Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Pigs
Author Information
Author(s): Bouwknegt Martijn, Rutjes Saskia A, Reusken Chantal BEM, Stockhofe-Zurwieden Norbert, Frankena Klaas, de Jong Mart CM, Roda Husman Ana Maria, van der Poel Wim HM
Primary Institution: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands
Hypothesis
The study aims to describe the course of hepatitis E virus infection in contact-infected pigs compared to intravenously inoculated pigs.
Conclusion
The course of infection differed between infection routes, suggesting that contact-infection could be a better model for natural transmission than intravenous inoculation.
Supporting Evidence
- Faecal HEV RNA excretion started at day 7 post-exposure for contact-infected pigs.
- Viremia started after 13 days of faecal HEV RNA excretion.
- Antibody development was detected after 13 days of faecal HEV RNA excretion.
- HEV RNA was detected in 20 of 39 muscle samples from contact-infected pigs.
Takeaway
The study looked at how pigs get infected with hepatitis E and found that getting infected through contact with other pigs is different from getting it through a needle.
Methodology
24 HEV-susceptible pigs were infected through contact with infected pigs or intravenous inoculation, and the course of infection was monitored.
Potential Biases
Potential for extrinsic contamination during necropsy could affect the results.
Limitations
The study did not include control pigs, which limits the ability to attribute observed abnormalities directly to HEV infection.
Participant Demographics
Pigs were 3-4 weeks old at the start of the experiment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 5–10
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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