, we demonstrated that neutralizing antibodies to HEV were present in selected IgG anti-HEV positive goat sera. Subsequently, in an attempt to genetically identify the HEV-related agent from goats, we conducted a prospective study in a closed goat herd with known anti-HEV seropositivity and monitored a total of 11 kids from the time of birth until 14 weeks of age for evidence of HEV infection. Seroconversion to IgG anti-HEV was detected in seven of the 11 kids, although repeated attempts to detect HEV RNA by a broad-spectrum nested RT-PCR from the faecal and serum samples of the goats that had seroconverted were unsuccessful. In addition, we also attempted to experimentally infect laboratory goats with three well-characterized mammalian strains of HEV but with no success. The results indicate that a HEV-related agent is circulating and maintained in the goat population in Virginia and that the goat HEV is likely genetically very divergent from the known HEV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Sanford
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Restricted enzooticity of hepatitis E virus genotypes 1 to 4 in the United States. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:4164-72. [PMID: 21998412 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.05481-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is recognized as a zoonosis, and swine are known reservoirs, but how broadly enzootic its causative agent, hepatitis E virus (HEV), is remains controversial. To determine the prevalence of HEV infection in animals, a serological assay with capability to detect anti-HEV-antibody across a wide variety of animal species was devised. Recombinant antigens comprising truncated capsid proteins generated from HEV-subgenomic constructs that represent all four viral genotypes were used to capture anti-HEV in the test sample and as an analyte reporter. To facilitate development and validation of the assay, serum samples were assembled from blood donors (n = 372), acute hepatitis E patients (n = 94), five laboratory animals (rhesus monkey, pig, New Zealand rabbit, Wistar rat, and BALB/c mouse) immunized with HEV antigens, and four pigs experimentally infected with HEV. The assay was then applied to 4,936 sera collected from 35 genera of animals that were wild, feral, domesticated, or otherwise held captive in the United States. Test positivity was determined in 457 samples (9.3%). These originated from: bison (3/65, 4.6%), cattle (174/1,156, 15%), dogs (2/212, 0.9%), Norway rats (2/318, 0.6%), farmed swine (267/648, 41.2%), and feral swine (9/306, 2.9%). Only the porcine samples yielded the highest reactivities. HEV RNA was amplified from one farmed pig and two feral pigs and characterized by nucleotide sequencing to belong to genotype 3. HEV infected farmed swine primarily, and the role of other animals as reservoirs of its zoonotic spread appears to be limited.
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Seroepidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus in Macaca Mulatta from a Village in Yunnan, China, where Infection with this Virus Is Endemic. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2011. [DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1735143x.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss recent advances in characterising viral Hepatitis E (HEV) in nonendemic regions, with a special focus on epidemiology in high-income countries, different clinical aspects of the disease, possible zoonotic origin of these cases and the improvement of Hepatitis E diagnosis. RECENT FINDINGS In high-income countries, most cases of Hepatitis E are acquired locally and not imported from endemic regions. Different genotypes are involved in indigenous cases than those in endemic regions. Particular population groups, such as transplant recipients, can be persistently infected by hepatitis E and develop chronic diseases. Viral hepatitis E is frequently observed in people in animal care occupations. Indeed, HEV has a large animal reservoir and this emerging disease in developed countries has probably a zoonotic origin. SUMMARY Recent studies on viral Hepatitis E have shown that the epidemiology of the disease differs between endemic and nonendemic regions. Several lines of evidence suggest that Hepatitis E is more frequent than was suspected and that it has a possible animal origin. Particular attention must be paid to the possible chronic evolution of various forms of the disease. Surveillance of human cases and animal reservoirs must be developed further.
