# Hepatitis E Virus Exposure Across Multiple Host Species in a Shared Ecosystem in Argentina

## TL;DR

The study found that Hepatitis E virus exposure is common in wild boar and lower in humans, dogs, and deer in Argentina, highlighting risks from hunting and meat consumption.

## Contribution

This is the first report of HEV exposure in wild boar from El Palmar National Park and in axis deer and dogs in Argentina.

## Key findings

- HEV exposure was detected in 38.67% of wild boar, 0.75% of deer, 5.6% of dogs, and 10.17% of humans.
- A spatial cluster of seropositive wild boar was found in flood-prone areas near water bodies.
- Hunting and game meat consumption may increase human exposure to HEV.

## Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can infect both animals and people and is commonly transmitted through contaminated water or food. Wildlife, particularly wild boar, can help maintain the virus in the environment and create opportunities for infection across species. In a protected area of Argentina where invasive wild boar and deer are managed and their meat is consumed by people and dogs, we investigated exposure to HEV in wildlife, domestic animals, and humans who share the same ecosystem. Antibodies in blood samples showed that exposure to the virus was common in wild boar and less so in humans, dogs, and deer. In wild boar, higher exposure was detected in low-lying areas near water bodies that are prone to flooding, suggesting these environmental conditions can favor virus persistence and transmission. This study provides novel antibody-based evidence of HEV exposure in axis deer and dogs in Argentina and the first report of exposure in wild boar from this protected area. Thus, hunting practices and game meat consumption habits may increase risk of exposure in humans. These findings highlight the importance of integrating wildlife surveillance, environmental factors, and human activities into efforts to reduce the risk of diseases that can be shared between animals and people.

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging multi-host pathogen, with suids being the main reservoir. Humans are primarily infected through the consumption of contaminated water or food. In Argentina, HEV circulation has been confirmed in humans, domestic pigs, wild boar (Sus scrofa), and surface water. In El Palmar National Park, invasive wild boar and axis deer (Axis axis) are controlled, and their meat is released for public consumption, with trimmings and offal frequently fed to dogs. Between 2017 and 2019, we conducted a multi-species serological survey in this protected area to assess HEV exposure in invasive mammals and in dog and human consumers of game meat. We also evaluated associations between seropositivity and environmental variables, as well as behavioral risk factors among game-meat consumers. Total anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 29/75 (38.67%) wild boar, 1/134 (0.75%) deer, 1/18 (5.6%) dogs, and 6/59 (10.17%) humans. A spatial cluster of seropositive wild boar was identified in a low-lying, flood-prone area near the confluence of the El Palmar stream and the Uruguay river, suggesting increased risk of environmental transmission. This is the first report of HEV exposure in wild boar from this park and in axis deer and dogs in Argentina. Participation in culling and game meat handling and consumption may contribute to HEV exposure pathways among humans. These findings improve understanding of HEV epidemiology at the wildlife–domestic animal–human interface and highlight the influence of environmental factors and human behavior on zoonotic virus circulation.