EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF SPF PIGS WITH HEPATITIS E VIRUS (HEV)

摘要

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non enveloped, single stranded, positive-sense RNA virus, recently classified as the prototype member in the Hepevirus genus of the family Hepeviridae. In swine, the natural route(s) for HEV transmission remain unknown, even though repeated direct daily contact among pigs confined in the same pen may enhance the spread of the virus. Pigs housed in the same pen are exposed to saliva, nasal secretion, urine and faeces of multiple pen mates repeatedly each day (1). Swine HEVviremia and faecal virus shedding generally occur in pigs of 2 to 4 months of age.