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Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs

February 21, 2007 — 

Two recent research studies explore the prevalence and zoonotic transmissibility of the hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Spanish researchers on the veterinary faculty at Barcelona's university (Universitat Autònoma of Barcelona), together with the university's Centre of Investigation into Animal Health (CReSA) recently studied to what extent pigs in Spain are infected with the hepatitis E virus. The researchers found animals carrying antibodies against the virus at 97.6% (40 of 41) of the test sites.

In their study, 60.8% of the sows tested positive as did 36.2% of young piglets less than 6 weeks of age. Results of this study lead the investigators to hypothesize that the disease is endemic in Spain's pig herd.

A separate study, published in the Veterinary Record of February 10, 2007; Vol. 160 - No. 6:202, examines the zoonotic transmission of the hepatitis E virus. The researchers indicate that the most likely route of zoonotic transmission is the consumption of undercooked pork. Genetic sequencing shows significant homology between human-acquired HEV and the HEV viruses associated with the national pig herds.

PCR studies of retail pig livers in Japan and the Netherlands detected HEV in 6.5% and 1.5% respectively. These results were not supported, however, in a collection of pork livers from 80 retail outlets in Cornwall England. This latter study found no evidence of HEV infection.

Sources:
Pig Progress.net, February 12, 2007
ProMED mail, February 18, 2007