Abstract
BackgroundPreliminary studies showed the prevalence of a virus similar to human hepatitis B virus (HBV-like) in swine from farms in China and the molecular evidence of Hepadnavirus infection in domestic pigs herds in Brazil. In this study, we genetically characterize the swine Hepadnavirus strains in swine from slaughterhouses located in certified abattoirs from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil and evaluate its hepatotropic potential.ResultsBile and liver samples from swine were positive for partial genome amplification (ORF S and ORF C), direct sequencing and viral load quantification. Sequencing of the gene encoding the surface antigen allowed classification of Hepadnavirus into genotypes, similar to HBV genotype classification. Indirect immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of HBsAg antigen in liver tissue sections.ConclusionsSo far our data suggest that commercial swine house an HBV-like virus and this relevant finding should be considered in studies on the origin and viral evolution.
Highlights
Preliminary studies showed the prevalence of a virus similar to human hepatitis B virus (HBV-like) in swine from farms in China and the molecular evidence of Hepadnavirus infection in domestic pigs herds in Brazil
We performed the current study to improve the molecular characterization of Hepadnavirus circulating in swine from abattoirs in Brazil, revealing if there is evidence that pigs destined for human consumption might act as a potential new reservoir or host for a virus HBVsimilar
On December 2008, a total of 36 bile and liver samples were collected from domestic pigs Sus scrofa, breed Large white, from three slaughterhouses located in Petrópolis (SPET), Itaocara (SITC) and Itaperuna (SITP) (North and Hill region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil)
Summary
Preliminary studies showed the prevalence of a virus similar to human hepatitis B virus (HBV-like) in swine from farms in China and the molecular evidence of Hepadnavirus infection in domestic pigs herds in Brazil. We genetically characterize the swine Hepadnavirus strains in swine from slaughterhouses located in certified abattoirs from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil and evaluate its hepatotropic potential. A virus similar to HBV has been diagnosed by serology (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc) in swine herds [5] and chickens flocks [6] from China, and in domestic pig herds in Brazil [7]. We performed the current study to improve the molecular characterization of Hepadnavirus circulating in swine from abattoirs in Brazil, revealing if there is evidence that pigs destined for human consumption might act as a potential new reservoir or host for a virus HBVsimilar
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