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Hepatitis E Virus in Wild Boars and Spillover Infection in Red and Roe Deer, Germany, 2013-2015
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 17, 2016
Summary
Animal hepatitis E virus (HEV) reservoirs were investigated in German wildlife. HEV genotype 3 was found in wild boars and deer, posing a potential foodborne risk to humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Wildlife Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant public health concern.
- Identifying animal reservoirs is crucial for understanding HEV transmission.
- Wild animals are potential sources of zoonotic HEV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate wild animals in Germany as potential reservoirs of hepatitis E virus.
- To determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of HEV in wildlife populations.
- To assess the risk of foodborne transmission of HEV to humans.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serologic and molecular markers of HEV infection.
- Sampling of inner organs and muscle tissues from wild boars and deer.
- Detection and genotyping of HEV strains.
Main Results:
- HEV genotype 3 strains were detected in a high percentage of wild boars.
- HEV was also found in a lower percentage of deer.
- Infection was identified in inner organs and muscle tissues.
Conclusions:
- Wild boars and deer in Germany harbor HEV genotype 3.
- These findings indicate a potential risk for foodborne transmission of HEV to humans.
- Further research is needed to fully assess the public health implications.
