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Current opinion in virology2015; 16; 1-7; doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2015.10.002

Hepacivirus cross-species transmission and the origins of the hepatitis C virus.

Abstract: Just 5 years ago the hepatitis C virus (HCV) - a major cause of liver disease infecting >3% of people worldwide - was the sole confirmed member of the Hepacivirus genus. Since then, genetically-diverse hepaciviruses have been isolated from bats, dogs, cows, horses, primates and rodents. Here we review current information on the hepaciviruses and speculate on the zoonotic origins of the viruses in humans, horses and dogs. Recent and direct cross-species transmission from horses to dogs appears plausible, but the zoonotic origins of HCV in humans remain opaque. Mechanical transmission by biting insects, notably tabanids, could, in theory, connect all three host species. Much further work is needed to understand the transmission and zoonotic potential of hepaciviruses in natural populations.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2015-10-28 PubMed ID: 26517843DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2015.10.002Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article delves into the study of Hepaciviruses, particularly Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), their diverse origins, and the possibility of cross-species transmission. Despite certain evidence suggesting possible transmission from horses to dogs, it remains unclear how HCV could have originated in humans.

Background and Introduction

  • The article begins by acknowledging that Hepatitis C (HCV) – a serious cause of liver disease affecting more than 3% of the global population – was just five years ago the only known member of the ‘Hepacivirus’ genus.
  • Since that time, several Hepacivirus samples with a diverse genetic base have been discovered in bats, dogs, cows, horses, primates and rodents, expanding the scope of the research into this virus genus.

Hepacivirus Cross-Species Transmission Speculation

  • The researchers review the available information on the Hepaciviruses and speculate on their possible zoonotic (transmission from animals to humans) origins — specifically the way in which these viruses may have been passed from species to species.
  • Recent research indicates that a cross-species transmission from horses to dogs seems likely, but the origins of the HCV in humans are still unclear.
  • One theory that the researchers explore is that biting insects, especially tabanids, could mechanically transmit the virus among different species, thereby possibly playing a crucial role in the cross-species transmission.

Future Research Needs

  • To answer the unresolved questions on the transmission and zoonotic potential of the Hepaciviruses, the article highlights the need for more extensive research.
  • The research findings and genetic data gathered so far only provide part of the story, and understanding how this virus is transmitted in natural populations will require further investigatory work.

Cite This Article

APA
Pybus OG, Thézé J. (2015). Hepacivirus cross-species transmission and the origins of the hepatitis C virus. Curr Opin Virol, 16, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coviro.2015.10.002

Publication

Current opinion in virology
ISSN: 1879-6265
NlmUniqueID: 101560941
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 16
Pages: 1-7

Researcher Affiliations

Pybus, Oliver G
  • Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK. Electronic address: oliver.pybus@zoo.ox.ac.uk.
Thézé, Julien
  • Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK. Electronic address: julien.theze@zoo.ox.ac.uk.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Reservoirs / virology
  • Dogs
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Hepacivirus / classification
  • Hepacivirus / physiology
  • Hepatitis C / veterinary
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Zoonoses / transmission
  • Zoonoses / virology

Citations

This article has been cited 29 times.
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