Study Suggests Hepatitis E Might Be Sexually Transmitted
Researchers have discovered that the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is associated with sperm in pigs, suggesting it may be sexually transmitted and linked to male infertility, according to a study in PLOS Pathogens. HEV, the leading cause of acute viral liver infection worldwide, is prevalent in pigs in the U.S. Though the virus is typically found in organs rather than muscle and is killed when meat is cooked, its presence in reproductive tissues is a new and concerning finding.
Research at The Ohio State University
At The Ohio State University, researchers explored HEV infectivity in pigs, whose reproductive anatomy closely resembles that of humans. “After inoculating pigs with HEV, the team found the virus circulated in blood and was shed in feces.” Despite the infection, the pigs showed no clinical symptoms, similar to many human cases. Notably, the virus was present on the heads of sperm cells, and these viral particles could infect and replicate in human liver cells in culture.
This study is the first to demonstrate the association of HEV with sperm cells, as highlighted by first author Kush Yadav. “The findings prompt further investigation into the mechanistic relationship between HEV and sperm cells, including whether sexual transmission occurs.” Understanding this association is crucial, especially given the virus’s known links to fatal pregnancy complications and male infertility in developing regions.
HEV’s ability to reside in testicles, protected by the blood testis barrier, hints at its potential as a sexually transmitted organism. Historically, clinicians assumed that fecal-oral transmission caused clinical HEV infections, even during pregnancy. The new evidence of HEV’s association with sperm and potential impacts on sperm quality adds a layer of complexity to its transmission dynamics.
Implications for the Swine Industry
The research, led by Scott Kenney, also has implications for the swine industry. Since most commercial pig litters use artificial insemination, the widespread distribution of donor sperm from large breeding facilities could contribute to HEV’s endemic status. Although HEV does not significantly impact pig production profitability, cost-effective screening or vaccination at boar facilities could reduce the virus’s introduction into new herds.”
These findings suggest the need for more comprehensive screening of HEV in cases of unexplained male infertility and among the sexual partners of pregnant women who test positive for the virus. Future research will continue to explore HEV’s role in male reproductive health and its broader implications for both human and animal health.
Read the Original Article on: Medical Xpress
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