Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection from Hunted Wild Boars in Central Italy: an Epidemiological Investigation.

Every year, foodborne pathogens, including the hepatitis E virus (HEV), cause thousands of infections in different continents. Final consumers become infected through the ingestion of contaminated animal origin foodstuffs. Generally, in industrialized countries, HEV genotype 3 is involved in sporadic outbreaks. Infections have been described, in Europe and Japan as consequence of pork products and contaminated wild boar's primary or processed products (liver and muscle tissues) consumption. In Central Italy, hunting activities are largely practiced. In these small and rural communities, game meat and liver are ingested by hunters' families or at local and traditional restaurants. Therefore, these food chains can be considered critical HEV reservoirs. In this study, 506 liver and diaphragm tissues were collected from hunted wild boars in the Southern Marche region (Central Italy) and were screened for HEV RNA detection. From the 10.87% of liver and 2.76% of muscle samples, HEV3 subtype c was discovered. The observed prevalence values resulted in line with previous investigations performed in other Central Italian regions, but higher than Northern ones (3.7% and 1.9% from liver tissue). Therefore, the obtained epidemiological data highlighted the wide occurrence of HEV RNA circulation in a low-investigated area. Basing on results, a One-health approach was adopted due to the sanitary relevance of this Public Health concern.

Label-free ultra-sensitive colorimetric detection of hepatitis E virus based on oxidase-like activity of MnO2 nanosheets.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an evolving infectious entity that causes viral hepatitis infections worldwide. Current routine methods of identifying and diagnosing HEV are someway laborious and costly. Based on the biomimicking oxidase-like activity of MnO2 nanosheets, we designed a label-free, highly sensitive colorimetric sensing technique for HEV detection. The prepared MnO2 catalyst displays intrinsic biomimicking oxidase-like catalytic activity and efficiently oxidizes the 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate from colorless to blue colored oxidized TMB (oxTMB) product which can be measured at 652 nm by UV-visible spectrum. When the HEV-DNA was added, DNA adsorbed easily on MnO2 surface through physical adsorption and electrostatic interaction which hinders the oxidase-like catalytic activity of MnO2. Upon the introduction of target, the HEV target DNA binds with its complementary ssDNA on the surface of MnO2, the hybridized DNA releases from the surface of MnO2, which leads to recovery of oxidase-like catalytic activity of MnO2. This strategy was applied to construct a colorimetric technique for HEV detection. The approach works in the linear range of 1 fM-100 nM DNA concentration with the limit of detection (LOD) of 3.26 fM (S/N = 3) and quantitative limit (LOQ) of 36.08 fM. The TMB-MnO2 platform was highly selective for HEV target DNA detection when compared with potential interferences. Result of serum sample analysis demonstrates that this sensing system can be used for clinical diagnostic applications.

Repeated cross-sectional sampling of pigs at slaughter indicates varying age of hepatitis E virus infection within and between pig farms.

Humans can become infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) by consumption of undercooked pork. To reduce the burden of HEV in humans, mitigation on pig farms is needed. HEV is found on most pig farms globally, yet within-farm seroprevalence estimates vary considerably. Understanding of the underlying variation in infection dynamics within and between farms currently lacks. Therefore, we investigated HEV infection dynamics by sampling 1711 batches of slaughter pigs from 208 Dutch farms over an 8-month period. Four farm types, conventional, organic, and two types with strict focus on biosecurity, were included. Sera were tested individually with an anti-HEV antibody ELISA and pooled per batch with PCR. All farms delivered seropositive pigs to slaughter, yet batches (resembling farm compartments) had varying results. By combining PCR and ELISA results, infection moment and extent per batch could be classified as low transmission, early, intermediate or late. Cluster analysis of batch infection moments per farm resulted in four clusters with distinct infection patterns. Cluster 1 farms delivered almost exclusively PCR negative, ELISA positive batches to slaughter (PCR-ELISA+), indicating relatively early age of HEV infection. Cluster 2 and 3 farms delivered 0.3 and 0.7 of batches with intermediate infection moment (PCR+ELISA+) respectively and only few batches with early infection. Cluster 4 farms delivered low transmission (PCR-ELISA-) and late infection (PCR+ELISA-) batches, demonstrating that those farms can prevent or delay HEV transmission to farm compartments. Farm type partly coincided with cluster assignment, indicating that biosecurity and management are related to age of HEV infection.

