Serological evidence of infection with hepatitis E virus among wild Yezo-deer, Cervus nippon yesoensis, in Hokkaido, Japan

Authors: Tomiyama, D.; Inoue, E.; Osawa, Y.; Okazaki, K.

Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis, Volume 16, Number 7, July 2009 , pp. 524-528(5)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Summary.

In this study, 520 serum samples from Yezo-deer in the Hidaka district, Hokkaido, Japan were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate whether the animals were infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV). The distribution of optical density values showed a bimodal pattern and 181 samples (34.8%) were deemed to be antibody-positive against HEV. At least five (2.8%) of the positive sera gave specific bands by Western blot analysis. An age-dependent increase in prevalence of the antibodies was found among the animals. These findings indicate that Yezo-deer are a possible host for HEV infection. To avoid the risk of becoming HEV infected, the consumption of raw Yezo-deer meat must be prohibited.

Keywords: hepatitis E virus; seroprevalence; Yezo-deer

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2893.2009.01107.x

Publication date: 2009-07-01