Abstract

While evidence suggests presence of HEV infection in humans in Zambia, currently, there is no information on its occurrence in domestic pigs. Here, we investigated the presence of HEV antibodies and genome in domestic pigs in Zambia. Sera (n = 484) from domestic pigs were screened for antibodies against HEV by ELISA while genome detection in fecal (n = 25) and liver (n = 100) samples from slaughter pigs was conducted using nested RT–PCR assay. Overall, seroprevalence was 47.7% (231/484) while zoonotic genotype 3 HEV RNA was detected in 16.0% (20/125) of slaughtered pigs. This is the first report to highlight occurrence of HEV infection in domestic pigs in Zambia. This finding suggests possible contamination of the pork supply chain. Moreover, there is a potential risk of zoonotic transmission of HEV to abattoir workers, pig farmers and handlers.

Details

Title
Hepatitis E virus infection in pigs: a first report from Zambia
Author
Chambaro, Herman M 1 ; Sasaki, Michihito 2 ; Muleya, Walter 3 ; Kajihara, Masahiro 2 ; Shawa, Misheck 2 ; Mwape, Kabemba E 4 ; Harima, Hayato 2 ; Qiu, Yongjin 2 ; Hall, William W 5 ; Fandamu, Paul 6 ; Squarre, David 7 ; Simulundu, Edgar 8   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Sawa, Hirofumi 9   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Orba, Yasuko 10 

1  Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Virology Laboratory, Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia 
2  Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan 
3  Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia 
4  Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia 
5  National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, USA 
6  Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia 
7  Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Conservation Science, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK 
8  Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia 
9  Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, USA; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan 
10  Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan 
Pages
2169-2172
Publication year
2021
Publication date
Dec 2021
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd.
e-ISSN
22221751
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2021.2002669
ProQuest document ID
3190429178
Copyright
© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, on behalf of Shanghai Shangyixun Cultural Communication Co., Ltd. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.