Hepatitis E virus infection in pigs: a first report from Zambia.

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.

Characterization of rabbit hepatitis E virus isolated from a feral rabbit.

Rabbit hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been detected among rabbits and recently isolated from immunocompromised patients, suggesting zoonotic transmission. In this study, HEV infection among feral rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was assessed by detection of anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in sera was of 33 % (20/60) and HEV RNA was detected from only one of fecal swabs (1.7 %, 1/58). Furthermore, one naïve rabbit was intravenously inoculated with the suspension of the HEV-positive fecal specimen, exhibiting persistent HEV shedding in feces, intermittent viremia, seroconversion to anti-HEV IgM and IgG, and high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values, indicating persistent HEV infection. The isolate JP-59 had a length of 7,282 bp excluding a poly (A) tail and possessed the characteristic 93 bp-insertion in ORF1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that JP-59 formed a cluster with other rabbit HEV isolates from rabbits and human origin. The JP-59 shared the nucleotide sequence identities less than 87 % with other rabbit HEVs, suggesting that a novel rabbit HEV strain was circulating in Japan.

A Putative Novel Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Subtype Identified in Rabbit, Germany 2016.

Hepatitis E is an emerging viral disease that is the leading cause of viral hepatitis in the world. The vast majority of hepatitis E cases in developed countries are caused by zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 of hepatitis E virus (HEV) for which pig and wild boar and to lesser extent rabbits are the main reservoir. According to recent reports rabbits are a source of human HEV infection and highlight the risk of zoonotic foodborne transmission. Here we report the molecular analysis of a novel HEV strain identified in a rabbit during a countrywide surveillance of rabbits and hares in Germany, 2016. The analysis of the complete genome reveals characteristics of a putative novel recombinant subtype of the species Orthohepevirus A within the clade of genotype 3 but not closely related to any known subtypes. Importantly, the genome of this strain possesses a nucleotide exchange in the overlapping region of open reading frames ORF2/ORF3 interfering with a broadly applied diagnostic real-time RT-PCR. In conclusion, a new type of HEV strain was identified in a German rabbit with atypical and novel sequence characteristics.

Limited Value of Single Sampling for IgM Antibody Determination as a Diagnostic Approach for Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infection.

The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of a single determination of IgM antibodies for hepatitis E virus (HEV) diagnosis in patients with acute hepatitis. A prospective study included patients with suspicion of HEV infection, defined as individuals with acute hepatitis showing negative results for serological and molecular markers of other hepatitis viruses. All patients were evaluated for hepatitis E virus infection, including both IgM antibodies and viral RNA determinations. Hepatitis E virus infection was defined as positivity for any of these markers. A total of 182 patients were included in the study, of whom 68 (37.4%) were diagnosed with HEV infection. Of these, 29 (42.6%) were positive for both IgM and HEV RNA, 25 (36.8%) were positive only for IgM antibodies, and 14 (20.6%) were positive only for HEV RNA. Considering only those individuals who were positive for IgM antibodies, 54 of the 68 total cases (79.4%) could be identified, showing a percentage of false-negative individuals of 20.6%. The diagnostic algorithm of hepatitis E virus infection in patients with acute hepatitis should include the determination of both IgM antibodies and HEV RNA because single sampling for IgM antibody determination led to an important proportion of misdiagnosed cases. IMPORTANCE In immunocompetent patients with a suspicion of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, single IgM antibody testing is typically applied. In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of three different HEV screening approaches in patients with acute hepatitis, including approaches based on IgM determination, HEV RNA detection, and the combination of both. Our study shows that any diagnostic algorithm for HEV infection in patients with acute hepatitis should be based on the determination of both markers (IgM antibodies and HEV RNA) because single sampling for IgM antibodies results in an unacceptable number of false-negative results (20%). According to our results, the determination of HEV RNA should not be limited to immunosuppressed individuals because a high proportion of cases could be misdiagnosed.