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Fu H, Li L, Zhu Y, Wang L, Geng J, Chang Y, Xue C, Du G, Li Y, Zhuang H. Hepatitis E virus infection among animals and humans in Xinjiang, China: possibility of swine to human transmission of sporadic hepatitis E in an endemic area. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 82:961-6. [PMID: 20439982 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a worldwide public health problem, especially in areas with poor sanitation. This study examines the potential hepatitis E virus (HEV) animal reservoirs and the current status of HEV infection among animals and humans in an endemic area of Xinjiang, China. One thousand five hundred twenty-one serum samples from 12 different animal species and 296 sera from humans were detected for anti-HEV with an in-house enzyme immunoassay, and partial HEV RNA was amplified with a reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR). All these distinct animal species, except jerboa and hoptoad, were positive for anti-HEV. However, HEV RNA was only amplified from pigs and a sporadic hepatitis E case in humans. The human HEV strain (CHN-XJ-HE29) shared 100% nucleotide identity with the swine HEV strain (CHN-XJ-SW50), both of which were collected from the same district; this indicates the possibility of HEV transmission from swine to humans in an endemic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Fu
- Department of Microbiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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27
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Seroprevalence and molecular detection of hepatitis E virus in wild boar and red deer in The Netherlands. J Virol Methods 2010; 168:197-206. [PMID: 20510298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2010.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To date, sources of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the Netherlands, including swine and wild boar, have been identified, but no direct attribution to Dutch hepatitis E cases have been demonstrated. Other animal sources may exist. To identify these species, HEV RNA detection by RT-PCR is required, but complicated. A preselection based on serology may be useful. Therefore, wildlife species were studied by serology and molecular methods. Using a species-independent double-antigen sandwich ELISA, HEV-specific antibodies were detected in sera from 12% of 1029 wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa), in 5% of 38 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and in none of 8 studied roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Differences in background signals were observed between species and accounted for by fitting finite mixture distributions. HEV RNA was detected in 8% of 106 wild boars, in 15% of 39 red deer and in none of 8 roe deer. In conclusion, HEV was shown to be present in European red deer for the first time. This preselection based on species-independent serological assays may be beneficial to identify new potential animal reservoirs of HEV. The consumption of Dutch undercooked wild boar and red deer meat may lead to human exposure to HEV.
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Song YJ, Jeong HJ, Kim YJ, Lee SW, Lee JB, Park SY, Song CS, Park HM, Choi IS. Analysis of complete genome sequences of swine hepatitis E virus and possible risk factors for transmission of HEV to humans in Korea. J Med Virol 2010; 82:583-91. [PMID: 20166181 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic agent, for which pigs are the most important reservoir. Complete genome sequences of two swine HEV strains, designated swKOR-1 and swKOR-2, were determined via RT-PCR and RACE-PCR. The strains contained genomes composed of 7,222- and 7,221-bp excluding the poly(A) tails, respectively. The swKOR-1 and swKOR-2 strains were classified into subtype 3a of genotype 3 via phylogenetic analysis. These strains formed a distinctive cluster in the phylogenetic tree with human and swine HEVs isolated in the USA and human HEVs isolated in Japan. Anti-HEV antibodies were identified via ELISA in 8 of 99 (8.1%) cats, whereas, among 115 cattle and 213 dogs, no HEV-specific antibodies were detected. The conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of HEV could be detected via RT-PCR in 8.7% of raw oysters collected from coastal regions in Korea. The HEV RNAs detected in oysters were identified as belonging to subtype 3a. The HEV RNAs in oysters most closely resembled that of the swKOR-2 strain. They also showed a close genetic relationship with the swKOR-1 strain and the swine and human HEVs isolated in the USA. This is the first report describing the detection in oysters of HEV that may have originated from genotype 3 swine HEV in Korea. Pigs and cats infected with HEV, as well as oysters contaminated with HEV, are potential risk factors for HEV transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jo Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
