Hepatitis E virus infections in humans and animals

Abstract

Hepatitis E has traditionally been considered an endemic disease of developing countries. It generally spreads through contaminated water. However, seroprevalence studies have shown that hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are not uncommon in industrialized countries. In addition, the number of autochthonous hepatitis E cases in these countries is increasing. Most HEV infections in developed countries can be traced to the ingestion of contaminated raw or undercooked pork meat or sausages. Several animal species, including pigs, are known reservoirs of HEV that transmit the virus to humans. HEVs are now recognized as an emerging zoonotic agent. In this review, we describe the general characteristics of HEVs isolated from humans and animals, the risk factors for human HEV infection, and the current status of human vaccine development.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in pigs in Durango State, Mexico

“…Several transmission routes for HEV infection have been described including the fecal‐oral route, transfusion of blood products, organ transplantation, and ingestion of undercook animal meats . Consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked pork meat has been associated with HEV infection in humans . The seroprevalence of HEV in pigs varies substantially among countries.…”

Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 4 in Yak, Northwestern China

“…On the basis of sequence analysis, mammalian HEVs are classified into 4 recognized genotypes ( 3 , 4 ). HEV genotypes 1 and 2 are restricted to humans and are often associated with large outbreaks and epidemics in developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia.…”

“…Infectious pathogens in yaks have been reported only recently ( 7 , 8 ). On the basis of the high prevalence of HEV in human and pigs in China and close human–yak contact in the Tibet region ( 4 , 5 ), we sought to determine if HEV infects yaks.…”

“…In comparison, studies have shown that swine are an established reservoir of HEV worldwide ( 3 , 5 , 9 ) and that 20%–100% of pigs are infected with HEV ( 3 , 4 , 9 , 10 ). Our findings suggest that yak is an emerging but imperfect host for this virus.…”

Molecular and structural changes related to hepatitis E virus antigen and its expression in testis inducing apoptosis in Mongolian gerbil model

“…This phenomenon is related to HEV RNA existence during acute and persistent HEV infection. Faecal‐oral route is actual route during the natural infection . However, intravenous and intraperitoneal route has also been adopted for the inoculation of HEV in experimental models .…”