Full-length genome sequencing of RNA viruses-How the approach can enlighten us on hepatitis C and hepatitis E viruses.

Among the five main viruses responsible for human hepatitis, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are different while sharing similarities. Both viruses can be transmitted by blood or derivatives whereas HEV can also follow environmental or zoonotic routes. These highly variable RNA viruses can cause chronic hepatitis potentially leading to hepatocarcinoma. HCV and HEV can develop new structures and functions under selective pressure to adapt to host immunity, human tissues, treatments or even various animal reservoirs. Elsewhere, with directly acting antiviral treatments, HCV can be eradicated whereas HEV is an emerging pathogen against which specific treatments have to be improved. As a unique molecular tool able to explore viral genomic plasticity, full-length genome (FLG) sequencing has become easier, faster and cheaper. The present review will show how FLG sequencing can explore these RNA viruses with the aim to investigate key genomics data to improve basic knowledge, patients' healthcare and preventive tools.

Unusual high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis E virus in South Brazil.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is worldwide distributed and might cause acute or chronic hepatitis mainly in immunocompromised individuals. In previous studies we found a high prevalence of antibodies to HEV within blood donors in south Brazil and also within backyard-raised pigs. Here, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-HEV antibody and HEV RNA within the general population from three major municipalities (Caxias do Sul, Passo Fundo and Santa Maria) in south Brazil. A total of 3000 blood samples were randomly obtained from clinical laboratories at each of the three municipality (n = 1000 each) to determine the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA. Overall, anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 574/1000 (57,4%) samples in Caxias do Sul, 655/1000 (65.5%) samples in Passo Fundo and 554/1000 (55.4%) samples in Santa Maria. The prevalence of HEV-positive samples increased steadily and significantly (P < 0,001) with age and was unusually higher within individual over 40 years. Despite of this, none of the pooled serum samples had detectable levels of HEV RNA. The high anti-HEV antibody prevalence suggests that the virus might be present on the environment and/or foodstuff and poses a permanent threat to immune-compromised individuals.

Molybdenum Trioxide Quantum Dot-Encapsulated Nanogels for Virus Detection by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering on a 2D Substrate.

The use of nanogels (NGs) to modulate surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities is introduced as an innovative strategy to address certain critical issues with SERS-based immunoassays. This includes the chemical deformation of SERS nanotags, as well as their nonspecific interactions and effective "hotspots" formation. Herein, the polymeric cocoon and stimuli-responsive properties of NGs were used to encapsulate SERS nanotags containing plasmonic molybdenum trioxide quantum dots (MoO3-QDs). The pH-controlled release of the encapsulated nanotags and their subsequent localization by maleimide-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles facilitated the creation of "hotspots" regions with catalyzed SERS activities. This approach resulted in developing a biosensing platform for the ultrasensitive immunoassays of hepatitis E virus (HEV) or norovirus (NoV). The immunoassays were optimized using the corresponding virus-like particles to attain limits of detection of 6.5 and 8.2 fg/mL for HEV-LPs and NoV-LPs, respectively. The SERS-based technique achieved a signal enhancement factor of up to ∼108 due to the combined electromagnetic and chemical mechanisms of the employed dual-SERS substrate of MoO3-QDs/2D hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets. The highlight and validation of the developed SERS-based immunoassays was the detection of NoV in infected patients' fecal specimen and clinical HEV G7 subtype. Importantly, this system can be used to maintain the stability of SERS nanotags and improve their reliability in immunoassays.

Evaluation of oral fluids for surveillance of foodborne and zoonotic pathogens in pig farms.