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Huang F, Zhou J, Yang Z, Cui L, Zhang W, Yuan C, Yang S, Zhu J, Hua X. RNA interference inhibits hepatitis E virus mRNA accumulation and protein synthesis in vitro. Vet Microbiol 2009; 142:261-7. [PMID: 19963327 PMCID: PMC7117326 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2009.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Revised: 10/20/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen to which several species, including human beings, pigs and rodents, are reported to be susceptible. To date, vaccines developed against HEV still need to be improved and a structural gene (ORF2), which encodes a capsid protein with high sequence conservation found across HEV genotypes, is a potential candidate. To exploit the possibility of using RNA interference (RNAi) as a strategy against HEV infection, four small interference RNA (siRNA) duplex targeting ORF2 gene were constructed. A challenge against HEV infection by RNAi was performed in A549 cells. Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time qPCR) and Western blot assay demonstrated that four HEV specific siRNAs (si-ORF2-1, si-ORF2-2, si-ORF2-3 and si-ORF2-4) were capable of protecting cells against HEV infection with very high specificity and efficiency. The results suggest that RNAi is a potent anti-HEV infection prophylaxis strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Huang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
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30
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Kuniholm MH, Purcell RH, McQuillan GM, Engle RE, Wasley A, Nelson KE. Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in the United States: results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994. J Infect Dis 2009; 200:48-56. [PMID: 19473098 DOI: 10.1086/599319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is prevalent and causes disease worldwide, but its epidemiological profile is only partially understood. METHODS We used an enzyme immunoassay to measure anti-HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies in 18,695 serum samples collected in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated estimates of HEV seroprevalence and examined associations with putative risk factors. RESULTS The seroprevalence of HEV in the civilian noninstitutionalized United States (US) population during the period from 1988 through 1994 was 21.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.0%-22.9%). Among US-born individuals, males, non-Hispanic whites, and individuals residing in the Midwest and/or in metropolitan areas had the highest seroprevalence estimates. Having a pet in the home (odds ratio [OR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.01-1.40]) and consuming liver or other organ meats more than once per month (OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.01-1.88]) were significantly associated with increased odds of HEV seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to HEV is common in the US population, although hepatitis E is rarely reported. Having pets and consuming organ meats may play a role in HEV transmission in the United States, but other mechanisms of transmission may also exist. HEV may be considered a possible etiologic agent of acute and chronic hepatitis in US patients reporting no travel history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H Kuniholm
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Huang F, Hua X, Yang S, Yuan C, Zhang W. Effective inhibition of hepatitis E virus replication in A549 cells and piglets by RNA interference (RNAi) targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Antiviral Res 2009; 83:274-81. [PMID: 19576249 PMCID: PMC7114333 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2009] [Revised: 06/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism for suppressing or silencing expression of aberrant or foreign genes. It is a powerful antiviral strategy that has been widely employed to protect hosts from viral infection. Hepatitis E (HE) is an acute fulminant hepatitis in adults that has particularly high mortality in pregnant women. At this point in time, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment that is effective against the infectious agent, HEV. The nonstructural polyprotein region possesses an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that is responsible for the replication of the viral RNA genome. RdRp is therefore regarded as one of the most attractive candidates for RNA interference (RNAi). In the present study, the high efficiency and specificity of siRNA were evaluated by Real-Time quantitative PCR and Western blot assays. Protective effects against HEV infection were achieved in A549 cells and in piglets. In piglets treated with a shRNA-RdRp-1 expression plasmid prior to HEV inoculation, HEV antigens were significantly reduced in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were clearly decreased. These results suggested that RNAi is a potentially effective antiviral strategy against HEV replication and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Huang
- Zoonosis Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
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32
