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Viruses2024; 16(4); doi: 10.3390/v16040616

First National Prevalence in Italian Horse Population and Phylogenesis Highlight a Fourth Sub-Type Candidate of Equine Hepacivirus.

Abstract: Equine hepacivirus (EqHV, Flaviviridae, hepacivirus) is a small, enveloped RNA virus generally causing sub-clinical hepatitis with occasional fatalities. EqHV is reported in equids worldwide, but for Italy data are limited. To address this, a survey study was set up to estimate prevalence at a national level and among different production categories (equestrian; competition; work and meat; reproduction) and national macro-regions (North, Central, South, and Islands). Data obtained testing 1801 horse serum samples by Real-Time RT PCR were compared within the categories and regions. The NS3 fragment of the PCR-positive samples was sequenced by Sanger protocol for phylogenetic and mutational analysis. The tertiary structure of the NS3 protein was also assessed. The estimated national prevalence was 4.27% [1.97-6.59, 95% CI] and no statistical differences were detected among production categories and macro-regions. The phylogenesis confirmed the distribution in Italy of the three known EqHV subtypes, also suggesting a possible fourth sub-type that, however, requires further confirmation. Mutational profiles that could also affect the NS3 binding affinity to the viral RNA were detected. The present paper demonstrates that EqHV should be included in diagnostic protocols when investigating causes of hepatitis, and in quality control protocols for blood derived products due to its parental transmission.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-16 PubMed ID: 38675957PubMed Central: PMC11054338DOI: 10.3390/v16040616Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 paper describes a comprehensive study conducted on equine hepacivirus in the Italian horse population. The findings indicate an overall prevalence rate of the infection is about 4.27%, which is fairly distributed amongst different macro-regions and horse breed categories. The study also revealed a potential fourth subtype of equine hepacivirus, prompting a need for additional investigation.

Overview of the Study

  • The research was carried out to gauge the prevalence of equine hepacivirus (EqHV) infection in the Italian horse population. EqHV is a type of virus which generally induces sub-clinical hepatitis in horses and is found in equids worldwide.
  • The study was formulated due to the limited data available on EqHV infection in Italy.
  • A series of horse serum samples were collected from different macro-regions in Italy and tested using Real-Time RT PCR technique.

Prevalence of EqHV

  • Through the testing of 1801 horse serum samples, an average national prevalence of EqHV in the Italian horse population was determined to be around 4.27%.
  • The results derived from the samples indicated that there were no significant variations in the prevalence of EqHV infection across different production categories or macro-regions in Italy.

Phylogenetic Analysis

  • The NS3 fragment of the PCR-positive samples was sequenced using the Sanger protocol for phylogenetic and mutational analysis.
  • This analysis confirmed the presence of three known subtypes of EqHV in Italy.
  • Additionally, the results hinted at a possible fourth subtype of EqHV. However, additional confirmation is necessary to validate this finding.

Significance of the Study

  • The data demonstrating a stable prevalence of EqHV across the Italian horse population suggests the inclusion of EqHV in diagnostic and quality control protocols.
  • The research sets the groundwork for further exploration of the putative fourth subtype of EqHV. Studies will need to be undertaken in order to confirm this hypothesis.
  • The research is also of importance in terms of formulating effective disease control and prevention measures.

Cite This Article

APA
Nardini R, Pacchiarotti G, Svicher V, Salpini R, Bellocchi MC, Conti R, Sala MG, La Rocca D, Carioti L, Cersini A, Manna G, The Equine Hepatic Viruses Consortium , Scicluna MT. (2024). First National Prevalence in Italian Horse Population and Phylogenesis Highlight a Fourth Sub-Type Candidate of Equine Hepacivirus. Viruses, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/v16040616

Publication

Viruses
ISSN: 1999-4915
NlmUniqueID: 101509722
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 4

Researcher Affiliations

Nardini, Roberto
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.
Pacchiarotti, Giulia
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.
Svicher, Valentina
  • Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Salpini, Romina
  • Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Bellocchi, Maria Concetta
  • Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Conti, Raffaella
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.
Sala, Marcello Giovanni
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.
La Rocca, Davide
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.
Carioti, Luca
  • Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Cersini, Antonella
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.
Manna, Giuseppe
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.
The Equine Hepatic Viruses Consortium,
    Scicluna, Maria Teresa
    • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Rome, Italy.

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Italy / epidemiology
    • Horses / virology
    • Horse Diseases / virology
    • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
    • Phylogeny
    • Prevalence
    • Hepacivirus / genetics
    • Hepacivirus / classification
    • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
    • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
    • Hepatitis C / virology
    • Hepatitis C / veterinary
    • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics
    • Genotype
    • RNA, Viral / genetics

    Grant Funding

    • IZSLT1018 / Ministero della Salute

    Conflict of Interest Statement

    The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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