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Equine veterinary journal2000; 32(1); 31-35; doi: 10.2746/042516400777612080

Clinical and neuropathological features of West Nile virus equine encephalomyelitis in Italy.

Abstract: West Nile (WN) virus infection is a mosquito-borne flavivirosis endemic in Africa and Asia. Clinical disease is usually rare and mild and only in a few cases the infection causes encephalomyelitis in horses, fever and meningoencephalitis in man. We report here the clinical and pathological findings in an epidemic of the disease involving 14 horses from Tuscany, Italy. All cases were observed from August to October 1998. Affected horses showed ataxia, weakness paresis of the hindlimbs and, in 6 cases, there was paraparesis progressing to tetraplegia and recumbency within 2 to 9 days. Eight animals recovered without any important consequences. Serological investigations revealed positivity to WN virus in all the 14 horses and the agent was isolated from the cerebellum and spinal cord of an affected horse. Postmortem examination was carried out on 6 horses. The neuropathological pattern was that of a mild to moderate, nonsuppurative polioencephalomyelitis with constant involvement of the ventral horns of the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord, where focal gliosis and haemorrhage were also apparent in some cases. Differential diagnoses with other equine viral encephalomyelitides are discussed. Climatological and environmental characteristics of the geographic area in which the outbreaks occurred suggest the existence of suitable conditions for the development of the disease. This is the first report of WN virus equine encephalomyelitis in Italy.
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Publication Date: 2000-02-08 PubMed ID: 10661382DOI: 10.2746/042516400777612080Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research focuses on an epidemic of West Nile virus infection in horses in Italy, detailing the clinical and pathological details of the disease’s impact on the animals.

Overview of the Research

The research occurred in Tuscany, Italy, during an epidemic from August to October 1998. During these months, 14 horses were found to be suffering from the West Nile Virus infection. Each horse exhibited symptoms such as ataxia, weakness, hindlimb paresis, and in more severe cases, paraparesis progressing to tetraplegia. Thankfully, eight of these animals recovered without facing any significant consequences. However, it is significant to note that this was the first recorded instance of equine West Nile Virus infection in Italy.

Investigations and Findings

  • All 14 horses were found to be seropositive for the West Nile virus, indicating an active infection.
  • The West Nile virus was successfully isolated from the cerebellum and spinal cord of one affected horse, confirming the diagnosis.
  • Postmortem examination was performed on six of the horses, and the prevalent pattern observed was that of a mild to moderate, nonsuppurative polioencephalomyelitis. This condition involves inflammation of the grey matter of the spinal cord and brain.
  • The ventral horns of the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord were consistently found to be affected regions. In some cases, there were also evidences of focal gliosis and haemorrhage.

Differential Diagnosis

In the absence of conclusive evidence, the researchers had to consider other potential viral encephalomyelitides that could be causing the observed symptoms. Therefore, the paper discusses the differential diagnosis process and how the researchers successfully distinguished West Nile Virus infection from other similar equine diseases.

Environmental Considerations

The paper further speculates that the climate and environmental conditions of the geographical area might contribute to the development of the disease, suggesting necessary further investigation into these factors. Although the relationship between the environment and the outbreak wasn’t thoroughly investigated in this study, it provides useful direction for future research efforts.

To summarize, the research provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical and neuropathological features of West Nile virus equine encephalomyelitis during an outbreak in Italy, providing valuable findings for future studies and prevention efforts.

Cite This Article

APA
Cantile C, Di Guardo G, Eleni C, Arispici M. (2000). Clinical and neuropathological features of West Nile virus equine encephalomyelitis in Italy. Equine Vet J, 32(1), 31-35. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516400777612080

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 32
Issue: 1
Pages: 31-35

Researcher Affiliations

Cantile, C
  • Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Italy.
Di Guardo, G
    Eleni, C
      Arispici, M

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Ataxia / veterinary
        • Cerebellum / pathology
        • Cerebellum / virology
        • Climate
        • Diagnosis, Differential
        • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horse Diseases / virology
        • Horses
        • Italy / epidemiology
        • Male
        • Quadriplegia / veterinary
        • Spinal Cord / pathology
        • Spinal Cord / virology
        • West Nile Fever / epidemiology
        • West Nile Fever / veterinary
        • West Nile virus / growth & development

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