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Home / Equine Research Bank / Sci Rep / A multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of equid herpe...
Scientific reports2025; 15(1); 38201; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-22043-w

A multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of equid herpesvirus 1 and 4.

Abstract: Equid herpesvirus (EHV) 1 and -4 are common viral pathogens of horses that can cause upper respiratory disease, neurological disease, abortion, and death. As characteristic alphaherpesviruses, both EHV-1 and EHV-4 can establish latency, resulting in a lifelong carrier state in infected animals. Here we describe the development and validation of a rapid and sensitive multiplex real-time PCR assay (EHV1-4MP) that simultaneously detects EHV-1 and EHV-4 and includes an endogenous internal control - melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) - targeting the equid genome. The EHV1-4MP assay analytical sensitivity was determined to be approximately two copies for EHV-1, four copies for EHV-4, and 10 copies for the equid MC1R gene per reaction. Analytical specificity was determined using a panel of 28 equine respiratory pathogens and commensal equine microorganisms. The EHV1-4MP assay detected reference and clinical isolates of EHV-1 and EHV-4, and did not detect other equid herpesviruses such as EHV-2, EHV-3, EHV-5, or several other viral and bacterial pathogens of horses. Importantly, the EHV1-4MP assay developed here has improved specificity compared to existing assays and is able to exclude the closely related EHV-3, EHV-8, and EHV-9 viruses. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using 60 clinical samples including upper respiratory swabs and washes, blood, placenta, lung, and brain. The EHV1-4MP assay results were in 100% concordance with singleplex EHV-1 and EHV-4 assays. Our results demonstrate that the EHV1-4MP real-time assay developed here offers rapid, sensitive, and simultaneous detection of EHV-1 and EHV-4.
© 2025. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2025-10-31 PubMed ID: 41173927PubMed Central: PMC12578806DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-22043-wGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

Overview

  • This study developed and validated a multiplex real-time PCR assay named EHV1-4MP that can quickly and accurately detect equid herpesvirus types 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4) in horses.
  • The assay also includes a control for the host DNA to ensure test reliability and shows improved specificity compared to existing tests, avoiding false positives from closely related viruses.

Background

  • Equid herpesviruses 1 and 4 are common viral infections in horses causing respiratory illness, neurological disease, abortion, and sometimes death.
  • Both viruses are alphaherpesviruses capable of establishing latent infections, leading horses to become lifelong carriers capable of reactivation and transmission.
  • Rapid and accurate detection of these viruses is critical for disease control and management in equine populations.

Assay Development

  • The researchers created a multiplex real-time PCR assay (EHV1-4MP) that can simultaneously detect EHV-1 and EHV-4 in a single reaction.
  • They incorporated an endogenous internal control targeting the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which is part of the horse’s genome, to confirm the presence of amplifiable host DNA and ensure test validity.

Sensitivity and Specificity

  • The assay’s analytical sensitivity, meaning the lowest number of DNA copies detectable, was approximately:
    • 2 copies per reaction for EHV-1
    • 4 copies per reaction for EHV-4
    • 10 copies per reaction for the equid MC1R gene
  • Specificity testing was conducted against 28 other equine respiratory pathogens and commensal microorganisms to ensure that the assay only detected EHV-1 and EHV-4.
  • The assay did not detect other related equid herpesviruses such as EHV-2, EHV-3, EHV-5, and importantly could discriminate against viruses closely related to EHV-1 and EHV-4, including EHV-3, EHV-8, and EHV-9.

Diagnostic Validation

  • The assay was tested on 60 clinical samples from various sources including upper respiratory swabs and washes, blood, placenta, lung, and brain tissues.
  • Results showed 100% agreement with established singleplex PCR assays that detect either EHV-1 or EHV-4 individually.
  • This confirmed the assay’s accuracy and reliability across different sample types encountered in clinical settings.

Advantages of the EHV1-4MP Assay

  • Rapid detection of both EHV-1 and EHV-4 simultaneously, saving time compared to running separate tests.
  • High sensitivity, enabling detection of very low viral loads.
  • Improved specificity preventing false positives from other equid herpesvirus types or unrelated pathogens.
  • Inclusion of an internal equid gene control enhances test robustness and helps identify invalid samples.
  • Applicable to a wide range of clinical samples relevant to different disease presentations.

Conclusion

  • The EHV1-4MP multiplex real-time PCR assay provides a valuable diagnostic tool for veterinary laboratories and equine health management.
  • Its high sensitivity, specificity, and ability to detect both important herpesviruses simultaneously make it well-suited for rapid and accurate diagnosis of EHV-related diseases in horses.
  • Such improved diagnostic capabilities can aid in disease surveillance, outbreak control, and better clinical decision-making to protect equine health.

Cite This Article

APA
Tallmadge RL, Laverack M, Lejeune M, Crossley B, Diel DG. (2025). A multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of equid herpesvirus 1 and 4. Sci Rep, 15(1), 38201. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-22043-w

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: 38201
PII: 38201

Researcher Affiliations

Tallmadge, Rebecca L
  • Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Laverack, Melissa
  • Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Lejeune, Manigandan
  • Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Crossley, Beate
  • California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
Diel, Diego G
  • Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. dgdiel@cornell.edu.

MeSH Terms

  • Herpesvirus 1, Equid / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 1, Equid / isolation & purification
  • Animals
  • Horses / virology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
  • Herpesviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Equid / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 4, Equid / isolation & purification
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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