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BMC veterinary research2005; 1; 9; doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-1-9

Equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) infection in thoroughbred horses in Argentina.

Abstract: Equine herpesvirus 2 is a gamma-herpesvirus that infects horses worldwide. Although EHV-2 has been implicated in immunosuppression in foals, upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis, general malaise and poor performance, its precise role as a pathogen remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the incidence of EHV-2 in an Argentinean horse population and correlate it with age and clinical status of the animals. Results: A serological study on 153 thoroughbred racing horses confirmed the presence of EHV-2 in the Argentinean equine population. A virus neutralization test showed a total of 79.7 % animals were sero-positive for EHV-2. An increase in antibodies titre with age as well as infection at earlier ages were observed.EHV-2 was isolated from 2 out of 22 nasal swabs from horses showing respiratory symptoms. The virus grew slowly and showed characteristic cytopathic effect after several blind passages on RK13 cells. The identity of the isolates was confirmed by nested PCR and restriction enzyme assay (REA). Conclusions: This is the first report on the presence of EHV-2 in Argentina and adds new data to the virus distribution map. Though EHV-2 was isolated from foals showing respiratory symptoms, further studies are needed to unequivocally associate this virus with clinical symptoms.
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Publication Date: 2005-11-09 PubMed ID: 16281971PubMed Central: PMC1308826DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-1-9Google 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 investigates the presence and impact of Equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) in thoroughbred horses in Argentina, revealing substantial infection rates but an unclear correlation with symptom presentation.

Research Objective and Methodology

The study aimed to investigate the presence of EHV-2 within Argentina’s horse population and any possible linkage to the animals’ age and clinical conditions. The following procedures were used:

  • A serological study involving 153 thoroughbred racing horses to determine EHV-2 incidence.
  • A virus neutralization test was performed to check animals’ sero-positive status for EHV-2.
  • Nasal swab samples from 22 horses showcasing respiratory symptoms were studied, with 2 resulting in EHV-2 isolation.
  • The isolated viruses were cultured in a lab to identify growth patterns and cytopathic effects.
  • The identity of the virus isolations was validated through nested PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and a restriction enzyme assay.

Key Findings

The principal discoveries from the research included:

  • A high incidence of EHV-2 was identified within the studied horse population, with nearly 80% of the subjects being sero-positive for the virus.
  • An increase in antibody titre with age was observed alongside the onset of infection at earlier ages.
  • The virus was successfully isolated from nasal swabs of two horses that showed respiratory symptoms. The viruses grew slowly and displayed characteristic cytopathic effects.
  • Nested PCR and a restriction enzyme assay verified the identity of the isolates as EHV-2.

Implications and Conclusion

This research remarkably presents the first recorded incidence of EHV-2 within Argentina’s horse population. It also notes a rise in the virus’s antibodies with increasing age and infection in young horses. However, despite isolating EHV-2 from horses showing respiratory symptoms, a definite correlation with the virus and clinical symptoms could not be drawn, which necessitates further studies to explore this potential relationship more accurately. Therefore, this study primarily contributes new data regarding EHV-2’s distribution, but its exact role as a pathogen still remains uncertain.

Cite This Article

APA
Craig MI, Barrandeguy ME, Fernández FM. (2005). Equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) infection in thoroughbred horses in Argentina. BMC Vet Res, 1, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-1-9

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 1
Pages: 9

Researcher Affiliations

Craig, María I
  • Instituto de Virología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), INTA, CC 25, (1712) Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. bcraig@cicv.inta.gov.ar
Barrandeguy, María E
    Fernández, Fernando M

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