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[Further study of experimental hepatitis E in piglets]
Voprosy Virusologii
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Piglets are susceptible to hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, exhibiting liver damage and virus shedding. Viral RNA in piglet feces partially matches human HEV strains, indicating zoonotic potential.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a zoonotic risk.
- Previous studies indicated piglet susceptibility to HEV.
- Understanding HEV pathogenesis in swine is crucial for public health.
Purpose:
- To confirm and further investigate piglet susceptibility to HEV infection.
- To characterize the clinical, pathological, and virological outcomes of experimental HEV infection in piglets.
- To compare HEV infection in piglets with findings in other species.
Summary:
- Experimental infection of piglets with HEV strains Osh-25 and Osh-228 demonstrated susceptibility.
- Animals exhibited biphasic transaminase increases, liver histopathology, and fecal virus excretion.
- Viral particles in feces partially matched human HEV RNA; ultrastructural hepatocyte changes mirrored primate models.
- HEV particles and RNA were most abundant on day 10 post-infection and persisted in lymphoid tissue from day 5 to 15.
Impact:
- This study reinforces the role of swine as a model for hepatitis E research.
- Findings contribute to understanding HEV transmission dynamics and host-pathogen interactions.
- Results have implications for developing diagnostic and control strategies for HEV in animal populations.