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Huang F, Zhang W, Gong G, Yuan C, Yan Y, Yang S, Cui L, Zhu J, Yang Z, Hua X. Experimental infection of Balb/c nude mice with Hepatitis E virus. BMC Infect Dis 2009; 9:93. [PMID: 19523236 PMCID: PMC2717970 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-9-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several animal species can reportedly act as reservoirs for Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a zoonotic pathogen. HEV and antibody to the virus have been detected in a variety of animals including rodents. Pig and rat models for HEV have been established for HEV, but a nude mouse has not yet been developed. METHODS Balb/c nude mice were inoculated with swine HEV, both orally and via intravenous injection to insure infection. Negative control and experimental contact-exposed groups of mice were also included in the study. The liver, spleen, kidney, jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon of each mouse from all three groups were collected for reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) detection, indirect immunofluorescence observation and histopathologic examination. The sera from nude mice were tested for anti-HEV IgG by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activities of liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as total bilirubin (TBIL) were also measured in the sera of the nude mice. RESULTS HEV antigens and HEV RNA were detected in liver, spleen, kidney, jejunum, ileum and colon both by indirect immunofluorescence and by RT-nPCR in all of the inoculated and in one of the contact-exposed nude mice. Histopathological changes were observed in the liver and spleen of these mice. Infected mice showed increased levels of AST, ALP, and anti-HEV IgG in sera. The livers of contact-exposed mice showed obvious histopathological damage. CONCLUSION Nude mice could be readily infected by HEV isolated from pigs. The nude mouse may therefore be a useful animal model for studying the pathogenesis of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Huang
- Shanghai Key laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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Peralta B, Casas M, de Deus N, Martín M, Ortuño A, Pérez-Martín E, Pina S, Mateu E. Anti-HEV antibodies in domestic animal species and rodents from Spain using a genotype 3-based ELISA. Vet Microbiol 2009; 137:66-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2009.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 01/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pelosi E, Clarke I. Hepatitis E: a complex and global disease. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2008; 1:e8. [PMID: 22460217 PMCID: PMC3167588 DOI: 10.3134/ehtj.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2007] [Revised: 03/12/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thirty years after its discovery, the hepatitis E virus (HEV) continues to represent a major public health problem in developing countries. In developed countries, it has emerged as a significant cause of non-travel-associated acute hepatitis. HEV infects a wide range of mammalian species and a key reservoir worldwide appears to be swine. Genomic sequence similarity between some human HEV genotypes and swine HEV strains has been identified and we know that humans can acquire HEV infection from animals. Although for the most part the clinical course of HEV infection is asymptomatic or mild, significant risk of serious disease exists in pregnant women and those with chronic liver disease. In addition, there are data on the threat of chronic infections in immunocompromised patients. Beyond management of exposure by public health measures, recent data support that active immunisation can prevent hepatitis E, highlighting the need for vaccination programmes. Here we review the current knowledge on HEV, its epidemiology, and the management and prevention of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pelosi
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Health Protection Agency, Southeast Regional Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
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35
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Zhang W, Shen Q, Mou J, Gong G, Yang Z, Cui L, Zhu J, Ju G, Hua X. Hepatitis E virus infection among domestic animals in eastern China. Zoonoses Public Health 2008; 55:291-8. [PMID: 18638181 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2008.01136.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which several species of animal were reported as reservoirs. Antibodies to HEV and HEV RNA have been detected in some Chinese population and swine groups but few other domestic animals. In this study, to investigate the HEV prevalence, we tested sera from 788 pigs, 100 cows, 50 goats, 49 horses, 101 pet dogs, 105 chickens, 47 duck and 45 pigeons in eastern China for anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG). We also tested 50% of the swine sera, all of sera from the other domestic animals and 13 Shanghai human sera which were positive for anti-HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) for HEV RNA using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Our results indicated that 82.5% (222/269) of the sows, 53.9% (104/193) of the 4- to 6-month-old swine, 63.4% (168/265) of the 1- to 3-month-old swine, 55.7% (34/61) of the slaughterhouse swine, 24% (12/50) of the goats, 16.3% (8/49) of the horses, 17.8% (21/101) of the pet dogs, 6% (6/100) of the cows, 12.8% (6/47) of the ducks, 4.4% (2/45) of the pigeons and 1.9% (2/105) of the chickens exhibited