Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: Epidemiology, Animal Reservoirs, and Control Strategies

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis transmitted through the enteric route, impacting millions of individuals worldwide annually. While HEV is generally self-limiting, it can lead to considerable illness and death, particularly in gestating women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions, such as chronic liver disease. Hepatitis E virus genotypes 1 and 2 infect solely humans and are prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic, infecting both animals and humans. Hepatitis E virus genotype 7 has been reported to infect both humans and animals; however, further research is needed to clarify its zoonotic potential. Zoonotic transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of contaminated meat and close contact with infected animals, posing significant public health risks. Epidemiological studies indicated an increasing seroprevalence of HEV in humans and animals across diverse regions, highlighting the need for strengthened public health measures. While HEV infections in animal reservoirs are generally asymptomatic, they represent a critical source of human infections. The present review aimed to highlight HEV's current classification, epidemiology, modes of transmission from animals to humans, prevention, and control measures, with a special focus on HEV zoonotic genotypes and their animal reservoirs.