Absence of hepatitis E virus RNA in bovines from Portugal

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is widely recognized as an emerging public health issue in developed countries, with most infections linked to foodborne transmission of genotype HEV-3. This zoonotic genotype can infect a diverse range of mammalian species, including bovine, with pigs serving as the primary reservoir. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence, circulation, and the potential of HEV infection among bovines in Portugal. Stool samples were collected from 166 bovines raised on extensive and intensive farms in Portugal, from June one to July 31, 2015. For the detection of HEV RNA a nested broad-spectrum RT-PCR targeting the ORF1 region was used. HEV RNA was not detected in any of the fecal samples analyzed. Although no HEV RNA was detected in bovine fecal samples, spiking of the samples with mengovirus demonstrated an acceptable RNA recovery rate, ensuring the reliability of RNA extraction and subsequent molecular analysis performed. Further research could provide additional insights into the factors influencing HEV transmission dynamics in bovines and its potential implications for public health.