Serologic Study of Pig-Associated Viral Zoonoses in Laos

Conlan, James V.; Vongxay, Khamphouth; Jarman, Richard G.; Gibbons, Robert V.; Lunt, Ross; Fenwick, Stanley G.; Thompson, R.C.A.; Blacksell, Stuart D.

doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0195

Cited by 31 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…In this cross‐sectional study, we show that HEV is endemic among commercial pigs from Vientiane Capital with seroprevalence rates similar to backyard pigs (Blacksell et al, ; Conlan et al, ; Holt et al, ). Differences in husbandry and sanitation may explain the lower HEV shedding rates determined here (1.8%) compared to smallholder pigs aged less than 6 months from northern Lao PDR (11.6%; Conlan et al, ).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 56%

“…While more than 80% of the Lao pig population are produced in the smallholder sector (Phengsavanh & Stür, ), pig meat demands in urban areas are mainly met by commercial production systems. High prevalence rates of anti‐HEV antibodies suggest endemic circulation of HEV among Lao pigs (15%–81%; Blacksell et al, ; Conlan et al, ; Holt et al, ) and the general human population (16%–17%; Bounlu et al, ; Syhavong et al, ). In northern and central–southern Laos, consumption of unsafe water and close contact to smallholder pigs contribute to the spread of HEV (Holt et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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High circulation of Hepatitis E virus in pigs and professionals exposed to pigs in Laos

Khounvisith

Tritz

Khenkha³

et al. 2018

Zoonoses and Public Health

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Epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E Virus (HEV) differ due to the vast spatial heterogeneity in sanitation status, dietary habits and extent of exposure to animals. Although HEV infections are mostly asymptomatic, prognosis is poor for patients with compromised immune systems or pre-existing liver disease and during pregnancy. In developing countries, low hygienic standards and close human-animal interactions at farms and slaughterhouses likely favour zoonotic transmission of the virus. In this cross-sectional study from Lao People's Democratic Republic, anti-HEV IgG was detected by ELISA in 54.0% (136/252) of slaughter pigs, in 41.0% (57/139) of professionals exposed to pigs and in 18.1% of the nonrisk controls (38/210). We show that people occupationally exposed to pigs are at higher risk of infection (p < 0.001). In particular, contact to young piglets as compared to contact to the older slaughter pigs was a major risk factor (p = 0.011). Besides, consumption of bottled water significantly reduced the risk of infection (p = 0.018). In conclusion, we show that in Lao PDR, the high endemicity of HEV, the inadequate implementation of hygiene measures and the limited access to safe water jeopardize the health of professionals exposed to pigs.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 56%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High circulation of Hepatitis E virus in pigs and professionals exposed to pigs in Laos

Khounvisith

Tritz

Khenkha³

et al. 2018

Zoonoses and Public Health

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“…So far, all isolates from cattle clustered with genotype 4 strains, while both genotypes 3 and 4 strains were found in goats (Di Martino et al, ; Hu & Ma, ; Huang et al, ; Long et al, ; Xu et al, ; Yan et al, ). In Lao PDR, HEV strains circulating in the population have not been characterized, despite confirmed endemicity of HEV in humans and pigs (Blacksell et al, ; Conlan et al, , ; Holt et al, ; Syhavong et al, ). There is only one report of a HEV genotype 4 closely related to human and porcine strains from other Asian countries and isolated from Lao pigs (Conlan et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence of increased Hepatitis E virus exposure in Lao villagers with contact to ruminants

Tritz

Khounvisith²,

Pommasichan

et al. 2018

Zoonoses and Public Health

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Although pigs are the main reservoir, ruminants have also been shown to be susceptible to hepatitis E virus (HEV). We investigated zoonotic transmission of HEV in rural settings of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) where humans are in close contacts with ruminants and where pigs are rare. Villagers with (n = 171, risk group) and without (n = 155, control group) cattle were recruited in seven villages in Vientiane Capital. Owners of pigs were excluded. Blood, as well as information on socio-demographics, animal contact, dietary habits and awareness of zoonoses were collected to assess risk factors. Blood and rectal swabs were collected from cattle (n = 173) and other ruminants (27 goat, 5 buffaloes) to measure anti-HEV antibody and virus prevalence. A similar anti-HEV antibody seroprevalence was found in cattle (6.8%) and other ruminants (8%). HEV RNA was detected in none of the animal rectal swabs and human sera. Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was higher in cattle farmers than in the control group (59.1% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.008) and increased significantly with age. Other risk factors included male gender, close contact with cattle and consumption of undercooked meat. We find that HEV is highly endemic in rural Laos and provide first evidence that HEV circulates in free-roaming ruminants with open access to village water sources. Despite some awareness about hygiene, villagers are likely constantly exposed to zoonotic diseases by dietary and lifestyle habits. Cattle farmers had a higher risk of HEV infection than other villagers. Our study highlights the need to raise the awareness of the rural population about water- and food-borne pathogens, and about the role of cattle as a possible source of infection. The knowledge gained on local risk factors and husbandry conditions should guide future awareness raising campaigns and promote appropriate hygienic measures including handwashing and the consumption of safe food and water.

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“…Agriculture Organization 2017). Of particular public health interest is the role of pigs in the zoonotic transmission of emerging pathogens to people (Atherstone et al 2015;Vergara-Alert et al 2017;Middleton and Westbury 2002;Ma et al 2008;Kobinger et al 2011;Conlan et al 2012;McCormack and Allworth 2002;AbuBakar et al 2004;Marsh et al 2011). As pig traders form an important link between pig farms and pork customers, research informing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices is essential.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of pig trading networks and practices in Uganda

Atherstone

Galiwango²,

Grace

et al. 2018

Trop Anim Health Prod

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East Africa is undergoing rapid expansion of pig rearing, driven by increasing pork consumption. Introduction and expansion of pig production systems in this biodiverse landscape may create new risks, including zoonotic pathogen transmission. Historically, biosecurity measures have primarily been focused at farm level, ignoring the important function pig traders fulfill between farmers and consumers. This study interviewed pig traders operating at Uganda's only registered pork abattoir to describe their characteristics, business practices, biosecurity practices, and pig health management and reporting practices. All the traders were male, and nearly all (90.5%) relied on pig trading as their primary source of income. Most of the pigs brought for processing at the slaughterhouse were purchased from smallholder farms (87.3%). In addition, there was a significant difference in the high price paid per kilogram at farm gate by region (P = 0.005). High prices paid at farm gate were associated with holiday periods (P < 0.001), harvest season (P < 0.001), and drought (P < 0.001). Traders preferred buying live pigs from male farmers (88.9%) because they were considered the final decision makers and owned the pigs being sold. All pig traders were aware of clinical signs indicating a pig was sick. This study has provided baseline information on pig trader practices in Uganda. Improvements in local pork slaughterhouses and markets will benefit not only pig traders in accessing consistent customers but also individual pig farmers by increasing their market access. Finally, given their role as a link between farmers and consumers, traders would benefit from targeted inclusion in disease control and prevention strategies.

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Serologic Study of Pig-Associated Viral Zoonoses in Laos

Cited by 31 publications

References 44 publications

High circulation of Hepatitis E virus in pigs and professionals exposed to pigs in Laos

High circulation of Hepatitis E virus in pigs and professionals exposed to pigs in Laos

Evidence of increased Hepatitis E virus exposure in Lao villagers with contact to ruminants

Analysis of pig trading networks and practices in Uganda

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