Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Genetic Evolution of Rat Hepatitis E Virus in Small Mammals from Southwestern Yunnan, China.

ABSTRACT: Rat hepatitis E virus (rat HEV, Rocahepevirus genotype C1) represents a potential zoonotic threat, but its epidemiological and evolutionary characteristics in small mammals remain poorly understood, especially in regions with complex geography. Between 2022 and 2024, we collected 818 small mammals from seven border counties and cities in Yunnan, China. Rat HEV RNA was detected by RT-PCR, risk factors were assessed using binary logistic regression, and full genomes were sequenced for phylogenetic and molecular clock analysis. The overall prevalence of rat HEV was 6.23% (51/818), with significantly higher odds observed in Gengma and Heqing counties, in oriental house rat (Rattus tanezumi) and Chevrieri's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri), in residential habitats, and at m

SUBMITTER: Yang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12730198 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature