Host range of zoonotic hepatitis E viruses

HEV is a major cause of acute clinical hepatitis among humans throughout the world. Acute hepatitis E in humans in developing countries is caused by the HEV genotypes 1 (HEV-1; occurrence mainly in Asia) and 2 (HEV-2; occurrence mainly in Africa and Mexico) with a host range restricted to humans [3]. These genotypes are transmitted primarily by the faecal/oral route (primarily by contaminated water). The human associated as well as zoonotic genotypes of HEV are grouped into the species Orthohepevirus A, which includes a total of 8 genotypes, originating mostly from pig, wild boar, rabbit, and camel species. Orthohepevirus B consists of avian hepatitis E virus species, whereas Orthohepevirus C viruses were isolated from rodents (rats, voles, and shrew) and carnivores (such as ferrets, mink and foxes). HEV from bats are classed in the species Orthohepevirus D and fish-related HEV belongs to genus Piscihepevirus [4] (compare Table 1).