Detection and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis E viruses from mongooses in Okinawa, Japan

J Vet Med Sci. 2012 Dec;74(12):1665-8. doi: 10.1292/jvms.11-0520. Epub 2012 Jul 25.

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has previously been reported in wild mongooses on Okinawa Island; to date however, only one HEV RNA sequence has been identified in a mongoose. Hence, this study was performed to detect HEV RNA in 209 wild mongooses on Okinawa Island. Six (2.9%) samples tested positive for HEV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 6 HEV RNAs belonged to genotype 3 and were classified into groups A and B. In group B, mongoose-derived HEV sequences were very similar to mongoose HEV previously detected on Okinawa Island, as well as to those of a pig. This investigation emphasized the possibility that the mongoose is a reservoir animal for HEV on Okinawa Island.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bile / chemistry
  • Disease Reservoirs / virology
  • Hepatitis E virus / classification
  • Hepatitis E virus / genetics*
  • Herpestidae / virology*
  • Japan
  • Phylogeny*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • RNA, Viral