Equine gammaherpesviruses: pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnosis.
Abstract: Equine gammaherpesviruses (γEHV) have been widely studied over the past 45 years and many isolates have been characterised. Despite this, the diagnosis of γEHV infection remains difficult to establish as its clinical manifestations lack specificity, ranging from mild respiratory signs in a small number of animals to outbreaks in large groups of young horses. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of equine herpesvirus (EHV)-2 and -5 infections, as well as on the genetic variation of these viruses. Study of these variations has resulted in hypotheses relating to viral re-infection and re-activation. Interestingly, the viruses were found to contain genetic sequences identical to those of eukaryotic cells which are considered central to the development of viral latency through interfering with host immune and inflammatory responses. Future molecular biological studies will further elucidate the virulence mechanisms of these equine pathogens.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2009-09-17 PubMed ID: 19766026DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.08.017Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article discusses in-depth about equine gammaherpesviruses (γEHV), focusing specifically on EHV-2 and -5 infections, their epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic difficulties. It also emphasizes the genetic variations of these viruses and the hypotheses developed around re-infection and re-activation.
Equine Gammaherpesviruses (γEHV)
- EHV-2 and -5 are two types of equine gammaherpesviruses that primarily affect horses. These viruses have been widely isolated and studied over the last 45 years.
Diagnostic Challenges
- Despite extensive research, establishing a diagnosis of γEHV infections remains difficult. This is primarily due to the non-specific clinical manifestations of these infections, which can vary from mild respiratory signs in a few horses to outbreaks in larger groups of young horses.
Epidemiology and Pathogenesis
- The epidemiology of these infections, i.e., their incident rates, distribution patterns, and causative factors, is discussed in detail.
- The article also delves into the process of the disease development (pathogenesis) within the host brought by these infections.
Genetic Variation
- A crucial aspect of the article is the discussion on the genetic variations of these viruses. These variations pave the way for several hypotheses, particularly those concerning viral re-infection and re-activation.
- Intriguingly, the research found that these viruses contain genetic sequences identical to those found in eukaryotic cells (cells with a nucleus), which are believed to play a key role in the development of viral latency. Viral latency refers to a phase in some viral infections during which the virus hides within the host cells, remains dormant, and can interfere with the host’s immune and inflammatory responses.
Future Studies
- The research concludes by suggesting future molecular biological studies to further understand the virulence mechanisms (how effectively a virus can infect and cause disease) of these equine pathogens.
Cite This Article
APA
Fortier G, van Erck E, Pronost S, Lekeux P, Thiry E.
(2009).
Equine gammaherpesviruses: pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnosis.
Vet J, 186(2), 148-156.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.08.017 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Frank Duncombe Laboratory, 14053 CAEN cedex 4, France. g.fortier@cg14.fr
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Gammaherpesvirinae / genetics
- Gammaherpesvirinae / pathogenicity
- Herpesviridae Infections / diagnosis
- Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
- Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
- Herpesviridae Infections / virology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses
- Rhadinovirus / genetics
- Rhadinovirus / pathogenicity
- Virus Latency
Citations
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