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Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 diversity, France
Florence Legrand-Abravanel1, Jean-Michel Mansuy, Martine Dubois
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Toulouse, France
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 2009
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 strains from French patients were analyzed. Findings suggest these HEV strains originated from swine, indicating potential zoonotic transmission in France.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute hepatitis globally.
- Genotype 3 (HEV3) is prevalent in developed countries and often associated with swine.
- Understanding HEV transmission routes is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize HEV genotype 3 strains from human infections in France.
- To determine the genetic relationship between human and swine HEV3 strains in Europe.
- To investigate the potential for zoonotic transmission of HEV in France.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of three genomic regions from 42 HEV genotype 3 strains.
- Full-genome sequencing of a representative HEV genotype 3f strain.
- Phylogenetic analysis to compare French human strains with other HEV isolates.
Main Results:
- Characterization of 42 HEV genotype 3 strains from French patients.
- Identification of HEV genotype 3f as the predominant subtype.
- Demonstration of close genetic relatedness between French human HEV3 strains and European swine HEV3 strains.
Conclusions:
- The genetic profile of HEV genotype 3 strains in France is consistent with swine origin.
- Evidence supports zoonotic transmission as a primary route for HEV infection in France.
- Further surveillance of HEV in animal populations and humans is warranted.
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