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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus infection in the Irish pig population
Michael O'Connor1, Sarah-Jayne Roche1, Dónal Sammin1
1Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Laboratories, Backweston, Celbridge, Co., Kildare, Ireland.
Background:
Hepatitis E is an acute viral disease of humans, occurring in explosive outbreaks in the developing world and as sporadic cases in returning travellers. Increasing recognition of indigenous transmission in Western countries suggests a zoonotic source of infection, most likely pigs. To determine if hepatitis E virus is present in Irish pigs, sera from 330 animals were examined for antibodies using a commercially available ELISA.
Findings:
Antibodies were detected in 89 pigs (27%) in 13 herds (81%).
Conclusions:
Hepatitis E virus is present in most Irish pig herds and in many animals within these herds.
