| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5545233 | Veterinary Microbiology | 2017 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Viruses similar to human hepatitis C virus, hepaciviruses, have been identified in various animal species. Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is the closest relative of human hepaciviruses. Although detected worldwide, information on EqHV epidemiology, genetic diversity and pathogenicity is still limited. In this study we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of EqHV in Italian equids. The RNA of EqHV was detected in 91/1932 sera (4.7%) whilst it was not detectable in 134 donkey sera screened by a TaqMan-based quantitative assay. Upon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of genomic portions located in the NS5B, 5â²UTR and NS3 genes, the Italian EqHV strains segregated into two distinct clades that are also co-circulating globally, without apparent geographic restrictions.
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Authors
Gabriella Elia, Gianvito Lanave, Eleonora Lorusso, Antonio Parisi, Nicola Cavaliere, Giovanni Patruno, Calogero Terregino, Nicola Decaro, Vito Martella, Canio Buonavoglia,