[Detection of equine arteritis virus (EAV) in stallions–a contribution to the improvement of EAV diagnosis].

The research article focuses on the detection and tracking of equine arteritis virus (EAV) in stallions, proposing RT-PCR as a preferable method for routine diagnosis due its higher sensitivity compared to virus isolation on cell cultures.

Objective of the Study

The objective of the study is to alleviate the issues related to the diagnosis of Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) in stallions. The aim is to identify a method that is not only accurate but also sensitive to the detection of the said virus.

Methodology and Observations

• Blood serum samples of 72 stallions were taken and investigated for the presence of antibodies against EAV.
• Positive results, indicating an immune response against EAV, were found in 41 stallions, comprising 57% of the sampled population.
• A cross-section of 32 seropositive stallions from the group of 41 was further examined for persisting EAV infection, before and after the mating season.
• The researchers utilized RT-PCR, a technique favored for its sensitivity in viral detection, followed by dot blot hybridization and nested PCR to investigate the semen samples.
• Result verification and further analysis were provided through virus isolation on cell cultures.
• Using the described techniques, a consistent carrier status of the virus was proven in 11 out of 32 stallions (34%) during the first round of examination, and in 9 out of 20 stallions (45%) during the second round.

Conclusion and Suggestions

• Based on the study, the researchers found RT-PCR, accompanied by confirmatory methods, to be more sensitive to detecting the virus compared to the traditional method of virus isolation on cell cultures.
• The research concludes with a suggestion to adopt RT-PCR as a routine diagnostic tool for EAV in semen samples as this would not only improve accuracy but also increase the efficiency of EAV diagnosis.
• This suggestion potentially supports the implementation of national and European Union directives aimed at controlling and managing the spread of EAV.