Viral Recombination
Human Virome
Arboviral Encephalitis
Yellow Fever
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
S Denise Goens1, Michael L Perdue
1Environmental Microbial Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
This review explores the spread of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in both humans and animals. HEV is known to cause liver disease in humans, often through contaminated water. However, recent studies show that many animals, especially pigs, also carry similar HEV strains. These animal strains may be able to infect humans, possibly through eating contaminated meat. The review looks at how common HEV is in different species, how it spreads, and the challenges in diagnosing and controlling it. The findings suggest that HEV in animals could be a significant risk to human health and that more research is needed to understand how the virus moves between species.
Area of Science:
Background:
Understanding the transmission and pathogenesis of HEV remains a challenge in global health. Prior research has shown that HEV is primarily a human pathogen, with outbreaks often linked to contaminated water sources. However, recent studies have revealed that HEV is not limited to human populations. Evidence has emerged that multiple animal species carry similar HEV strains. This discovery raises concerns about zoonotic transmission. The role of animals as reservoirs for HEV is not yet fully understood. Researchers are investigating how these animal strains interact with human HEV. The potential for cross-species infection has not been thoroughly explored. This uncertainty drives the need for further investigation into HEV in non-human hosts.
Purpose Of The Study:
This review aims to summarize the current understanding of HEV in both human and animal populations. The specific problem is the lack of clarity on how HEV spreads between species. The motivation for this work is to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission. The authors seek to clarify the relationship between human and animal HEV strains. They also aim to evaluate the diagnostic and control challenges posed by these viruses. The study focuses on the prevalence of HEV in different hosts. It also examines the potential for cross-infectivity between species. This analysis is intended to inform public health strategies for HEV prevention.
Main Methods:
The researchers conducted a literature review to analyze the current state of HEV research. They examined studies on HEV in humans and various animal species. The review included data on the prevalence of HEV in different populations. The authors compared the genetic and serological profiles of human and animal HEV strains. They evaluated the evidence for cross-species transmission. The study also considered the diagnostic methods used for HEV detection. Researchers analyzed the effectiveness of current control measures. The review approach focused on synthesizing findings from multiple sources.
Main Results:
The review found that HEV is present in a wide range of animal species. Swine HEV is the most likely zoonotic strain. The genetic similarity between swine and human HEV is significant. Cross-reactivity in serological tests suggests shared antigens. The study reported evidence of HEV transmission through contaminated meat. Deer HEV may also pose a zoonotic risk. The prevalence of HEV in animals varies by region. These findings suggest that HEV in animals may contribute to human infections.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that HEV in animals may play a role in human infections. They suggest that swine HEV is a likely zoonotic strain. The evidence for cross-species transmission is growing. The review highlights the need for improved diagnostic methods. The authors suggest that current control strategies may need to consider animal reservoirs. They propose that further research is needed to clarify HEV transmission pathways. The study concludes that HEV in animals may be a significant public health concern. The findings suggest that HEV is more complex than previously understood.
The researchers propose that HEV may be transmitted through consumption of contaminated meat, particularly from swine and deer.
Swine are the most commonly reported animal hosts for HEV, with deer also showing potential for zoonotic transmission.
Swine HEV is genetically and serologically similar to human HEV, and there is evidence of cross-infectivity between the two strains.
Serological tests show cross-reactivity between human and swine HEV, suggesting shared antigens and potential for cross-species infection.
High HEV prevalence in animals may indicate a role in human infections, especially in regions where animal meat is consumed.
The authors suggest that current control strategies may need to consider animal reservoirs to effectively prevent HEV transmission.