Evidence for natural Borna disease virus infection in healthy domestic animals in three areas of western China.

This research primarily explored the extent of Borna Disease Virus (BDV) infection in healthy domestic animals across three areas in western China. The study observed varying degrees of BDV antibodies and/or RNA presence in various animal species, hinting that BDV infection is more widespread in western China than traditionally estimated.

Research Methodology

• The research was conducted on 2353 blood samples taken from healthy animals of eight species namely horses, donkeys, dogs, pigs, rabbits, cattle, goats, and sheep across three areas in western China – Xinjiang province, Chongqing municipality, and Ningxia province.
• To detect the presence of BDV, the research team used reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR) and an ELISA assay on the blood samples. RT-qPCR is a technique that allows the detection of a specific RNA sequence in a sample. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a common lab test that measures the presence of antibodies in blood.
• Upon identifying BDV RNA and/or antibodies in the blood samples, the team proceeded to check brain tissue samples from a portion of these animals using the same tests of RT-qPCR and western blotting. Western blotting is a technique that detects specific protein molecules from among a mixture of proteins.

Research Findings

• The findings demonstrated a variable prevalence of BDV antibodies and/or RNA, ranging from 4.4% to 20.0%, in the animals across the three areas.
• The detection of BDV RNA and/or antibodies in pigs from the Chongqing municipality (9.2%) provided new evidence of BDV infection in this species.
• It was noteworthy that not all brain tissue samples from animals, indicated to have BDV RNA and/or antibodies in their blood, contained BDV RNA and protein. This inconsistency suggests BDV’s non-cytolytic characteristic, as it can reside in an organism without inducing cell death.

Conclusion

The study deduced that BDV infection among healthy domestic animal species is more prevalent in western China than previously understood. Though BDV had been reported in many vertebrate species across the globe, systematic epidemiological surveys, as this one, are crucial for understanding the distribution patterns and predicting the potential impacts on public health and economy.