Increasing contact with hepatitis E virus in red deer, Spain.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Zoonotic disease surveillance
• Wildlife health

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range.
• Wild game, including cervids, are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for HEV.
• Understanding HEV epidemiology in wildlife populations is crucial for public health risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in mainland Spain.
• To determine the presence of HEV RNA and antibodies in a red deer population.
• To assess the potential epidemiological implications for human health.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from red deer in mainland Spain.
• Samples were tested for HEV RNA using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
• HEV-specific antibodies were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

• HEV RNA was detected in 13.6% of the tested serum samples.
• HEV antibodies were present in 10.4% of the serum samples.
• The findings indicate a notable circulation of HEV within the studied red deer population.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis E virus is prevalent in red deer populations in mainland Spain.
• The increasing prevalence highlights the potential for wildlife-to-human transmission.
• Further monitoring and research are warranted to manage zoonotic risks associated with HEV in cervids.