Abstract
Hepatitis (HEV) is widely distributed in pigs and is transmitted with increasing numbers to humans by contact with pigs, contaminated food and blood transfusion. The virus is mostly apathogenic in pigs but may enhance the pathogenicity of other pig viruses. In humans, infection can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis and extrahepatic manifestations. In order to stop the emerging infection, effective counter-measures are required. First of all, transmission by blood products can be prevented by screening all blood donations. Meat and sausages should be appropriately cooked. Elimination of the virus from the entire pork production can be achieved by sensitive testing and elimination programs including early weaning, colostrum deprivation, Caesarean delivery, embryo transfer, treatment with antivirals, protection from de novo infection, and possibly vaccination. In addition, contaminated water, shellfish, vegetables, and fruits by HEV-contaminated manure should be avoided. A special situation is given in xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues or organs in order to alleviate the lack of human transplants. The elimination of HEV from pigs, other animals and humans is consistent with the One Health concept, preventing subclinical infections in the animals as well as preventing transmission to humans and disease.
Highlights
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded RNA virus approximately 7.2 kb in length with three open reading frames (ORFs)
The elimination of HEV from pigs, other animals and humans is consistent with the One Health concept, preventing subclinical infections in the animals as well as preventing transmission to humans and disease
While contaminated water is the main cause of transmitting HEV genotype 1 (HEV-1) and HEV-2, zoonotic virus distribution via water has been observed [51]
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded RNA virus approximately 7.2 kb in length with three open reading frames (ORFs). It is non-enveloped in bile and feces and is present coated in a lipid membrane (quasi-enveloped) in blood. HEV genotype 1 (HEV-1) and HEV-2 are human viruses They are highly endemic in several parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Mexico. They are spread through contamination of water supplies with human feces [3]. HEV-1 and HEV-2 cause 20 million new infections, 3.4 million acute hepatitis E, and 70,000 deaths from acute liver failure [4]. Infection with HEV-7 was observed in dromedary camels [36] and HEV-8 was found in Bactrian camels [37]
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