Localization of a new enteric non-A, non-B [HEV] virus in target organ liver.

Thirteen Macaca mulatta monkeys were used for transmission of enteric non-A, non-B hepatitis virus (HEV) by the portal vein (PV) route. All these animals developed changes which are found in self-limiting acute viral hepatitis e.g. rise in liver enzymes, the presence of HEV specific viral particles in the stool and histological changes in the liver from 21 to 45 days after HEV inoculation. All the animals recovered completely as reflected by normalization of liver enzymes, and regenerative changes in the liver. The present report highlights the ultrastructural changes in the livers of these experimental monkeys. The histopathological changes included infiltration of lymphocytes and polymorphonucleocytes around the necrotic area, swelling of mitochondria, dilation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and presence of 27-34 nm virus particles during the acute phase of the disease. In comparison, 9 control monkeys did not show any such histological changes.