Abstract: Reports of newly discovered equine hepatotropic flavi- and parvoviruses have emerged throughout the last decade in many countries, the discovery of which has stimulated a great deal of interest and clinical research. Although commonly detected in horses without signs of disease, equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV) have been associated with liver disease, including following the administration of contaminated anti-toxin. Our aim was to determine whether EqPV-H and EqHV are present in Australian horses and whether EqPV-H was present in French horses and to examine sequence diversity between strains of both viruses amongst infected horses on either side of the globe. Sera from 188 Australian horses and 256 French horses from horses with and without clinical signs of disease were collected. Twelve out of 256 (4.7%) and 6 out of 188 (3.2%) French and Australian horses, respectively, were positive for the molecular detection of EqPV-H. Five out of 256 (1.9%) and 21 out of 188 (11.2%) French and Australian horses, respectively, were positive for the molecular detection of EqHV. Australian strains for both viruses were genomically clustered, in contrast to strains from French horses, which were more broadly distributed. The findings of this preliminary survey, with the molecular detection of EqHV and EqPV-H in Australia and the latter in France, adds to the growing body of awareness regarding these recently discovered hepatotropic viruses. It has provided valuable information not just in terms of geographic endemicity but will guide equine clinicians, carers, and authorities regarding infectious agents and potential impacts of allogenic tissue contamination. Although we have filled many gaps in the world map regarding equine hepatotropic viruses, further prospective studies in this emerging field may be useful in terms of elucidating risk factors and pathogenesis of these pathogens and management of cases in terms of prevention and diagnosis.
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Research Overview
This study investigated the presence and genetic diversity of two equine liver viruses, equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV), in horse serum samples collected from France and Australia.
The goal was to understand the geographic distribution of these viruses and their potential links to liver disease and contaminated biological products in horses.
Background and Importance
Equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV) are newly discovered hepatotropic viruses affecting horses worldwide.
These viruses have been found in horses both with and without liver-related clinical signs.
EqPV-H has been specifically associated with hepatitis cases, sometimes linked to administration of contaminated anti-toxin products.
Understanding their distribution, diversity, and possible disease associations is important for equine health management and biosecurity.
Research Objectives
Determine the presence of EqPV-H and EqHV in archived serum samples from horses in Australia and France.
Compare the genetic diversity of virus strains found in both geographic regions.
Provide epidemiological insights that help veterinarians and equine health authorities manage infection risk and diagnose equine liver disease.
Methods
Archived serum samples were collected from a total of 444 horses: 188 from Australia and 256 from France.
Samples included horses with and without clinical signs of liver disease to get a representative overview.
Molecular detection techniques (likely PCR-based) were used to identify viral genetic material corresponding to EqPV-H and EqHV.
Genetic sequencing and analysis were performed to assess strain diversity and phylogenetic clustering among viruses from the two countries.
Key Findings
EqPV-H was detected in 4.7% (12/256) of French horse samples and 3.2% (6/188) of Australian horse samples.
EqHV was detected in 1.9% (5/256) of French samples and 11.2% (21/188) of Australian samples, indicating a higher prevalence of EqHV in Australia.
Viral strains from Australian horses formed a tight genomic cluster suggesting less genetic variability.
French viral strains showed more genetic diversity and broader distribution in the phylogenetic analyses.
Significance of Results
Confirms the presence of both viruses across geographically diverse equine populations, expanding knowledge of their endemic regions.
Highlights that EqPV-H, though associated with liver disease, can also be found in clinically healthy horses.
Raises awareness about the risk of contamination in biological products like anti-toxins that could transmit EqPV-H.
The genetic diversity differences suggest potentially different virus evolution dynamics or transmission patterns between continents.
Implications for Equine Health and Future Directions
Equine veterinarians and caretakers should consider these viruses as potential infectious agents when diagnosing liver disease.
Monitoring and testing guidelines might be improved to include these viruses, especially when using biological products prone to contamination.
Further prospective studies are recommended to understand:
Risk factors influencing EqPV-H and EqHV infection and transmission in horses.
The pathogenesis and clinical impact of these viruses in naturally infected horses.
Optimal strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and management of equine liver infections related to these viruses.
Cite This Article
APA
Fortier C, El-Hage C, Normand C, Hue ES, Sutton G, Marcillaud-Pitel C, Jeffers K, Bamford N, Oden E, Paillot R, Hartley C, Gilkerson J, Pronost S.
(2024).
Detection of Equine Parvovirus-Hepatitis Virus and Equine Hepacivirus in Archived Sera from Horses in France and Australia.
Viruses, 16(6), 862.
https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060862
Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
El-Hage, Charles
Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Normand, Camille
LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Hue, Erika S
LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Sutton, Gabrielle
LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Cytokines and Adaptive Immunity Lab, Sainte-Justine University Hospital and Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
Marcillaud-Pitel, Christel
RESPE (Réseau d'Epidémio-Surveillance en Pathologie Équine), 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Jeffers, Kim
Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Bamford, Nicholas
Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Oden, Elise
LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Paillot, Romain
LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Faculty of Science & Engineering, School of Agriculture, Animal & Environmental Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU Writtle), Lordship Road, Writtle Chelmsford CM1 3RR, UK.
Hartley, Carol
Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Gilkerson, James
Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Pronost, Stéphane
LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
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