The use of oral fluid (OF) to detect zoonotic pathogens in pigs has been only scarcely assessed. We evaluated OF as a potential specimen for detection by culture of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Yersinia enterocolitica, and the detection of antibodies against Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV) using commercial ELISAs. Samples from 33 pig farms were collected at the beginning and end of the fattening period. Results of the OF samples were compared with the results of serum samples and nasal swabs from individual pigs and pen floor fecal samples, using the Cohen kappa (κ) and the McNemar test. For Salmonella spp. antibodies, OF samples were negative, although the corresponding serum samples were positive. The detection of HEV antibodies in sera and OF had agreement at the first sampling, and poor and significant agreement at the second sampling (κ = 0.185, McNemar p = 0.238; κ = 0.088, McNemar p < 0.001). At both sampling times, the detection of MRSA in nasal swabs and OF showed agreement (κ = 0.466, McNemar p = 0.077; κ = 0.603, McNemar p = 1); agreement was seen for the detection of Y. enterocolitica in fecal and OF samples (κ = 0.012, McNemar p = 0.868; κ = 0.082, McNemar p = 0.061, respectively). According to the McNemar test, the use of pen-based OFs is more feasible for the detection of MRSA and Y. enterocolitica by culture than is detection of antibodies by commercial ELISA.

Long-term surveillance for hepatitis E virus in an Italian two-site farrow-to-finish swine farm.

In humans, hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for an acute enterically transmitted hepatitis, which can become chronic in immune-compromised patients. Genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV-3 and HEV-4) are zoonotic, and domestic pigs and wild boar are the main reservoirs. The occurrence of autochthonous cases in Europe, which have been increasing over the last 10 years, has been associated with food-borne zoonotic transmission of HEV-3, mainly linked to consumption of undercooked or raw pork products (sausages containing liver) and wild boar meat. Zoonotic HEV-3 strains are widespread on pig farms, but little information is available on the dynamic of HEV-3 infection within farms, among pigs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of the infection among pigs of different ages along the production chain by the zoonotic HEVs, and to evaluate how long the virus may persist in the farm environment. The presence of HEV-RNA was investigated by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) in 281 test faecal pools over 19 months (2017-2019) on a two-site farrow-to-finish farm (about 1,000 sows), in Northern Italy. A total of 67/281 test faecal pools (23.8%) resulted positive for the presence of HEV-RNA (site 1: 59/221, 26.7%; site 2: 8/60, 13.3%). Nucleotide sequencing revealed a unique HEV-3 viral variant circulating during 19 months of surveillance. The same HEV-3 strain was detected in the same farm on 2012, indicating the persistence of the same virus over 7 years, and highlighting the role of the environment as a continuous source of infection on pig farms. The results confirmed the circulation of the zoonotic genotype HEV-3 in pigs before slaughtering.

Isolation and Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus Subtype 4b Using a PLC/PRF/5 Cell-Derived Cell Line Resistant to Porcine Sapelovirus Infection.

The human hepatocarcinoma cell line PLC/PRF/5 is susceptible to hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and is used for HEV isolation. It is difficult to use the cell line for this purpose directly from fecal specimens of swine or wild boar contaminated with porcine sapelovirus (PSV) because PSV infection results in rapid and extensive cytopathic effects in PLC/PRF/5 cells, interrupting the growth of HEV. Herein, we used a PSV infection-resistant cell line, N1380, derived from PLC/PRF/5 cells, and successfully isolated a HEV-4b strain from a PSV-positive swine fecal specimen. Our results indicated that N1380 cells are a useful tool for the isolation of HEV from swine or wild boar fecal specimens, even when the cells are co-infected with PSV.

