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Emerging infectious diseases2021; 27(8); 2208-2211; doi: 10.3201/eid2708.210004

African Horse Sickness Virus Serotype 1 on Horse Farm, Thailand, 2020.

Abstract: To investigate an outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) on a horse farm in northeastern Thailand, we used whole-genome sequencing to detect and characterize the virus. The viruses belonged to serotype 1 and contained unique amino acids (95V,166S, 660I in virus capsid protein 2), suggesting a single virus introduction to Thailand.
Publication Date: 2021-07-22 PubMed ID: 34287126PubMed Central: PMC8314833DOI: 10.3201/eid2708.210004Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The research investigates the outbreak of African Horse Sickness in a horse farm in Thailand in 2020 through whole-genome sequencing of the virus, with distinctive findings pointing to a single virus introduction.

Introduction

  • African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a dangerous and highly infectious disease that affects horses. An outbreak occurred on a horse farm in northeastern Thailand in 2020.
  • To investigate the outbreak, the researchers used whole-genome sequencing – a process that involves the determining of the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome at a single time.

Virus Detection and Characterization

  • Through whole-genome sequencing, the researchers detected and characterized the virus responsible for the outbreak.
  • The viruses identified belonged to serotype 1 of African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV). A serotype refers to distinct variations within a species of bacteria or virus.

Unique Amino Acids

  • The identified viruses contained unique amino acids 95V, 166S, and 660I in virus capsid protein 2.
  • The capsid protein 2 is the protein shell of a virus that encloses its genetic material. These unique amino acid sequences can give insights into the virus behavior or origin.

Single Virus Introduction

  • The presence of these unique amino acids suggests a single virus introduction to Thailand.
  • This means that the outbreak possibly originated from a single source or event, where the virus was introduced to the horse population in Thailand.

Cite This Article

APA
Bunpapong N, Charoenkul K, Nasamran C, Chamsai E, Udom K, Boonyapisitsopa S, Tantilertcharoen R, Kesdangsakonwut S, Techakriengkrai N, Suradhat S, Thanawongnuwech R, Amonsin A. (2021). African Horse Sickness Virus Serotype 1 on Horse Farm, Thailand, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis, 27(8), 2208-2211. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2708.210004

Publication

ISSN: 1080-6059
NlmUniqueID: 9508155
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 27
Issue: 8
Pages: 2208-2211

Researcher Affiliations

Bunpapong, Napawan
    Charoenkul, Kamonpan
      Nasamran, Chanakarn
        Chamsai, Ekkapat
          Udom, Kitikhun
            Boonyapisitsopa, Supanat
              Tantilertcharoen, Rachod
                Kesdangsakonwut, Sawang
                  Techakriengkrai, Navapon
                    Suradhat, Sanipa
                      Thanawongnuwech, Roongroje
                        Amonsin, Alongkorn

                          MeSH Terms

                          • African Horse Sickness / epidemiology
                          • African Horse Sickness Virus / genetics
                          • Animals
                          • Farms
                          • Horses
                          • Serogroup
                          • Thailand / epidemiology

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