Haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological changes in hepatitis E virus seropositive pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study evaluated the haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological changes in HEV seropositive pigs. A total of 120 pigs were sourced from the Bodija Municipal abattoir, Ibadan, Nigeria, for this study. The haematology and serum biochemistry of the sampled pigs seropositive to HEV antibodies using the ID Screen ® Hepatitis E Indirect Multi-species ELISA biwell kit were analysed. Liver and spleen samples were also taken for histopathological examination and lesion scoring. HEV seropositivity was reported in 57.5% (69/120) of the pigs and associated with a significant (p <  0.05) decrease in erythrocyte parameters with a tendency to a non-regenerative anaemia. A significant moderate thrombocytopenia (1.81 ± 0.82 × 105/ μL) was also observed in the HEV seropositive group. There was a significant elevation in the level of serum hepatocellular leakage enzymes (aspartate transaminase and sorbitol dehydrogenase), albumin and total bilirubin level in the seropositive group. A semiquantitative analysis of the lesion sco re also revealed a significantly higher frequency and severity of hepatic lesions (including hepatocellular vacuolation, necrosis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, Kupffer cell hyperplasia and fibrosis) in the seropositive group. This study underscores the need for further HEV studies in Nigeria as a n important tentative aetiology in porcine hepatitis.
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research