Hepatitis E Virus Research in Brazil: Looking Back and Forwards

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Virology

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has become a significant public health issue in Brazil since the 2000s.
• New HEV subtypes have been identified in diverse sources including animals, humans, and environmental samples.
• Emerging animal reservoirs necessitate a comprehensive understanding of HEV's zoonotic transmission pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize HEV seroprevalence data across various animal reservoirs and human populations in Brazil over the past two decades.
• To consolidate evidence on the zoonotic dissemination of HEV, considering animal hosts and environmental factors.
• To highlight the importance of the One Health approach in addressing HEV as a public health concern.

Main Methods:

• Systematic retrieval and interpretation of published seroprevalence data on HEV from Brazil.
• Analysis of HEV strains identified in different hosts (animal, human) and environmental samples.
• Review of experimental infection models, particularly using non-human primates, for insights into HEV pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Identification of multiple HEV subtypes circulating in Brazil, originating from both animal and human populations.
• Evidence of HEV dissemination across animal reservoirs and into the human population.
• Increasing seroprevalence data highlights the widespread nature of HEV infections.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive review of HEV seroprevalence is crucial for understanding its epidemiology in Brazil.
• The One Health framework is essential for effective HEV surveillance and control, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
• Further research using experimental models may enhance strategies for HEV prevention and environmental monitoring.