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A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
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Chirohepevirus from Bats: Insights into Hepatitis E Virus Diversity and Evolution
Bo Wang1, Xing-Lou Yang2,3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
Viruses
|May 28, 2022
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in bats poses zoonotic risks, with diverse variants expanding the virus family
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) homologs are found in numerous animal species, with some capable of zoonotic transmission to humans.
- Zoonotic HEV infections can lead to chronic liver disease and significant extrahepatic manifestations.
- Bats are natural reservoirs for various pathogenic viruses and exhibit unique immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of HEV in bats.
- To explore the genetic diversity and molecular evolution of bat-borne HEV.
- To assess the public health implications of bat HEV zoonotic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HEV research in bats.
- Analysis of genetic data from reported bat HEV variants.
- Comparative genomics to understand HEV evolution.
Main Results:
- Multiple genetically divergent HEV variants have been identified in 12 bat species since 2012.
- Bat HEV strains show genomic similarities to other HEVs but exhibit considerable heterogeneity.
- Bat HEV has been classified into a distinct genus, *Chirohepevirus*.
Conclusions:
- Bats represent a significant reservoir for diverse HEV strains, expanding the known host range of the virus.
- Understanding bat HEV is crucial for public health due to its zoonotic potential.
- Ongoing research into bat HEV diversity and evolution is essential.
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