Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis E Virus in Wild and Domestic Rabbits in Australia.

ABSTRACT: In 2020, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was detected for the first time in Australian rabbits. To improve our understanding of the genetic diversity and distribution of the virus, 1635 rabbit liver samples from locations across Australia were screened via RT-qPCR for HEV. HEV genomes were amplified and sequenced from 48 positive samples. Furthermore, we tested 380 serum samples from 11 locations across Australia for antibodies against HEV. HEV was detected in rabbits from all states and territories, except the Northern Territory. Seroprevalence varied between locations (from 0% to 22%), demonstrating that HEV is widely distributed in rabbit populations across Australia. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Australian HEV sequences are genetically diverse and that HEV was likely introduced into Austr

SUBMITTER: Jenckel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8709427 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature