Detection of Hepatitis E virus in swine using real-time RT-PCR
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The SafePork conference series began in 1996 to bring together international researchers, industry, and government agencies to discuss current Salmonella research and identify research needs pertaining to both pig and pork production. In subsequent years topics of research presented at these conferences expanded to include other chemical and biological hazards to pig and pork production.
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Abstract
The zoonotic transmtsswn potential of Hepatitis E virus (HEY) is now widely recognized. Swine represents the main animal reservoir for this virus in many countries, including Canada. In recent years, different real-time RT-PCR assays were developed and proposed as reliable and sensitive detection methods. However, the quality of extracted RNA, presence of inhibitors and RN ase contamination of the samples may impact on the detection results obtained with these molecular methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a sample process control (SPC) within a real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection ofHEV. This TaqMan multiplex assay was afterwards used to evaluate the viral load ofHEV in organs, tissues and excreta of normal pigs at slaughter. HEY RNA was detected in at least one sample from 14 out of the 43 animals tested (32.6 %). HEV was present in lymph nodes (25.6%), bladder (23.3%), liver (20.9%), bile (18.6%), feces (13.9%), tonsils (7.0%) and plasma (2.3%) but was undetected in loins.