Co-Circulation of Different Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Subtypes in Pigs and Wild Boar in North-East Germany, 2019

Abstract

Hepatitis E is a major cause of acute liver disease in humans worldwide. The infection is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) which is transmitted in Europe to humans primarily through zoonotic foodborne transmission from domestic pigs, wild boar, rabbits, and deer. HEV belongs to the family Hepeviridae, and possesses a positive-sense, single stranded RNA genome. This agent usually causes an acute self-limited infection in humans, but in people with low immunity, e.g., immunosuppressive therapy or underlying liver diseases, the infection can evolve to chronicity and is able to induce a variety of extrahepatic manifestations. Pig and wild boar have been identified as the primary animal reservoir in Europe, and consumption of raw and undercooked pork is known to pose a potential risk of foodborne HEV infection. In this study, we analysed pig and wild boar liver, faeces, and muscle samples collected in 2019 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, north-east Germany. A total of 393 animals of both species were investigated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), conventional nested RT-PCR and sequence analysis of amplification products. In 33 animals, HEV RNA was detected in liver and/or faeces. In one individual, viral RNA was detected in muscle tissue. Sequence analysis of a partial open reading frame 1 region demonstrated a broad variety of genotype 3 (HEV-3) subtypes. In conclusion, the study demonstrates a high, but varying prevalence of HEV RNA in swine populations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The associated risk of foodborne HEV infection needs the establishment of sustainable surveillance and treatment strategies at the interface between humans, animals, and the environment within a One Health framework.

Seroprevalence of the Hepatitis E Virus in Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities from the Brazilian Amazon Basin

“…In these Brazilian rural communities, most individuals are actively involved in farming or are homemakers. In the rural population studied herein, individuals who were homemakers or worked in agriculture/husbandry presented prevalence rates of 19.6% and 12.0%, respectively [ 25 , 41 , 42 ].…”

The Re-Emergence of Hepatitis E Virus in Europe and Vaccine Development

“…It is known that five HEV genotypes (HEV1-4 and HEV-7) cause hepatitis in humans. Autochthonous hepatitis E in the developed world is caused by HEV-3, which is mainly a porcine zoonosis [ 8 , 9 ]. Sporadic cases of autochthonous HEV have been reported in many European countries after the consumption of raw and undercooked meat products, which is direct evidence of zoonotic HEV transmission [ 10 , 11 ].…”