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A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3f in pigs in New Caledonia
1Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes: URMITE UMR CNRS IRD, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|November 23, 2011
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is now confirmed in pigs in New Caledonia, a French overseas collectivity. This finding highlights pigs as a potential reservoir for HEV, necessitating further research into its prevalence and transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is globally prevalent in swine populations.
- Growing evidence indicates HEV in pigs can cause zoonotic infections in humans.
- No prior data existed on HEV in pigs in New Caledonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of HEV infection in pigs in New Caledonia.
- To determine if pigs in this region serve as a reservoir for HEV.
Main Methods:
- Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed.
- Faecal samples were collected from pigs aged 4-26 weeks on a local farm.
- Phylogenetic analysis was performed on detected HEV sequences.
Main Results:
- HEV RNA was detected in 6.5% (6/92) of pigs tested, primarily in younger animals (9-16 weeks old).
- Phylogenetic analysis identified the HEV strains as belonging to genotype 3, subtype f.
- This is the first documented evidence of HEV in pigs in New Caledonia.
Conclusions:
- Pigs in New Caledonia are confirmed as a reservoir for Hepatitis E virus.
- Further investigation is required to understand HEV prevalence and its relationship between pigs and humans in the region.
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