Absence of hepatitis E virus in hedgehogs in northern Italy in 2022–2024

Virology Journal 2026 Open access

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Authors: Sara Arnaboldi, Roberto Benevenia, Francesco Righi, Annalisa Scarazzato, Antonio Lavazza, Davide Lelli, Tiziana Trogu, Marina Nadia Losio, Barbara Bertasi
DOI: 10.1186/s12985-026-03071-y
Cited by: 0
References: 38

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes viral hepatitis, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Although swine are established reservoirs, the involvement of other animal species remains undefined. This study investigated 301 livers from naturally deceased European hedgehogs collected from wildlife centres (northern Italy), to determine their role in HEV transmission, spread and epidemiology, considering their proximity to urban areas. No positive samples were found by Real-time PCR, suggesting that hedgehogs play a marginal role in HEV epidemiology. Further studies are required to investigate other potential wild reservoirs to gain insight into HEV transmission dynamics, given the global impact of HEV-related diseases.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hepatitis Viruses Studies and Epidemiology Animal Virus Infections Studies Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology

Publication details

Journal / source
Virology Journal
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
38–38
Publication date
16 January 2026
Language
EN