Detection of anti-HEV antibodies but no molecular positivity in dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy

• Published in: One health 2024-06, Vol.18, p.100724-100724, Article 100724
• Main Authors: Ferrara, G., Pagnini, U., Improda, E., Ciarcia, R., Parisi, A., Fiorito, F., Della Valle, G., Iovane, G., Montagnaro, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hepatitis E virus; HEV; One health; Paslahepevirus balayani; Research Paper; Stray dogs
• ISSN: 2352-7714; 2352-7714
• DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100724

Paslahepevirus balayani genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV-3 and 4) have zoonotic potential and can be transmitted to humans and animals through the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked meat. Although it has been demonstrated that dogs are susceptible to the infection and produce specific antibodies, the epidemiological role of this species is not yet well defined. This study aimed to evaluate the circulation of HEV at the serological and molecular level in the dog population of the Campania region, southern Italy. A total of 231 dogs were sampled, divided according to several variables (sex, age, origin, lifestyle, location, size, and breed), and tested for the presence of HEV antibodies using a commercial multi-species ELISA. A total of 197 blood samples and 170 stool samples were tested with two specific PCRs in order to detect viral RNA. A total of 19 out samples of 231 were seropositive, obtaining an exposure (8.2%) similar to that observed in other European countries. The univariate and multivariate analysis revealed a wide exposure to stray dogs and animals from the province of Salerno. All samples tested with molecular methods were negative. Defining the role of domestic carnivores continues to be a “one health” challenge, although it appears that they do not eliminate the virus and therefore do not pose a danger to humans. In the absence of other evidence, it is advisable to continue to carry out surveillance also for domestic animals, which, due to ethological characteristics or their position in the food chain, could be predisposed to being exposed to HEV. •Dogs in southern Italy were exposed to HEV.•A higher seroprevalence was found in stray dogs and in the Salerno province.•Although a large-scale molecular investigation was carried out, no sample was found to be positive.