Abstract
Rodents and bats are now widely recognised as important sources of zoonotic virus infections in other mammals, including humans. Numerous surveys have expanded our knowledge of diverse viruses in a range of rodent and bat species, including their origins, evolution, and range of hosts. In this study of pegivirus and human hepatitis-related viruses, liver and serum samples from Vietnamese rodents and bats were examined by PCR and sequencing. Nucleic acids homologous to human hepatitis B, C, E viruses were detected in liver samples of 2 (1.3%) of 157 bats, 38 (8.1%), and 14 (3%) of 470 rodents, respectively. Hepacivirus-like viruses were frequently detected (42.7%) in the bamboo rat, Rhizomys pruinosus, while pegivirus RNA was only evident in 2 (0.3%) of 638 rodent serum samples. Complete or near-complete genome sequences of HBV, HEV and pegivirus homologues closely resembled those previously reported from rodents and bats. However, complete coding region sequences of the rodent hepacivirus-like viruses substantially diverged from all of the currently classified variants and potentially represent a new species in the Hepacivirus genus. Of the viruses identified, their routes of transmission and potential to establish zoonoses remain to be determined.
Highlights
Unlike many other communicable diseases, the burden of viral hepatitis has substantially increased over the last two decades to recently become the seventh leading cause of mortality worldwide
Nucleic acid that was extracted from liver samples of 157 bats (29 species; Table S1) and 470 rodents was screened for pegivirus and human hepatitis B, C, E viruses and their homologues (Table 1) by nested and semi-nested PCR assays with degenerate primers
(3% of rodent samples, from four species) while hepatitis B related viral DNA was only detectable in three bats (2 species)
Summary
Unlike many other communicable diseases, the burden of viral hepatitis has substantially increased over the last two decades to recently become the seventh leading cause of mortality worldwide. Viral hepatitis causes more deaths than tuberculosis, AIDS or malaria each year. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are responsible for >90% (96% in 2013) of viral. Viruses 2018, 10, 102 hepatitis-related mortality and disability. As such, these hepatitis viruses are the targets of efforts to combat viral hepatitis [1], including HBV vaccination, development of HCV vaccines, and highly effective drugs. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in many low-income countries [2] but usually causes self-limiting hepatitis. Infection with HEV occasionally results in liver failure [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