positive for anti-HEV IgG. Inhibition assay confirmed the infection with HEV or HEV-like viruses in these domestic animals except pigeons and chickens. From the sera, we isolated 18 swine HEV strains, one horse HEV strain and two human HEV strains. Sequence analysis showed that the horse HEV isolate and one swine isolate belonged to genotype 3. The other isolates belonged to genotype 4. The two human isolates were phylogenetically closely related to eight of the swine isolates. In short, the presence of anti-HEV antibody had been confirmed in several species of domestic animals in eastern China and HEV RNA has been identified in swine, human and horse. This suggested that the authorities should pay more attention to the prevalence of HEV in eastern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai JiaoTong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, China
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Lewis HC, Boisson S, Ijaz S, Hewitt K, Ngui SL, Boxall E, Teo CG, Morgan D. Hepatitis E in England and Wales. Emerg Infect Dis 2008; 14:165-7. [PMID: 18258100 PMCID: PMC2600160 DOI: 10.3201/eid1401.070307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2005, 329 cases of hepatitis E virus infection were confirmed in England and Wales; 33 were confirmed indigenous infections, and a further 67 were estimated to be indigenous infections. Hepatitis E should be considered in the investigation of patients with hepatitis even if they have no history of travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Lewis
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Department, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, United Kingdom
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Jiménez de Oya N, Escribano-Romero E, Blázquez AB, Saiz JC. [Hepatitis E virus: zoonotic implications]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2008; 30:408-18. [PMID: 17692200 DOI: 10.1157/13108819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted primarily by the feco-oral route throughout contaminated water and/or food, and is one of the main causes of acute hepatitis worldwide. Hepatitis E shows a high mobility but a low mortality rate, except in pregnant women, where it can be as high as 30%. HEV causes sporadic cases and epidemic outbreaks, mainly in Africa, Asia and Central America. In Europe, there is an increase in the number of reported autochthonous cases no related with travel to endemic areas. In addition, HEV also infects animals, including pigs, and its zoonotic potential has been recently demonstrated. In fact, porcine and human strains of the same area are genetically more closely related to each other than to strains of the same species but a different geographical region, and there are data suggesting that people in close contact with pigs presents a higher prevalence of specific anti-HEV antibodies. All together, these data have drove to an increase interest in determining the incidence of the disease in animals, its possible zoonotic risk, and its implications for human health. In the present article we revised the current knowledge about HEV, with special emphasis in the possible consequences of its zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nereida Jiménez de Oya
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis y Virología Medioambiental, Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, España
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hepatitis E, a disease transmitted by hepatitis E virus, is increasingly recognized as being indigenous to affluent, temperate-zone countries. Issues pertaining to disease acquisition and hepatitis E virus infection, particularly in Western countries, are reviewed and highlighted. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical hepatitis E in the West, as in Japan, manifests more commonly in older people (>60 years) and in men, but fulminant hepatitis appears less frequent than in Japan. There, specific gastronomic and culinary risk factors associated with disease are being identified, but in the West, data implicating hepatitis E as being foodborne have yet to emerge. While hepatitis E virus subgenomic sequences in Western case patients are found to be closely related to swine hepatitis E virus, a porcine linkage to their infection remains to be established. Weak associations between occupational contact with pigs and risk of infection have been noted. Findings from earlier studies implicating animals that cohabitate with humans as reservoirs, and sewage as vehicles of infection await confirmation. SUMMARY Hepatitis E indigenous to developed countries is a distinct clinico-epidemiological entity. Humans, animals, food and the environment contribute and interact to cause human disease, and to sustain hepatitis E virus endemicity and enzooticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Gee Teo
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
