A Putative Novel Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Subtype Identified in Rabbit, Germany 2016

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Foodborne Pathogens

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a global health concern, causing significant viral hepatitis.
• Zoonotic HEV genotypes 3 and 4, primarily from pigs and wild boar, are prevalent in developed countries.
• Recent evidence indicates rabbits as a potential reservoir for HEV, posing zoonotic foodborne transmission risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the molecular characterization of a novel HEV strain identified in a rabbit population in Germany.
• To investigate the genetic novelty and potential implications of this rabbit-derived HEV strain.

Main Methods:

• Countrywide surveillance of rabbits and hares in Germany in 2016.
• Complete genome sequencing and molecular analysis of the identified HEV strain.
• Comparative analysis against known HEV genotypes and subtypes.

Main Results:

• Identification of a novel HEV strain in a German rabbit.
• The complete genome revealed a putative new recombinant subtype within the *Orthohepevirus A* species, genotype 3 clade.
• The strain exhibits unique sequence characteristics, including a nucleotide exchange in the ORF2/ORF3 overlapping region, potentially affecting diagnostic PCR assays.

Conclusions:

• A novel HEV strain with atypical and unique sequence characteristics was identified in a German rabbit.
• This finding expands the known diversity of HEV and underscores the role of rabbits in HEV epidemiology.
• The identified genetic alterations may necessitate adjustments in current diagnostic strategies for HEV detection.