Description and purpose
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and a HEV-like viruses circulation in carnivores has been reported. Genetic characterization of HEV aimed at identifying potentially hepatotropic viruses of carnivores using a quantitative real-time PCR assay targeting a conserved genomic region among the four major HEV group A genotypes. Subsequent sequencing will be performed using two different protocols targeting the highly conserved regions of the viral genome within the genus Orthohepevirus species A.
Purpose
The aim of this project will be to investigate the impact of viral infections on liver disorders of cats and dogs, searching for emerging and neglected viruses. Furthermore, as wild animals can serve as reservoirs for a number of viral pathogens of domestic animals and humans, or vice versa, the project will also explore the ecology of hepatotropic viruses in wild carnivores.
Expected results
The ecology and circulation of zoonotic hepatotropic viruses in wild carnivores will be also explored and investigated molecularly and serologically. Epidemiological surveillance of HEV human cases will be improved with the inclusion of HEV-A and HEV-C in the diagnostic algorithm of hepatitis. Another project task will investigate the presence of HEV-C in environmental samples (wastewater implants), considered as a good proxy of virus circulation in human and animal host.
Achieved results
Results derived from investigations on animals were obtained from the two dedicated units. On the contrary, results from investigation human samples which is the specific target of the research unit in Parma are not yet available and are on-going for reasons not depending on the researcher.
