Adaptation of Genotype 3 Hepatitis E Virus in Eastern China and Inverse Correlation with Genotype 4 Hepatitis E Virus

Abstract

We studied the distribution and development of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 in pig farms located within the Shanghai metropolitan area. A total of 1,487 swine fecal samples were collected from 39 pig farms during 2009–2010. The average incidence rates for genotype 3 and genotype 4 HEV were 10.6 and 9.3%, respectively. The frequencies of genotype 3 and genotype 4 HEV among the farms were inversely related (r = –0.7423), suggesting that the two genotypes competed within the environmental niche provided by the porcine host. In addition, all of the farms tested positive for both genotype 3 and genotype 4 HEV, indicating that the former is becoming more prevalent in the Shanghai area. The overall HEV incidence rate during 2009–2010 was 20%, which supports the existence of homeostasis within the porcine HEV reservoir.

Genomic characteristics and recombination patterns of swine hepatitis E virus in China

“…Si et al. (2012) also showed an inverse incidence rate between the two genotypes, suggesting their competition for existence within the host, which might increase the cross‐species incidence rate. Furthermore, Liu et al.…”

“…Si et al. (2012) demonstrated through analysis of swine faecal samples obtained from 39 pig farms during 2009−2010 in the Shanghai metropolitan area, a high coexistence level of sHEV3 and sHEV4, which increases the risk of coinfection. Si et al.…”

“…Si et al (2012) demonstrated through analysis of swine faecal samples obtained from 39 pig farms during 2009−2010 in the Shanghai metropolitan area, a high coexistence level of sHEV3 and sHEV4, which increases the risk of coinfection Si et al (2012). also showed an inverse incidence rate between the two genotypes, suggesting their competition for existence within the host, which might increase the cross-species incidence rate.…”

Construction of an Infectious cDNA Clone of a Swine Genotype 3 HEV Strain Isolated in Shanghai, China

“…Genotype 1 has been reported in China and several other Asia and African countries, while genotype 2 has so far been confined mainly to Mexico. Epidemics of genotype 3 have been reported in many regions including North America, Europe and some Asian countries [23,24,25,26,27,28], and of genotype 4 in several Asian countries. Recently, several other novel hepeviruses have been isolated from HEV infections of rabbits [29], rats [30,31,32,33,34], bats [35] and cut-throat trout [36].…”