Molecular Characterization and Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients and Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Seroprevalence rates and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalent in the Lithuanian human population has not yet been evaluated. Immunosuppressed individuals have been recognized as a risk group for chronic hepatitis due to HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) infections. The objectives of the present study were to determine prevalence rates of anti-HEV antibodies among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, to isolate and characterize HEV strain present in the Lithuanian human population, and to investigate its capacity to infect non-human primate (MARC-145 and Vero), swine (PK-15) and murine (Neuro-2a) cells in vitro. In the present study, the significant difference of anti-HEV IgG prevalence between healthy (3.0% (95% CI 0-6.3)) and immunosuppressed individuals (12.0% [95% CI 8.1-15.9]) was described. Moreover, our findings showed that anti-HEV IgG seropositivity can be significantly predicted by increasing age (OR = 1.032, p < 0.01), diagnosis of IBD (OR = 4.541, p < 0.01) and reception of SOT (OR = 4.042, <0.05). Locally isolated HEV strain clustered within genotype 3i subtype of genotype 3 and was capable of infecting MARC-145 cells. This study demonstrates higher HEV seroprevalence in the risk group compared to healthy control individuals without confidence interval overlap. The high level of genetic homology between human and animal strains in Lithuania and the capacity of locally isolated strains to infect cells of non-human origin suggests its potential for zoonotic transmission.

Co-infection of hepatitis E virus and Plasmodium falciparum malaria: A genuine risk in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of malaria and viral hepatitis in South Africa. Co-infection with Plasmodium malaria (leading to cerebral malaria) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a rare phenomenon. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old African American male with no past medical history developed altered mental status on his return from Ivory Coast. His blood tests were significant for renal and liver failure and a high Plasmodium parasite burden of 33% on the blood smear. Interestingly, he also had a positive result for hepatitis E IgM. The patient was effectively treated with aggressive hydration and intravenous (IV) artesunate. CONCLUSION: Our report is the first to our knowledge in the cerebral malaria literature on a patient with hepatitis E co-infection. This exciting case emphasizes the importance of considering all kinds of endemic infectious diseases when evaluating sick returning travelers presenting to the emergency department.

Hepatitis E Virus in the Food of Animal Origin: A Review.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cosmopolitan foodborne pathogen. The viral agent infects humans through the consumption of contaminated food (uncooked or undercooked). Most cases of infection are asymptomatic and for this reason, this pathology is considered underdiagnosed. Domestic and wild animals are considered natural reservoirs: that is, domestic pig, wild boar, sheep, goat, deer, rabbit, and so on. Therefore, various work categories are at risk: that is, veterinarians, farmers, hunters, slaughterhouse workers, and so on. In these last decades, researchers found a high percentage of positivity to the molecular viral detection in several food matrices included: ready-to-eat products, processed meat products, milk, and shellfish. This review aims to provide an international scenario regarding HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) detection in several foodstuffs. From this investigative perspective, the study aims to highlight various gaps of the current knowledge about technologies treatments' impact on viral loads. The purpose was also to provide an innovative point of view "One Health"-based, pointing out the strategic role of environmental safety.

The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans.

Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Spread and Genetic Diversity in Game Animals in Northern Italy.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E, an emerging public health infection which has an increasing incidence across Europe. Because of the apparent lack of species barriers, HEV was characterized as a zoonotic agent. Swine are recognized as the main reservoir, but HEV is also found in wild animals such as ungulates, lagomorphs, and bats. Our work aimed at detecting the HEV presence in wild fauna in two hunting areas of Northern Italy (Parma and Sondrio areas) with different environmental and anthropic characteristics to investigate its possible role as reservoir. Liver samples were collected from wild boars, red deer, roe deer and chamois, and viral identification was carried out by One-Step RT Real-time PCR. Positive samples were genotyped, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The virus was found only in the wild boar population, with different prevalence and subtypes in the two areas (14% HEV3a and 1.2% close to HEV3f in Parma and Sondrio, respectively). Wild ruminants seem otherwise to pose a marginal risk. Given the high pig farm density in the Parma area, and expansion of the wild boar population, continuous monitoring of the strains circulating in wildlife is crucial.

Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence Among Liver Transplant Recipients with Persistent Elevation of Liver Enzymes: A Single Center Report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis E infection has been reported in solid organ transplant recipients following acute hepatitis due to the compromised immune status. Almost all reports are from areas where hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 are the dominant genotypes. This study was conducted to investigate the role of hepatitis E infection as an etiology for liver enzymes elevation in liver transplant recipients from the largest liver transplant program in Iran. METHODS: In a prospective study from June to December 2015, in a single liver transplantation center in Iran, all adult liver recipients who were investigated for the etiology of persistent elevation of liver enzymes were tested for HEV serology status. RESULTS: Of 122 patients included in the study, 19 (15.6%) were positive for HEV serology. Seropositive patients were significantly older than seronegative ones (mean age 43.79 vs. 31.58, P < 0.001); however, they were not different in other characteristics including sex distribution and mean of liver enzymes in each occasion. Liver biopsies were done in 16 HEV seropositive patients and none of the biopsies showed evidence for acute or chronic viral hepatitis. CONCLUSION: In this study, with 15.6% rate of HEV seropositivity in liver recipients with persistent elevation of liver enzymes, we were not able to confirm any clinical evidence for active acute or chronic hepatitis E infection. This could theoretically be attributed to the fact that the dominant prevalent HEV genotype in our endemic area is not associated with a chronic form of infection.

Incidence of hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses and norovirus and rotavirus in fish and shrimp samples caught from the Persian Gulf / [Incidência de vírus da hepatite A e hepatite E e norovírus e rotavírus em amostras de peixes e camarões capturados no Golfo Pérsico]

Foodborne viruses including hepatitis A virus (HAV), norovirus (NoV), rotavirus (RoV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are easily transmitted through contaminated seafoods. The current research was done to assess the incidence of RoV, NoV GI and GII,hAV and hEV in fish and shrimp samples caught from the Persian Gulf, Iran. Three-hundred and twenty fish and shrimp samples were collected. The presence of foodborne viruses were assessed by the real-time PCR. Forty-nine out of 320 (15.31%) fish and shrimp samples were positive for foodborne viruses. Distribution of hAV, NoV GI and NoV GII amongst all studied samples were 0.93%, 5.93% and 8.43%, respectively. hEV and RoV viruses were not found in studied samples. Parastromateus niger and Scomberomorus commerson fish and Penaeus monodon shrimp were the most frequently contaminated samples. Simultaneous incidence of hAV and NoV GI and hAV and NoV GII were 0.31% and 0.93%, respectively. Distribution of foodborne viruses in samples collected through spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons were 14.28%, 9.33%, 11.76% and 24.44%, respectively. Findings revealed that the incidence of foodborne viruses was significantly associated with seafood species and also season of sampling.(AU)

Vírus transmitidos por alimentos, incluindo hepatite A (HAV), norovírus (NoV), rotavírus (RoV) e hepatite E (HEV) são facilmente transmitidos através de frutos do mar contaminados. Esta pesquisa foi realizada para avaliar a incidência de RoV, NoV GI e GII, hAV e hEV em amostras de peixes e camarões capturadas no Golfo Pérsico, Irã. Foram coletadas 300 amostras de peixes e camarões. A presença de vírus transmitidos por alimentos foi avaliada por PCR em tempo real. Quarenta e nove das 320 amostras de peixes e camarões (15,31%) foram positivas para vírus transmitidos por alimentos. A distribuição de hAV, NoV GI e NoV GII entre as amostras estudadas foi 0,93%, 5,93% e 8,43%, respectivamente. Os vírus hEV e RoV não foram encontrados nas amostras estudadas. Os peixes Parastromateus niger e Scomberomorus commerson e o camarão Penaeus monodon foram as amostras mais frequentemente contaminadas. A incidência simultânea de hAV e NoV GI, e hAV e NoV GII foi de 0,31% e 0,93%, respectivamente. A distribuição dos vírus transmitidos por alimentos nas amostras coletadas na primavera, verão, outono e inverno foi de 14,28%, 9,33%, 11,76% e 24,44%, respectivamente. Os resultados demonstram que a incidência de vírus transmitidos por alimentos foi significativamente associada às espécies de frutos do mar e também à época da amostragem.(AU)