Abstract
BackgroundThe objective of this study is to established evidence of the existence of a novel member of the hepadnavirus family endemic in swine. Temporarily this virus was designated as swine hepatitis B virus (SHBV). This SHBV can be detected by using human hepatitis B virus diagnostic kits including ELISA, immunohistochemical staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also seroprevalence of pig farms in Beijing, China, and pathological features of SHBV infection was determined.ResultsScreened result shows that overall prevalence of HBsAg was 24.8%, closed to that of anti-HBsAg, whereas HBeAg and anti-HBe were barely detectable. The distribution of HBsAg and HBcAg was examined by immunohistochemistry of liver samples. Typical hepatitis pathological change, such as spotty parenchymal cell degeneration, necrosis of hepatocytes and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue were observed during histopathological analysis. Analysis of HBsAg-positive serum with TEM revealed two morphologic forms, 20 nm and 40 nm sized particles, similar to small spherical and Danes particles of HBV. Observation of the ultrastructure of the liver also found HBV-like particles in the nucleus of hepatocytes.ConclusionOur research result implies that SHBV could be a causative agent of swine. The discovery of SHBV will unveil novel evolutionary aspects of hepatitis and provides new information for further hepadnavirus research.
Highlights
The objective of this study is to established evidence of the existence of a novel member of the hepadnavirus family endemic in swine
A strong epidemiological relationship has been established between persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [2]
The discovery of HBV-related viruses offers ample opportunities for in vivo studies of various animals with naturally occurring hepadnaviruses. This has been valuable in determining the mechanisms of hepadnavirus replication, pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and for antiviral drug studies
Summary
The objective of this study is to established evidence of the existence of a novel member of the hepadnavirus family endemic in swine. This virus was designated as swine hepatitis B virus (SHBV). The discovery of HBV-related viruses offers ample opportunities for in vivo studies of various animals with naturally occurring hepadnaviruses. This has been valuable in determining the mechanisms of hepadnavirus replication, pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and for antiviral drug studies
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