Piggybacking on Danger: The Link Between Swine and Hepatitis E Virus

  1. Naluepanat Yodjan

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Abstract

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant public health concern worldwide and has been associated with the consumption of contaminated pork products and occupational exposure to infected swine. Swine can act as a reservoir of HEV for humans, and the epidemiology of HEV in swine populations is complex and varies depending on the region and population. This article reviews the current knowledge on the link between swine and HEV, including the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and public health implications of HEV in swine. The article also discusses the current prevention and control measures that have been implemented to reduce the risk of HEV infection in humans and to control HEV epidemiology. The article also highlights the importance of the One Health approach and future research directions that are needed to understand better the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of HEV in swine populations and to develop effective control measures to reduce the burden of HEV infections worldwide.

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  1. Access Microbiology

    Thank you for submitting your manuscript for publication in Access Microbiology. It has been examined by expert reviewers who have concluded that the work is of potential interest to the readership of Access Microbiology. However, based on the comments received, it is clear that a major revision of this manuscript will be required before a decision can be made on its publication. I will be pleased to consider a revised manuscript along with a document including a point by point response to each of the reviewers comments. The reviewers have highlighted that there are several similar published reviews, therefore, the significance of this review should be highlighted. It is also important to ensure that all information provided in this review is factually correct. Therefore, you may wish to consider collaborating with another individual who has a track record in the field to ensure that the content is current and correct. Your revised manuscript may be returned to one or more of the original reviewers, along with your itemised response to the reviewers’ comments.

  2. Access Microbiology

    Comments to Author

    The manuscript is a review on swine HEV. It has limited novelty since the information herein is already available in several similar publications. In prevention and control measures (lines 166-171), the text reads as: Swine populations are tested for HEV, and control measures are implemented on infected farms. This helps detect HEV-infected farms and prevents the spread of HEV to other farms and humans. Vaccination of swine against HEV is done, and vaccines have been developed and can be implemented on the farm level to prevent HEV infection in swine and decrease the potential of HEV transmission to humans. The two statements above are difficult to agree to for the following reasons: (i) No simple commercial test is currently available for testing swine populations; (ii) there are no data to show that such testing can be used to prevent HEV infection in swine, and (iii) no vaccine for HEV for use in swine has been developed.

    Please rate the manuscript for methodological rigour

    Satisfactory

    Please rate the quality of the presentation and structure of the manuscript

    Satisfactory

    To what extent are the conclusions supported by the data?

    Not at all

    Do you have any concerns of possible image manipulation, plagiarism or any other unethical practices?

    No

    Is there a potential financial or other conflict of interest between yourself and the author(s)?

    No

    If this manuscript involves human and/or animal work, have the subjects been treated in an ethical manner and the authors complied with the appropriate guidelines?

    Yes

  3. Access Microbiology

    Comments to Author

    This review article describes the current knowledge of HEV infections in swine population (epidemiology, transmission, prevention and control measures). Authors stated that this review will provide a better understanding of the link between swine and HEV and assist in identifying research gaps and future directions for the study of HEV in swine populations and the control of HEV in humans. Points for attention: Title: I personally like the expression "Piggybacking on Danger", but maybe authors should think about changing the second part of the title "The Link between Swine and Hepatitis E virus". Maybe "Burden of Hepatits E virus infection" Abstract: Line 14: Please add raw or undercooked- raw or undercooked contaminated pork products Line 15-17: Please rephrase the sentence "Swine can act as a reservoir of HEV for humans, and the epidemiology of HEV in swine populations is complex and varies depending on the region and population." It is well known that pigs serve as the major reservoir for the zoonotic HEV strains. Lines 17-18: Please rephrase the following "This article reviews the current knowledge on the link between swine and HEV" Keywords: To increase article's searchability it would be good to add more keywords, for example: One Health, control measures Introduction: Line 49: Please add raw or undercooked- raw or undercooked contaminated pork products Overview of HEV: Line 68: Please update the references regarding the HEV classification "HEV is classified into four genotypes". HEV is classified into eight genotypes. The human associated as well as zoonotic genotypes are grouped into the species Orthohepevirus A, which includes a total of 8 genotypes, originating from pig, wild boar, rabbit, and camel species. Lines 87-89: Rephrase the sentence:" Therefore, it is essential to gain more insights into the relationship between swine and HEV better to understand the virus's epidemiology and transmission dynamics." Swine as a reservoir of HEV: Authors should thing about rephrasing the title, maybe Swine as HEV reservoir Line 92: Please rephrase: "Evidence suggests that swine can perform as an HEV reservoir" because it is well known that swine population is one of the main HEV reservoirs. Authors described the seroprevalence rates in China, India, Indonesia, United States… It would be good if the authors would describe HEV prevalence rates in Thailand and neighboring countries. Human HEV infection and occupational risks: As stated in the chapter above, authors should thing about describing HEV infection rates in human population (due to the occupational risk) in Thailand and neighboring countries. Implications for public health: In a zoonotic infection such as HEV, it is of the utmost importance to recognize the interconnections between humans, animals, and their shared environment and to implement a "One-Health" multisectoral approach to achieve optimal health and outcomes. This chapter should be more discussed. Prevention and control measures: Very well described and explained. Discussion: In my opinion, authors should also state why their review is important because there are several similar articles available. What is the strength of this review? Conclusion and future perspectives: Lines 229-230: Maybe to rephrase in: as it is proven that swine population is one of the major reservoirs for the zoonotic HEV strains. Lines 232-233: Please rephrase the sentence: "HEV is prevalent in swine populations worldwide and can infect other swine and humans." Line 234: Please add raw or undercooked- raw or undercooked contaminated pork products Conclusive remarks: * It would be good if the authors would explain the importance of this study (in the article and in the abstract) because there are several similar studies available. Why is this review also significant? Is it significant for the author's homeland (it would be good if the authors would discuss HEV prevalence rates in swine population in Thailand)? * Authors should update the references, especially ones that describe HEV classification. * Authors should check the references and revise them according to the Manuscript Organization Instructions.

    Please rate the manuscript for methodological rigour

    Good

    Please rate the quality of the presentation and structure of the manuscript

    Good

    To what extent are the conclusions supported by the data?

    Strongly support

    Do you have any concerns of possible image manipulation, plagiarism or any other unethical practices?

    No

    Is there a potential financial or other conflict of interest between yourself and the author(s)?

    No

    If this manuscript involves human and/or animal work, have the subjects been treated in an ethical manner and the authors complied with the appropriate guidelines?

    No: This is review article

  4. Version published to 10.1099/acmi.0.000562.v1 on Access Microbiology