| Abstract [eng] |
Hepatitis E is an infectious disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV genotype 1 (HEV-1) and HEV-2 infect only humans, while HEV-3 and HEV-4 infect humans and other mammals such as pig, wild boar, deer, and rabbit. In developing countries, HEV-1 and HEV-2 spread through contaminated water. These genotypes’ infections are detected in Europe, however, they are mostly travel-associated. HEV-3 is a zoonotic virus spread in the developed countries. Uncooked or overcooked food is the main source of HEV-3 infections. Recently, rat HEV was discovered to cause hepatitis E in humans. Thus, the demand for specific rat HEV investigation tools should grow. In this thesis, the generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against yeast-expressed virus-like particles-forming HEV-3 and rat HEV capsid proteins is described. Newly developed MAbs bear characteristics which are described for the first time. It enables an opportunity to model and test novel and broadly applicable HEV investigation techniques. In this thesis wild rats, pigs, and humans samples were tested for the presence of anti-HEV antibodies by immunochemical methods based on recombinant HEV capsid proteins and monoclonal antibodies. For the first time, HEV prevalence was estimated in human and wild rat populations in Lithuania. |
