Hepatitis E Virus in Swine and Its Relation to Human Strains
Author Information
Author(s): Wim H.M. van der Poel, Froukje Verschoor, Reina van der Heide, Maria-Inmaculada Herrera, Amparo Vivo, Marlou Kooreman, Ana Maria de Roda Husman
Primary Institution: National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
Hypothesis
Is Hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalent in swine in the Netherlands and how are the strains related to those in humans?
Conclusion
The study found that HEV strains in swine in the Netherlands are genetically related to human strains, suggesting swine may be a reservoir for HEV.
Supporting Evidence
- HEV RNA was detected in 25 out of 115 pooled specimens from swine farms.
- None of the individual samples from pigs with diarrhea contained HEV RNA.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed swine HEV sequences clustered with human strains from Europe and America.
Takeaway
Scientists checked pigs in the Netherlands for a virus that can make people sick, and they found that some pigs had a version of the virus that is similar to what makes humans sick.
Methodology
Pooled stool samples from 115 swine farms and nine individual pigs were tested for HEV using RT-PCR.
Limitations
Clinical symptoms in swine were not recorded, and no overt clinical symptoms were observed.
Participant Demographics
Pigs aged 3 to 9 months from various farms in the Netherlands.
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