Abstract
BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which pigs have been established as reservoirs. In the present study, we investigated the presence of HEV among pigs in the Center and Littoral regions of Cameroon and performed the molecular characterization of positive strains.MethodologyA total of 453 serum and stool samples were randomly collected from pigs in slaughterhouses in Obala, Douala and Yaounde. All samples were examined for the presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA assays. IgM positive stool samples were tested for HEV RNA using an RT-PCR assay, followed by a nested PCR assay for sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsOverall, 216 samples (47.7%, 95% CI: 43.1%-52.3%) were positive for at least one of the serological markers of HEV infection. Amongst these, 21.0% were positives for anti-HEV IgM, 17.7% for anti-HEV IgG, and 9.1% for both. A total of eight stool samples (5.9%) were positive for HEV RNA by nested RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the retrieved sequences clustered within HEV genotype 3.ConclusionThis study shows a high prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies and the circulation of genotype 3 in the swine population in Cameroon. Subsequent studies will be needed to elucidate the zoonotic transmission of HEV from pigs to humans in Cameroon.
Highlights
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which pigs have been established as reservoirs
This study shows a high prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies and the circulation of genotype 3 in the swine population in Cameroon
Subsequent studies will be needed to elucidate the zoonotic transmission of HEV from pigs to humans in Cameroon
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging and zoonotic pathogen of humans and animals, which is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries [1]. HEV is predominantly transmitted by the ingestion of pork and wild boar meat. Several studies have shown that persons with occupational contact to domestic pigs such as slaughterers, pig farmers or veterinarians exhibit significant higher anti-HEV antibody prevalence than the general population [9,10]. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which pigs have been established as reservoirs. We investigated the presence of HEV among pigs in the Center and Littoral regions of Cameroon and performed the molecular characterization of positive strains
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