Detection and molecular characterization of zoonotic viruses in swine fecal samples in Italian pig herds

Monini, Marina; Bartolo, Ilaria Di; Ianiro, Giovanni; Angeloni, Giorgia; Magistrali, Chiara Francesca; Ostanello, Fabio; Ruggeri, Franco Maria

doi:10.1007/s00705-015-2538-4

Cited by 54 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 49 publications

(56 reference statements)

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“…Molecular tracking of enteric viral markers in the network began by investigating farm sites where their natural hosts reside. RVAs and PoAstVs were detected in swine feces from all farms and revealed extensive genetic diversity of strains consistent with previous publications from Canada and elsewhere (8,9,(36)(37)(38)(39). However, to our knowledge, detection and characterization of viral strains derived from environmental samples has not been thoroughly investigated to date.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Dynamics of Virus Distribution in a Defined Swine Production Network Using Enteric Viruses as Molecular Markers

Lachapelle

Letellier

Fravalo

et al. 2017

Appl Environ Microbiol

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Modern swine production systems represent complex and dynamic networks involving numerous stakeholders. For instance, livestock transporters carry live animals between fattening sites, abattoirs, and other premises on a daily basis. This interconnected system may increase the risk of microbial spread within and between networks, although little information is available in that regard. In the present study, a swine network composed of 10 finishing farms, one abattoir, and three types of stakeholders (veterinarians, livestock transporters, and nutritional technicians) in Quebec, Canada, was selected to investigate specific vectors and reservoirs of enteric viruses. Environmental samples were collected from the premises over a 12-month period. Samples were screened using targeted reverse transcription-PCR and sequencing of two selected viral markers, group A rotaviruses (RVA) and porcine astroviruses (PoAstV), both prevalent and genetically heterogeneous swine enteric viruses. The results revealed frequent contamination of farm sites (21.4 to 100%), livestock transporter vehicles (30.6 to 68.8%) and, most importantly, the abattoir yard (46.7 to 94.1%), depending on the sample types. Although high levels of strain diversity for both viruses were found, identical PoAstV and RVA strains were detected in specific samples from farms, the abattoir yard, and the livestock transporter vehicle, suggesting interconnections between these premises and transporters. Overall, the results from this study underscore the potential role of abattoirs and livestock transport as a reservoir and transmission route for enteric viruses within and between animal production networks, respectively. IMPORTANCE Using rotaviruses and astroviruses as markers of enteric contamination in a swine network has revealed the potential role of abattoirs and livestock transporters as a reservoir and vectors of enteric pathogens. The results from this study highlight the importance of tightening biosecurity measures. For instance, implementing sanitary vacancy between animal batches and emphasizing washing, disinfection, and drying procedures on farms and for transportation vehicles, as well as giving limited access and circulation of vehicles throughout the production premises, are some examples of measures that should be applied properly. The results also emphasize the need to closely monitor the dynamics of enteric contamination in the swine industry in order to better understand and potentially prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This is especially relevant when a virulent and economically damaging agent is involved, as seen with the recent introduction of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in the country.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Dynamics of Virus Distribution in a Defined Swine Production Network Using Enteric Viruses as Molecular Markers

Lachapelle

Letellier

Fravalo

et al. 2017

Appl Environ Microbiol

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“…These studies showed that the prevalence of HEV RNA in swine faeces and serum depend on the production stage, i.e. the pig’s age (Additional file 2 [14, 15, 18, 21, 57, 66, 86–89, 91–93, 95, 96, 104, 108, 109, 113, 114, 118–120, 133, 135, 136, 140–150]). A broad shedding period from 1.5 to 5 months of age was globally reported at farm scale.…”

Section: Hev Infection Characteristics and Dynamics On Pig Farmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

From the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) within the swine reservoir to public health risk mitigation strategies: a comprehensive review

Salines

Andraud

Rose

2017

Vet Res

135

139

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Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans, an emerging zoonosis mainly transmitted via food in developed countries and for which domestic pigs are recognised as the main reservoir. It therefore appears important to understand the features and drivers of HEV infection dynamics on pig farms in order to implement HEV surveillance programmes and to assess and manage public health risks. The authors have reviewed the international scientific literature on the epidemiological characteristics of HEV in swine populations. Although prevalence estimates differed greatly from one study to another, all consistently reported high variability between farms, suggesting the existence of multifactorial conditions related to infection and within-farm transmission of the virus. Longitudinal studies and experimental trials have provided estimates of epidemiological parameters governing the transmission process (e.g. age at infection, transmission parameters, shedding period duration or lag time before the onset of an immune response). Farming practices, passive immunity and co-infection with immunosuppressive agents were identified as the main factors influencing HEV infection dynamics, but further investigations are needed to clarify the different HEV infection patterns observed in pig herds as well as HEV transmission between farms. Relevant surveillance programmes and control measures from farm to fork also have to be fostered to reduce the prevalence of contaminated pork products entering the food chain.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13567-017-0436-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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“…It is widely accepted that breeding sows can play a role as HEV reservoirs and can transmit the virus to sucking piglets [144, 148, 156, 159, 160]. Pigs of less than 2 months are protected against HEV infection due to the presence of maternal antibodies [140, 161, 162]. HEV infection in pigs is subclinical, with only microscopic liver lesions [140, 163].…”

Section: Hev In Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although infection in pigs seems to occur at early stages in animal life, virus can be detected at all ages [156, 160, 162, 164]. On the other hand, RNA has been found in feces, liver, bile, and cecal content of animals at slaughter age, representing a risk of entrance of HEV into the food chain [149, 150, 157, 160].…”

Section: Hev In Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis E Virus in Industrialized Countries: The Silent Threat

Clemente-Casares

Ramos-Romero

Ramirez-Gonzalez

et al. 2016

BioMed Research International

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Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Its presence in developing countries has been documented for decades. Developed countries were supposed to be virus-free and initially only imported cases were detected in those areas. However, sporadic and autochthonous cases of HEV infection have been identified and studies reveal that the virus is worldwide spread. Chronic hepatitis and multiple extrahepatic manifestations have also been associated with HEV. We review the data from European countries, where human, animal, and environmental data have been collected since the 90s. In Europe, autochthonous HEV strains were first detected in the late 90s and early 2000s. Since then, serological data have shown that the virus infects quite frequently the European population and that some species, such as pigs, wild boars, and deer, are reservoirs. HEV strains can be isolated from environmental samples and reach the food chain, as shown by the detection of the virus in mussels and in contaminated pork products as sausages or meat. All these data highlight the need of studies directed to control the sources of HEV to protect immunocompromised individuals that seem the weakest link of the HEV epidemiology in industrialized regions.

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Detection and molecular characterization of zoonotic viruses in swine fecal samples in Italian pig herds

Cited by 54 publications

References 49 publications

Dynamics of Virus Distribution in a Defined Swine Production Network Using Enteric Viruses as Molecular Markers

Dynamics of Virus Distribution in a Defined Swine Production Network Using Enteric Viruses as Molecular Markers

From the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) within the swine reservoir to public health risk mitigation strategies: a comprehensive review

Hepatitis E Virus in Industrialized Countries: The Silent Threat

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