engleski

Genetic characterization of Hepatitis E virus strains (HEV) in Croatia

Hepatitis E, one of the most common causes of acute hepatitis in humans, has a typically zoonotic route of spread in Europe, primarly by contact with animals or food of animal origin. The transmission path of the Hepatitis E virus through organ transplants or blood transfusions is also described. Detecting the genetic relationship of HEV strains derived from humans and animals can help our better understanding of its epidemiology and even detect some risk factors for its occurrence. In Croatia, samples of animal origin are tested for the presence of HEV RNA since 2007. Since the first case of autochthonous HEV infection in Croatia reported in 2012, good collaboration between animal and human health sectors was established through various projects and scientific research. Human sera samples, blood, tissue or faeces samples of different domestic and wild animals originating from different counties in Croatia are continuously tested for the presence of HEV RNA. Most confirmed HEV cases are sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. According to the sequence analysis, all detected HEV RNA strains have shown to be members of Orthohepevirus A genotype HEV-3. Strains within subtypes 3a, 3c and 3e were detected in human and animal samples, whereas subtype 3f strains were found only in human samples. Detected high genetic relationship in strains from humans and animals confirms interspecies transmission. Further investigation is needed to understand the spread of hepatitis E better.

HEV, Genetic characterization, genotypes

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