Work

High hepatitis E virus prevalence in pig slurry samples from the north-western region of Germany

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: copies/mL), whereas HAV RNA was not detected in any sample. Genotyping via nested PCR identified HEV genotype 3c, a subtype frequently detected in human infections in Germany. To further characterize the viral particles, four samples with the highest viral loads were subjected to linear density gradient ultracentrifugation. Two distinct fractions were identified, corresponding to enveloped particles (suggesting urinary origin) and non-enveloped particles (suggesting fecal origin). In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the frequent presence of both enveloped and non-enveloped HEV particles in pig slurry in Germany. These findings highlight manure as a potential environmental reservoir for HEV and underscore the need for further studies to determine HEV infectivity in slurry and to assess its epidemiological significance within the One Health framework.

Source: One Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2025.101291