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A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis E virus is highly prevalent in the Danish pig population
Solvej Ø Breum1, Charlotte K Hjulsager, Nilsa de Deus
1Department of Veterinary Diagnostics and Research, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, DK-1790 Copenhagen V, Denmark. sbre@vet.dtu.dk
Veterinary Microbiology
|June 18, 2010
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is highly prevalent in Danish pigs, with over 55% of samples testing positive. This finding highlights potential zoonotic transmission risks from pigs to humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a significant public health concern due to its zoonotic potential.
- Understanding HEV prevalence in animal populations is crucial for assessing transmission risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the Danish swine population.
- To identify HEV genotypes circulating in Danish pigs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fecal samples from 97 pigs (1-5 months) for HEV RNA using a novel real-time RT-PCR assay (PriProET).
- Screening of serum samples from 71 sow herds for anti-HEV IgG antibodies via ELISA.
- HEV genotyping based on melting curve analysis from the RT-PCR assay.
Main Results:
- HEV RNA detected in 55.0% of fecal samples (49.5% of animals).
- HEV IgG antibodies found in 91.5% of sow herds (73.2% of sows).
- All detected HEV strains were identified as genotype 3 or 4, consistent with European pig populations.
Conclusions:
- HEV is highly prevalent in the Danish pig population.
- The findings support the potential for zoonotic transmission of HEV from Danish pigs to humans.
- This study provides the first comprehensive data on HEV prevalence and genotypes in Danish swine.
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