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Huang FF, Pierson FW, Toth TE, Meng XJ. Construction and characterization of infectious cDNA clones of a chicken strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV), avian HEV. J Gen Virol 2005; 86:2585-2593. [PMID: 16099918 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.81070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, is an important human pathogen. Increasing evidence indicates that hepatitis E is a zoonosis. Avian HEV was recently discovered in chickens with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in the USA. Like swine HEV from pigs, avian HEV is also genetically and antigenically related to human HEV. The objective of this study was to construct and characterize an infectious cDNA clone of avian HEV for future studies of HEV replication and pathogenesis. Three full-length cDNA clones of avian HEV, pT7-aHEV-5, pT7G-aHEV-10 and pT7G-aHEV-6, were constructed and their infectivity was tested by in vitro transfection of leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) chicken liver cells and by direct intrahepatic inoculation of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens with capped RNA transcripts from the three clones. The results showed that the capped RNA transcripts from each of the three clones were replication competent when transfected into LMH cells as demonstrated by detection of viral antigens with avian HEV-specific antibodies. SPF chickens intrahepatically inoculated with the capped RNA transcripts from each of the three clones developed active avian HEV infections as evidenced by seroconversion to avian HEV antibodies, viraemia and faecal virus shedding. The infectivity was further confirmed by successful infection of naïve chickens with the viruses recovered from chickens inoculated with the RNA transcripts. The results indicated that all three cDNA clones of avian HEV are infectious both in vitro and in vivo. The availability of these infectious clones for a chicken strain of HEV now affords an opportunity to study the mechanisms of HEV cross-species infection and tissue tropism by constructing chimeric viruses among human, swine and avian HEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F F Huang
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1410 Price's Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0342, USA
| | - F W Pierson
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1410 Price's Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0342, USA
| | - T E Toth
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1410 Price's Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0342, USA
| | - X J Meng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1410 Price's Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0342, USA
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging pathogen belonging to a newly recognized family of RNA viruses (Hepeviridae). HEV is an important enterically transmitted human pathogen with a worldwide distribution. It can cause sporadic cases as well as large epidemics of acute hepatitis. Epidemics are primarily waterborne in areas where water supplies are contaminated with HEV of human origin. There is increasing evidence, however, that many animal species are infected with an antigenically similar virus. A recently isolated swine virus is the best candidate for causing a zoonotic form of hepatitis E. The virus is serologically cross-reactive with human HEV and genetically very similar, and the human and swine strains seem to be cross-infective. Very recent evidence has also shown that swine HEV, and possibly a deer strain of HEV, can be transmitted to humans by consumption of contaminated meat. In this review, we discuss the prevalence, pathogenicity, diagnosis and control of human HEV, swine HEV, the related avian HEV and HEV in other hosts and potential reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Denise Goens
- Environmental Microbial Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
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Walker JE, Brown TM, Hagood TL, Cassidy WM. Acute hepatitis E infection in a visitor to Louisiana. South Med J 2005; 98:721-2. [PMID: 16108241 DOI: 10.1097/01.smj.0000157559.93628.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A man from Africa had been visiting Mississippi and Louisiana when he had development of acute hepatitis. Although hepatitis E is endemic to many parts of the world and has been associated with large outbreaks, it has remained relatively uncommon in this country. With growing foreign travel and an ever-increasing number of cases reported nationally, hepatitis E infection should be considered more frequently in the differential diagnosis of acute hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Edward Walker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Earl K. Long Memorial Hospital, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Takahashi M, Nishizawa T, Tanaka T, Tsatsralt-Od B, Inoue J, Okamoto H. Correlation between positivity for immunoglobulin A antibodies and viraemia of swine hepatitis E virus observed among farm pigs in Japan. J Gen Virol 2005; 86:1807-1813. [PMID: 15914860 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.80909-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the usefulness of detection of antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) to screen for viraemic pigs, serum samples obtained from 1425 1-6-month-old pigs in Japan were tested for swine HEV RNA and IgG, IgM and IgA classes of anti-HEV antibody. Fifty-five (5 %) of the 1071 2-5-month-old pigs were positive for swine HEV RNA, but none of 218 1-month-old pigs or 136 6-month-old pigs had detectable HEV RNA. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG among the viraemic pigs (67 %, 37/55) was similar to that among the non-viraemic pigs (55 %, 757/1370) and the prevalence of anti-HEV IgM among the viraemic pigs and non-viraemic pigs was 7 and 3 %, respectively. However, anti-HEV IgA was detected significantly more frequently among viraemic pigs than among non-viraemic pigs (55 vs 10 %, P<0.0001). These results suggest that anti-HEV IgA is more useful than anti-HEV IgM to screen for viraemic pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-Ken 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nishizawa
