Molecular and serological evidence of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 circulation in pigs in Senegal.

OBJECTIVES

In Senegal, data on the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) are limited, despite the emergence of a human epidemic in 2014. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and seroprevalence of HEV in pigs in Senegal.

METHOD: Blood samples were collected from pigs immediately after slaughter between September 2018 and December 2019. HEV RNA was detected using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and positive samples were subjected to Sanger sequencing targeting a fragment of approximately 300 bp of the ORF2 gene for molecular characterization. An enzyme immunoassay was performed to assess the seropositivity for anti-HEV antibody.

RESULTS

Among the 1600 serum samples tested, HEV RNA was detected in 69 serum samples (4.3%). Of these, 13 were successfully sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis showed that all strains belonged to genotype 3. Among 1161 selected RT-qPCR-negative serum tested, 76.6% were positive for anti-HEV antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Pigs have been identified as an important reservoir of HEV genotype 3 in Senegal, highlighting the need for integrated "One Health" surveillance to better understand viral circulation and assess the potential risk of zoonotic transmission.