Initial insights into the genomic detection of hepatitis E virus in goat milk and feces in Iran: The need for surveillance and control measures

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is recognized as a novel zoonotic agent. Due to lack of data on the presence of HEV in small ruminants in Iran, the study aimed to detect the HEV RNA in goat feces and raw milk samples. To address this gap, ۱۵۵ pooled samples, including ۸۳ feces and ۷۲ milk samples, were collected from ۸۳ goat farms during December ۲۰۲۲ to December ۲۰۲۳ in Mazandaran province. All samples were screened for HEV RNA by conventional PCR and nested RT-PCR. A total four farms were found positive for HEV RNA, exclusively in feces samples, while all milk samples were negative. These finding propose that fecal-oral transmission still remains as the prevailing route of HEV transmission. Although, all milk samples were negative, we cannot eliminate the potential risk of HEV transmission through dairy products. This data has provided insight into the circulation of HEV in the targeted population and emphasizes the need for comprehensive surveillance and routine diagnostic programs. Furthermore, epidemiological investigations are necessary to evaluate viral dissemination among livestock and to identify potential risk factors to humans.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hepatitis E virus ، Zoonotic agent ، Goat feces ، Goat milk ، Small ruminants