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Infectivity and pathogenicity of different hepatitis E virus genotypes/subtypes in rabbit model
Shuangshuang Li1, Qiyu He1, Li Yan2
1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Centre, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Emerging Microbes & Infections
|November 30, 2020
Summary
Rabbit models show varying hepatitis E virus (HEV) infectivity. Human HEV-4d and swine HEV-4d are less pathogenic than rabbit HEV-3ra, suggesting rabbits are suitable for studying specific HEV strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) exhibits diverse pathogenicity across genotypes and subtypes.
- Understanding HEV genotype-specific infectivity and pathogenicity is crucial for disease control.
- Identifying suitable animal models is essential for studying HEV pathogenesis and developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infectivity and pathogenicity of various HEV genotypes/subtypes from different mammalian sources in rabbits.
- To evaluate the suitability of rabbits as an animal model for studying different HEV genotypes/subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven rabbits were inoculated with eight different HEV strains (human, swine, rabbit, and camel-derived).
- HEV RNA, antigen, anti-HEV antibodies, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were monitored weekly.
- Liver tissues were analyzed histopathologically and via immunofluorescence staining for HEV ORF2 proteins.
Main Results:
- Infections were successfully established with human HEV-4d (hHEV-4d), swine HEV-4d (sHEV-4d), and rabbit HEV-3ra (HEV-3ra), showing typical hepatitis symptoms.
- hHEV-4d and sHEV-4d exhibited lower infectivity and pathogenicity compared to HEV-3ra.
- HEV-3ra infection led to one case of chronic hepatitis.
- Inapparent infections or no signs of infection were observed with other HEV strains (hHEV-3b, HEV8, hHEV-4a, hHEV-4h, sHEV-4h).
Conclusions:
- The infectivity and pathogenicity of HEV genotypes/subtypes vary in rabbits, likely due to species specificity.
- Rabbits are a suitable animal model for studying HEV-3ra and particularly human HEV-4d infections.
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