Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Three Species of Pet Birds in Northwest China

Wei Cong,Xiao-Feng Shan,Si-Yang Huang,Xiao-Xuan Zhang,Si-Yuan Qin,Qing-Feng Meng,Wu-Wen Sun,Ai-Dong Qian

doi:10.1155/2014/296285

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, has been reported in a wide variety of animals, including birds, but little is known of HEV infection in pet birds in northwest China. The objective of the present investigation was to examine HEV seroprevalence in three species of pet birds, namely, Eurasian siskin, Oriental skylark, and black-tailed grosbeak from Gansu. Serum samples collected from 685 pet birds from August 2011 to September 2012 were examined independently for the presence of antibodies against HEV. A total of 59 (8.31%) pet birds were tested positive for HEV antibodies by the commercially available enzyme immunoassay kits. Of these, the seroprevalence was diverse in different species pet birds; the most frequent level was 10.83% (39/360) in Eurasian siskin, followed by 6.57% (19/289) in Oriental skylark, and 2.29% (1/36) in black-tailed grosbeak. Age and collecting region of pet birds were the main risk factors associated with HEV infection. The present study firstly revealed the seroprevalence of HEV infection in three species of pet birds in northwest China, which provided the baseline data for taking comprehensive countermeasures and measures for effectively preventing and controlling HEV infection in birds.

Highlights

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a newfound pathogen belonging to a newly recognized family of RNA viruses (Hepeviridae) [1], is the pathogenic agent of hepatitis E
The seroprevalence of avian HEV was diverse in different species pet birds; the most frequent level was 10.83% (39/360, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) 7.62–14.04) in Eurasian siskin, followed by 6.57% (19/289, 95% CI 3.72–9.43) in Oriental skylark and 2.29% (1/36, 95% CI 0.00–8.15) in black-tailed grosbeak
This paper represents the first report describing the seroprevalence of avian HEV from three species of pet birds (Eurasian siskin, Oriental skylark, and black-tailed grosbeak) in northwest China, and the finding from this study has significant implications for our understanding of the global epidemiology and spread of avian HEV

Summary

Introduction

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a newfound pathogen belonging to a newly recognized family of RNA viruses (Hepeviridae) [1], is the pathogenic agent of hepatitis E. HEV can lead to severe hepatic disease in humans, more often with higher case fatality rates than either hepatitis A or hepatitis B virus infection. Avian hepatitis E virus was first isolated from chickens with big liver and spleen disease or hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome [5, 6]. Avian HEV is likely not a zoonotic virus compared to swine HEV, since it failed to infect rhesus monkeys with avian HEV [7]. Avian HEV alone or coinfection with other avian pathogens is clinically important in poultry industry, which can cause death and reduce egg production of chicken, resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry industry [8]

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