Equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 infections: an update.
Abstract: Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1) and equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV4) are important ubiquitous equine viral pathogens, causing much damage to the horse industry. EHV1 strains are associated with respiratory disease, abortion, and paresis/paralysis, whereas EHV4 strains are predominantly associated with respiratory disease. In the past decades much research effort has been put into improving knowledge about these viruses. In this paper the current state of knowledge of these viruses and the most important aspects of these virus infections, e.g. epidemiology, clinical aspects, pathogenesis and pathology, immunity, diagnosis, preventive management and management in the course of an outbreak and vaccination, is reviewed. Because we performed some research ourselves in the areas of diagnosis, epidemiology and vaccinology these aspects are reviewed in more depth than the other aspects. Still many questions have remained and new questions have risen. Consequently, research priorities should be made in an attempt to answer these questions. Therefore, this review ends with some personal recommendations for important priorities for future research.
Publication Date: 2002-07-04 PubMed ID: 12095082
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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This research article provides a comprehensive review of the current knowledge and understanding of equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 (EHV1 and EHV4), two major viral pathogens that cause significant harm to the global horse industry. The researchers also offer recommendations for future studies to address outstanding questions and challenges in dealing with these viral infections.
Understanding EHV1 and EHV4
- The researchers begin by introducing equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1) and equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV4), two ubiquitous and harmful viral pathogens affecting horses worldwide. They differentiate between the two, noting that EHV1 is typically associated with respiratory diseases, abortions, and paresis/paralysis, while EHV4 is primarily linked to causing respiratory diseases.
Past Research Efforts
- The paper acknowledges the substantial research effort made over recent years to gain a better understanding of these viruses. It synthesizes this extensive body of knowledge, presenting the most important aspects of studying and treating these viral infections.
Focus Aspects: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, and Vaccinology
- Particular emphasis is put on areas where the authors themselves have contributed significantly—namely, the areas of diagnosis, epidemiology, and vaccinology. As such, these particular aspects of dealing with EHV1 and EHV4 infections are discussed in greater detail than other aspects.
Future Research Priorities
- Despite the progress made thus far, the authors recognize that several questions regarding the management and treatment of EHV1 and EHV4 remain unanswered. Additionally, new questions and areas of interest have also come to light. As such, they underscore the importance of establishing research priorities to help guide efforts moving forward.
- The authors conclude by offering their recommendations on what they consider to be the most critical areas for future research. While they do not specify what these areas are within the abstract, this suggests that their paper contains valuable insight into the most pressing concerns and promising directions in the ongoing battle against EHV1 and EHV4 viruses.
Cite This Article
APA
van Maanen C.
(2002).
Equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 infections: an update.
Vet Q, 24(2), 58-78.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Animal Health Service, Deventer, The Netherlands. c.v.maanen@gdvdieren.nl
MeSH Terms
- Abortion, Veterinary
- Animals
- Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / veterinary
- Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / virology
- Female
- Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
- Herpesviridae Infections / virology
- Herpesvirus 1, Equid
- Herpesvirus 4, Equid
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses
- Pregnancy
- Respiratory Tract Infections / veterinary
- Respiratory Tract Infections / virology
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Viral Vaccines
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