The capsid protein molecules have a shell domain that contributes to the semiclosed icosahedral shell and

a protrusion domain that interacts with the neighboring molecules to form surface protrusions.33–35 Using genomic sequence analysis, HEV isolates from human and other mammals have been divided into four genotypes, namely 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Fig. 2), and at least 24 subgenotypes (1a-1e, 2a-2b, 3a-3j and 4a-4g).36 Avian isolates of HEV are genetically distinct with a shorter (6.6 Kb) genome and only about 50% sequence homology with the mammalian isolates. The avian HEV is responsible for big liver and spleen disease in chicken,37,38 and is known to infect other bird species such as turkeys;39 initially proposed to constitute a fifth HEV genotype, these isolates are now considered as belonging to a separate genus. Each HEV genotype appears to have a specific geographic distribution Selleckchem Target Selective Inhibitor Library (Fig. 3). Dinaciclib manufacturer Genotype 1 HEV has been isolated from human cases of epidemic and sporadic hepatitis E in parts of Asia and Africa, where the disease is highly endemic,36 and

also from hepatitis E cases among travelers to these regions from low-endemic areas. These isolates have a high (>90%) nucleotide sequence homology with each other. Genotype 2 sequences, first reported from an outbreak of hepatitis E in Mexico, have subsequently been reported from cases in western Africa (Nigeria and Chad).36 These have nucleotide homology of only 75% (amino acid homology 86%) with genotype

1 isolates.22,36,40 Vildagliptin Genotype 3 HEV, first identified in a few rare cases of locally-acquired hepatitis E in the United States (US),25–27 has subsequently been reported from human cases in several industrialized countries in Europe (United Kingdom [UK], France, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Greece, Italy), Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Argentina.36,41 The genotype 3 isolates show only 74% to 75% nucleotide homology to genotypes 1 and 2 isolates. Genotype 4 HEV has been found in sporadic cases with acute hepatitis from China, Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam.36,42 All genotypes share at least one major serologically cross-reactive epitope and belong to a single serotype.43 Several mammalian species (pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, macaques, cats, dogs, rabbits, mongoose, rats and mice) show serological evidence of HEV infection.44 HEV infection has been found in pigs in all parts of the world, irrespective of the frequency of hepatitis E in human populations. Infection in pigs occurs early in life, and is associated with transient viremia, viral excretion and seroconversion, but no disease.24 Swine HEV isolates belong to genotypes 3 and 4; of these, the predominant genotype in any geographic region is usually the same as the one predominant among human cases in that area (genotype 3 in US, Europe, Australia and Japan, and genotype 4 in Taiwan, China, Japan).