Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
Hepatitis E has been identified in pigs with uncertain clinical significance, but it is a very important viral infection in humans, mostly seen in third world countries of Asia and Africa.
Description
In pigs, swine hepatitis E only causes microscopic lesions in the liver without any clinical condition. Its importance is due to its zoonotic potential due to exposure to infected pigs or by the consumption of meat not cooked properly. Hepatitis E virus is ubiquitous and found in pigs worldwide. Piglets of 2 months of age are negative on serology, but most are positive after 3 months. The suspected transmission is via feces.
Symptoms
All ages
- It is not present.
Causes / Contributing Factors
- No risk factor has been identified.
Diagnosis
- Identification of histological lesions in the liver.
- Identification of the virus by PCR.
- Serology by ELISA.
Control/Prevention
- There is no effective treatment.
- No vaccines available.
- The virus is ubiquitous.
