Prevalence and Detection of Hepatitis-Associated Viruses in Austrian Equids

Introduction: Equid hepatitis-associated viruses include equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H), equine hepacivirus (EqHV), equid hepatitis B virus (EqHBV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). Nationwide data on these viruses in Austria are lacking, with existing studies limited to specific regions and focusing on EqPV-H and EqHV. Infection rates of EqHBV for horses remain unknown. Hepatitis E virus has not yet been studied in Austrian equids. This study aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of hepatitis-associated viruses in the Austrian equid population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling of 587 clinically healthy equids (584 horses, 3 donkeys, median age = 12.4 years) across Austria. Serum samples (587) were analyzed for EqPVH DNA, EqHBV DNA, and EqHV RNA using quantitative PCR, and for antibodies against EqPV-H and EqHV using a luciferase immunoprecipitation system. Fecal samples (529) were tested for HEV RNA using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Results: The prevalence of EqPV-H DNA was 2.6% (15/587, 95%CI: 13%, 4.0%), while the seroprevalence was 31.4% (184/587, 95%CI: 27.6%, 35.3%). Equine hepacivirus RNA was detected in 2.4% of equids (14/587, 95%CI: 1.3%, 4.0%), with seroprevalence of 37.0% (217/587, 95%CI: 33.1%, 41.0%). Among horses, 2.4% (14/587) tested positive for both EqPV-H antibodies and DNA, 1.2% (7/587) for both EqHV antibodies and RNA, and 0.3% (2/587) for concurrent DNA/RNA of both viruses. Additionally, 16.4% (96/587) were seropositive for both viruses. No EqHBV DNA was detected in serum samples, and no HEV RNA was found in fecal samples. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: This study confirms the presence of EqPV-H and EqHV in the Austrian equid population, with moderate seroprevalence and low DNA/RNA prevalence. Local differences and risk factors for infections need to be further investigated, as they could clarify the epidemiology of these viruses. No evidence of EqHBV or HEV was found.

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