Genomic characteristics and recombination patterns of swine hepatitis E virus in China. Issue 5 (13th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bahoussi, Amina Nawal; Guo, Yan‐Yan; Wang, Pei‐Hua; Dahdouh, Amina; Wu, Changxin; Xing, Li
• Is Part Of: Transboundary and emerging diseases. Volume 69:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: e3273
• Page End: e3281
• Publication Date: 2022-05-13
• Subjects: China -- genetic diversity -- phylogenetic analysis -- recombination -- swine hepatitis E virus -- zoonosis; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1865-1674

Abstract

Abstract: Zoonotic hepatitis E, mainly caused by swine hepatitis E virus (sHEV), is endemic in China, causing great economic disruption and public health threats. Although recombination is critical for the evolution of viruses, there is a limited assessment of its occurrence among sHEVs. Herein, we analysed all available sHEV full‐length genomes isolated in China during the past two decades (40 isolates) compared to 72 other sHEV strains isolated in different countries and determined that sHEV genotype 4 (sHEV4) dominates China. Eight potential natural recombination events were identified, four of which occurred in China and were mainly between sHEV4 strains, indicating the distinct character of China sHEV. One intergenotype recombination event was found in China, alarming the emergence of a new sHEV lineage that could become a critical threat to human health.