New pieces in the transmission cycle of the hepatitis e virus in South America: First viral detection in wild boars from Argentina

Abstract

Background: The hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis worldwide. In Europe, wild boars are known to be viral reservoirs and sources of infection. In South America, there is a lack of information about HEV in these animals. Methods: A total of 102 wild boar serum samples from Argentina (2014-2017) were studied for serological and molecular HEV detection. Results: We obtained a seroprevalence of 19.6%, similar to that recently described in Uruguay (the only antecedent in South America). HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) was amplified in two anti-HEV-positive samples. Conclusions: This is the first report of HEV circulation in wild boars from Argentina, adding evidence to the findings obtained in Uruguay indicating that wild boars could be viral reservoirs in South America.