Research and Control Strategy of Swine Hepatitis E Virus in China

Abstract:

Hepatitis E, a newly emerging zoonotic infectious disease, is of major public health concern worldwide. Its pathogen is hepatitis E virus (HEV), which is in most cases enterically transmitted. Pigs are regarded as the major virus reservoir. The epidemic state of the disease is complicated in China. There exist genotype 4 and/or 3 HEV in pig farms. Gene recombination and quasispecies of HEV is providing genetic foundation to the evolution of the viruses. Consuming contaminated pig meat and organs is the major cause of infection with the zoonotic pathogen. Research is needed to throw light on the relationship of swine HEV with other epidemic pathogens in pig farms. Real time inspection of genetic and pathogenic variation of swine HEV will provide valuable information for taking proper prophylaxis measures. Analysis of epidemic state of swine HEV should be one of the key issues in Veterinary Public Health (VPH) system.