Emerging Hepatotropic Viruses in Cats: A Brief Review

The possible role of viruses in feline liver disease has long remained neglected. However, in 2018, an analogue of human hepatitis B virus was identified in cats. Moreover, antibodies for human hepatitis E have been detected consistently at various prevalence rates in cats. Although the correlation between these viruses and the liver injury in cats must be clarified, hepatotropic viruses might represent an increasing risk for feline and public health.

Automated summary

Studies have found a virus similar to human hepatitis B virus in cats, and antibodies for human hepatitis E have been detected in cats. The correlation between these viruses and liver injury in cats needs to be further investigated, but hepatotropic viruses may pose an increasing risk to feline and public health.