During the last decade, an increasing number of autochthonous cases linked to the zoonotic genotype HEV-3, have been reported in Europe. The main transmission route is foodborne linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork products and wild boar meat. Pigs and wild boars are the main HEV-3 reservoirs. In this study, 92 wild boar (Sus scrofa) livers were sampled during the hunting season 2016-2017 in five municipalities in Central Italy. HEV RNA was detected in 52.2% of livers with prevalence ranging from 0.0% to 65.7% in 4 of 5 areas investigated. By sequence analysis, strains were classified into HEV-3c and HEV-3f subtypes. Several strains were circulating in the same area and strains infecting animals possibly belonging to the same family were identical. Since, wild animals are a proven source of HEV transmission to humans and pigs, the high prevalence observed poses a question on the risk of consuming wild boar meat.
RICERCA DEL VIRUS DELL’EPATITE E IN UNA POPOLAZIONE DI CINGHIALI DEL CENTRO ITALIA
Ostanello F;
2018
Abstract
During the last decade, an increasing number of autochthonous cases linked to the zoonotic genotype HEV-3, have been reported in Europe. The main transmission route is foodborne linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork products and wild boar meat. Pigs and wild boars are the main HEV-3 reservoirs. In this study, 92 wild boar (Sus scrofa) livers were sampled during the hunting season 2016-2017 in five municipalities in Central Italy. HEV RNA was detected in 52.2% of livers with prevalence ranging from 0.0% to 65.7% in 4 of 5 areas investigated. By sequence analysis, strains were classified into HEV-3c and HEV-3f subtypes. Several strains were circulating in the same area and strains infecting animals possibly belonging to the same family were identical. Since, wild animals are a proven source of HEV transmission to humans and pigs, the high prevalence observed poses a question on the risk of consuming wild boar meat.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
