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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
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A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
9.7K
Infectious hepatitis E virus is associated with the mature sperm head
Kush K Yadav1,2, Patricia A Boley1, Thamonpan Laocharoensuk1,2
1Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America.
Plos Pathogens
|May 20, 2024
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects sperm in pigs, suggesting sexual transmission. This finding is crucial for understanding HEV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Reproductive Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a primary cause of acute viral hepatitis globally.
- HEV infection during pregnancy leads to high mortality rates (up to 30%).
- Emerging evidence suggests HEV impacts the reproductive system, with viral presence in testes and semen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and infectivity of HEV in the reproductive system of a natural host.
- To explore potential sexual transmission routes for HEV.
- To understand HEV's role in reproductive health complications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pigs as a natural host model for HEV infection.
- Detected infectious HEV within mature spermatozoa.
- Assessed sperm viability in HEV-infected pigs.
- Confirmed infectivity of HEV isolated from sperm.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the presence of infectious HEV in mature spermatozoa of infected pigs.
- Observed altered sperm viability in HEV-infected pigs.
- Confirmed that HEV isolated from sperm retains its infectiousness.
Conclusions:
- HEV can be present in spermatozoa and may affect sperm viability.
- Findings suggest HEV could be a sexually transmitted infection.
- Recommends considering non-oral/intravenous routes for HEV transmission, especially in pregnancy-related mortality.
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