Assessment of the contribution of wildlife and domestic pigs in hepatitis E virus transmission and zoonotic potential in Eastern Romania

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been confirmed within the landscape of the European food industry, representing a significant factor in the dissemination of HEV among European citizens. Food-borne transmission of HEV appears to be a major route in Europe, with pigs and wild boars being the main source. The results of this study highlight an overall HEV seroprevalence of 12.8% (95%CI: 7.95-17.75) in wild boars and the detection of HEV RNA in all three fresh pig liver batches sampled from a slaughterhouse in Iași County. Given the prevalent dietary preferences in Romania, pork stands out as a highly favored food choice among the populace. However, the popularity of pork also raises concerns, as there exists the occasional risk of contamination with HEV, presenting a potential threat to consumer health. Ongoing surveillance, regulatory measures, and public awareness initiatives collectively may represent a comprehensive strategy to protect the consumers and ensure the safety of pork products in the market.