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Hepatitis E virus-related liver alterations and viral antigen localization in European wild boar (Sus scrofa)

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Abstract

Sixty-four sera and faecal samples from hunted wild boar were submitted to indirect ELISA and RT-PCR to detect hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Liver samples were used to characterize liver alterations associated with HEV infection. Thirty-six (56.2 %) sera scored positive for HEV antibodies while six (9.4 %) faecal samples were virus-positive. A higher seroprevalence was found in adults with no differences between genders. Histological lesions were subclinical and characterized by mild multifocal and periportal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of mainly CD3+ lymphocytes. All six liver samples from HEV RT-PCR-positive subjects showed immunohistochemical cytoplasmic positivity for viral antigen in inflammatory foci. HEV infection had no apparent effect on wild boar body condition and biometric parameters. However, HEV infection in wild boar constitutes a threat for hunters, forest workers and consumers of undercooked wild boar meat or liver.

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Acknowledgments

This study was partially supported by a grant from the province of Pisa, Italy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa, 56124, Italy

    Roberto Nardini, Ranieri Verin, Maurizio Mazzei, Mario Forzan & Alessandro Poli

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  1. Roberto Nardini
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  2. Ranieri Verin
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  3. Maurizio Mazzei
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  4. Mario Forzan
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  5. Alessandro Poli
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Correspondence to Alessandro Poli.

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Nardini, R., Verin, R., Mazzei, M. et al. Hepatitis E virus-related liver alterations and viral antigen localization in European wild boar (Sus scrofa). Eur J Wildl Res 60, 835–838 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-014-0839-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-014-0839-7

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