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-Ken 329-0498, Japan
| | - Toshinori Tanaka
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-Ken 329-0498, Japan
| | - Bira Tsatsralt-Od
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-Ken 329-0498, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-Ken 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi-Ken 329-0498, Japan
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Mishiro S. [Recent topics on hepatitis E virus: emerging, zoonotic, and animal-to-human transmission in Japan]. Uirusu 2005; 54:243-8. [PMID: 15745163 DOI: 10.2222/jsv.54.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is undoubtedly a zoonosis. Recent observations suggest that the zoonotic food-borne mode of transmission has played an important role in the spread of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among Japanese people (who in general likes eating everything uncooked or undercooked: Sushi, Sashimi, Tataki, Namagimo, Shabu-shabu, etc). Moreover, the situation seems to be worsening. Wild boar (and deer also) has recently been increasing in its number, becoming a more potent HEV reservoir to humans than before. Pork, replacing beef in people's recent fear of BSE, is being consumed increasingly, particularly in Hokkaido. It may be Japanese people that an effective HEV vaccine is most longed for by.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Mishiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Toshiba General Hospital, 6-3-22 Higahi Oh-i, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8522, Japan.
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Tanaka H, Yoshino H, Kobayashi E, Takahashi M, Okamoto H. Molecular investigation of hepatitis E virus infection in domestic and miniature pigs used for medical experiments*. Xenotransplantation 2004; 11:503-10. [PMID: 15479459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2004.00170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is highly prevalent among domestic pigs in Japan. It has been reported that pig handlers such as farmers and veterinarians are at increased risk of contracting HEV infection. Pigs are regarded as the most acceptable candidate animals for xenotransplantation and, recently, they are being used as experimental animals. METHODS We investigated the prevalence of IgG class antibodies to swine HEV (anti-HEV) and HEV RNA among 152 2-month-old domestic pigs and 38 miniature pigs of 4 to 10 months of age that had been brought to our center for medical experiments from five swine farms (A-E) in Japan. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV by in-house enzyme immunoassay, and for HEV RNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using primers targeting the open reading frame 2 (ORF2) region. RESULTS One percent (one of 84), 6% (one of 16), and 38% (20 of 52) of the domestic pigs from farms A, B and C, respectively, had detectable HEV RNA, and the 22 HEV isolates recovered from the viremic pigs were 89.8 to 100% identical to each other in the 412-nucleotide sequence of ORF2 and segregated into three clusters within genotype 3. Although one pig from farm A had detectable HEV RNA reproducibly, the HEV isolate recovered from this pig was up to 100% similar to those recovered from pigs from farm C, and the sera from all 84 pigs from farm A were negative for anti-HEV. These results suggested that farm A is free from HEV infection. As the viremic pig from farm A had been raised for 1 month in a barn at our center before serum sampling, it is most likely that the pig acquired HEV infection in the barn at our center where HEV-viremic pigs from farm C had been reared for several days approximately 3 months earlier. The 38 miniature pigs from farms D and E were negative for both anti-HEV and HEV RNA. In an attempt to further investigate the prevalence of HEV infection, pigs that were being raised in four swine farms (farms A, C, D, and E) were tested for anti-HEV. Although 96 (86%) of the 112 pigs from farm C were positive for anti-HEV, none of the 48 pigs in farm A and 138 miniature pigs in farms D and E was positive for anti-HEV. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that three of the five swine farms tested were free from HEV, and that periodic testing for anti-HEV and HEV RNA of pigs used as experimental animals and pigs raised in swine farms from which pigs are purchased, is useful for providing HEV-free pigs to researchers who are engaged in studies using pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hozumi Tanaka
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
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