Molecular detection of HEV in domestic pigs in Italy from Abruzzo and Molise regions

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen transmitted through the faecal-oral route and it responsible of disease in humans with more than 21.000 cases reported European Union (EU) over last decade. It non-enveloped single stranded RNA that includes 8 genotypes; among these, genotypes 3 4 (HEV-3 HEV-4) are most prevalent developed countries infect both some animal species such as domestic pigs. In this study, we investigated prevalence HEV pigs bred Italy, Abruzzo Molise regions. Methods During period October 2020-March 2021, 327 liver samples from individual were analysed. particular, 211 collected 1 slaughterhouse originated animals different farms 116 7 slaughterhouses 47 farms. The real time retro-transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect by targeting open reading frame (ORF) region viral ribonucleic acid (RNA). Results None deriving tested positive for detection RNA. Instead, 2 positive, showing 3.45%. Conclusions Pigs considered important reservoirs virus. For reason, opportune investigate role these better understanding their involvement human infection consumption contaminated raw or undercooked pork-meat products. These findings need be further depth genomic characterization highlight specific strains circulating draw conclusions about connections between animals, potential food disease. Key messages study paved way defining transmission pork meat This reports regions, two Italian