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Veterinary microbiology2013; 167(1-2); 86-92; doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.05.031

Equine gammaherpesviruses: perfect parasites?

Abstract: The evolutionary success of the equine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) is demonstrated by their consistent and widespread presence in horse populations worldwide. Equine GHVs establish infection in young foals and can be continually detected over the lifetime of the host either by recrudescence of latent infections or by re-infection. A definitive diagnosis of clinical disease in horses due to GHV infection remains challenging given the ubiquitous nature of the GHVs in horses without clinical signs, as well as in horses with clinical signs ranging from mild respiratory disease to severe equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis. This review aims to examine what is known about equine GHV and explore the balance of the relationship that has evolved over millions of years between these viruses and their host.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-06-19 PubMed ID: 23845734DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.05.031Google 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 article discusses the widespread presence of equine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) in horse populations and the challenges associated with diagnosing clinical diseases caused by these infections due to their ubiquitous nature. The review also explores the evolution of the relationship between these viruses and their host.

The prevalence of Equine Gammaherpesviruses

  • The study begins by highlighting the evolutionary success of equine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs), underlining their consistent and widespread presence in horse populations worldwide. It suggests that these viruses are incredibly prevalent in horses and can maintain their presence throughout the lifetime of the host.
  • GHVs establish infection in young foals and can continue to be detected either through the reactivation of latent infections or through re-infection.

Diagnosing Clinical Diseases due to GHV infection

  • The article identifies the difficulties in definitively diagnosing clinical diseases in horses due to GHV infection. This challenge is attributed to the “ubiquitous” (or omnipresent) nature of GHVs, not just in horses with clinical signs, but also in those without.
  • Furthermore, the clinical signs observed in infected horses can range widely, from mild respiratory disease to severe conditions like equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis, making it even more challenging to ascertain if GHV infection is the cause of the disease.

Evolution of the relationship between GHVs and their host

  • The study also aims to shed light on the balance of the relationship that has evolved over millions of years between equine GHVs and their hosts.
  • This implies a broader look at not only the impact of these viruses on the health of the horses but also how the relationship between the host and the virus has changed over time, possibly giving insights into disease progression, resistance, and treatment opportunities.

Cite This Article

APA
Hartley CA, Dynon KJ, Mekuria ZH, El-Hage CM, Holloway SA, Gilkerson JR. (2013). Equine gammaherpesviruses: perfect parasites? Vet Microbiol, 167(1-2), 86-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.05.031

Publication

Veterinary microbiology
ISSN: 1873-2542
NlmUniqueID: 7705469
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 167
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 86-92
PII: S0378-1135(13)00316-7

Researcher Affiliations

Hartley, Carol A
  • Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. Electronic address: carolah@unimelb.edu.au.
Dynon, Kemperly J
    Mekuria, Zelalem H
      El-Hage, Charles M
        Holloway, Steven A
          Gilkerson, James R

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Gammaherpesvirinae / classification
            • Gammaherpesvirinae / genetics
            • Gammaherpesvirinae / immunology
            • Gammaherpesvirinae / physiology
            • Herpesviridae Infections / diagnosis
            • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
            • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
            • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
            • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horse Diseases / virology
            • Horses
            • Phylogeny

            Citations

            This article has been cited 20 times.
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