Hepatitis E Virus Exposure Across Multiple Host Species in a Shared Ecosystem in Argentina

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Zoonotic disease research
• Wildlife health

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant multi-host pathogen, with swine as a primary reservoir.
• Human HEV infections commonly result from consuming contaminated food or water.
• HEV circulation is documented in Argentina across various species and environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate HEV exposure in invasive mammals (wild boar, axis deer) and associated domestic animals (dogs) and humans within El Palmar National Park.
• To identify potential HEV transmission pathways at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface.
• To explore links between HEV seropositivity, environmental conditions, and human behaviors related to game meat consumption.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a multi-species serological survey between 2017 and 2019.
• Collected blood samples from wild boar, axis deer, dogs, and humans.
• Analyzed anti-HEV antibodies and assessed associations with environmental and behavioral factors.

Main Results:

• Detected HEV antibodies in 38.67% of wild boar, 0.75% of deer, 5.6% of dogs, and 10.17% of humans.
• Identified a spatial cluster of HEV-seropositive wild boar in a flood-prone area, suggesting environmental transmission.
• This study marks the first report of HEV exposure in wild boar, axis deer, and dogs in Argentina.

Conclusions:

• Game meat handling and consumption represent potential HEV exposure routes for humans.
• Environmental factors, particularly in flood-prone zones, influence zoonotic virus circulation.
• Findings enhance understanding of HEV epidemiology and the impact of human activities on its spread.