Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in turtles.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Hepatology
• Herpetology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant human pathogen.
• Reptiles are increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.
• Previous research has not definitively established HBV infection in turtles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the susceptibility of turtles (Clemys mutica and Geoclemys reevesii) to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
• To monitor HBV infection markers and viral presence in turtles over an extended period.
• To identify potential target organs for HBV replication in infected turtles.

Main Methods:

• Inoculation of turtles with human sera positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg).
• Monitoring of HBV infection markers (HBsAg, anti-HBsAg) in turtle serum using ELISA and RPHA.
• Detection of HBV antigens and DNA in organs and cultured cells using immunofluorescence, cell culture, electron microscopy, and molecular hybridization.

Main Results:

• All inoculated turtles became infected with HBV, with HBsAg detected within two weeks.
• A switch from HBsAg to anti-HBs antibodies was observed in most turtles by 20 weeks.
• HBV antigens, Dane particle-like virus, and HBV DNA were detected in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and brain of infected turtles.

Conclusions:

• Clemys mutica and Geoclemys reevesii are susceptible to HBV infection.
• Turtles can harbor HBV, with evidence of viral replication in multiple organs.
• These findings highlight the potential role of turtles in HBV epidemiology.