title: Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus infection in the Irish pig population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatitis E is an acute viral disease of humans, occurring in explosive outbreaks in the developing world and as sporadic cases in returning travellers. Increasing recognition of indigenous transmission in Western countries suggests a zoonotic source of infection, most likely pigs. To determine if hepatitis E virus is present in Irish pigs, sera from 330 animals were examined for antibodies using a commercially available ELISA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Antibodies were detected in 89 pigs (27%) in 13 herds (81%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hepatitis E virus is present in most Irish pig herds and in many animals within these herds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Laboratories, Backweston, Celbridge, Co., Kildare, Ireland.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Laboratories, Backweston, Celbridge, Co., Kildare, Ireland.
authors.forename: Sarah-Jayne
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Roche
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Laboratories, Backweston, Celbridge, Co., Kildare, Ireland.
authors.forename: Dónal
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sammin
keywords: Epidemiology; Hepatitis; Hepatitis E; Hepatitis E Virus; Pigs; Zoonosis