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Home / Equine Research Bank / Viruses / Further Evidence for in Utero Transmission of Equine Hepaciv...
Viruses2019; 11(12); 1124; doi: 10.3390/v11121124

Further Evidence for in Utero Transmission of Equine Hepacivirus to Foals.

Abstract: (1) Background: Equine hepacivirus (EqHV), also referred to as non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), infects horses-and dogs in some instances-and is closely related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) that has infected up to 3% of the world's human population, causing an epidemic of liver cirrhosis and cancer. EqHV also chronically infects the liver of horses, but does not appear to cause serious liver damages. Previous studies have been looking to identify route(s) of EqHV transmission to and between horses. (2) Methods: In this retrospective study, we sought to evaluate the prevalence of vertical transmission taking place in utero with measuring by quantitative RT-PCR the amounts of EqHV genome in samples from 394 dead foals or fetuses, paired with the allantochorion whenever available. (3) Results: Detection of EqHV in three foals most likely resulted from a vertical transmission from the mares to the fetuses, consistent with the in utero transmission hypothesis. In support of this observation, the presence of EqHV genome was found for the first time in two of the allantochorions. (4) Conclusions: As seemingly benign viruses could turn deadly (e.g., Zika flavivirus) and EqHV happens to have infected a significant proportion of the world's horse herds, EqHV infectious cycle should be further clarified.
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Publication Date: 2019-12-05 PubMed ID: 31817371PubMed Central: PMC6950541DOI: 10.3390/v11121124Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Research Support
  • 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 article explores the potential for in utero transmission of Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) between horses, presenting further evidence to support this hypothesis from a study of 394 dead foals and fetuses.

Background

  • The study examines EqHV, which is also known as non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV). It infects horses and sometimes dogs, and is closely related to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) that results in liver cirrhosis and cancer in humans.
  • While it is established that EqHV infects the livers of horses, it does not cause severe liver damage. However, the aim of the research is to identify possible methods for EqHV transmission, specifically focusing on vertical transmission in utero.

Methods

  • The retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of EqHV transmission in utero. The researchers measured the amounts of EqHV genome in samples from 394 dead foals or fetuses, all paired with the allantochorion where available. The allantochorion is a specific part of a horse’s placenta that is vital for fetal development.

Results

  • EqHV was detected in three foals, suggesting a likelihood of vertical transmission from the mares to the fetuses, supporting the hypothesis of in utero transmission.
  • To further back up this result, the EqHV genome was found for the first time in two of the allantochorions. This suggests that the virus is able to cross the placental barrier.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded by indicating the need to better understand the infectious cycle of EqHV, particularly because seemingly harmless viruses have previously been known to become deadly (e.g., the Zika virus).
  • With a significant proportion of the world’s horse herds infected with EqHV, understanding transmission methods could be critical in better managing and controlling the spread of the infection.

Cite This Article

APA
Pronost S, Fortier C, Marcillaud-Pitel C, Tapprest J, Foursin M, Saunier B, Pitel PH, Paillot R, Hue ES. (2019). Further Evidence for in Utero Transmission of Equine Hepacivirus to Foals. Viruses, 11(12), 1124. https://doi.org/10.3390/v11121124

Publication

Viruses
ISSN: 1999-4915
NlmUniqueID: 101509722
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 12
PII: 1124

Researcher Affiliations

Pronost, Stephane
  • LABÉO Frank Duncombe, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
  • BIOTARGEN EA7450, UNICAEN, NORMANDIE UNIV, 14000 Caen, France.
Fortier, Christine
  • LABÉO Frank Duncombe, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
  • BIOTARGEN EA7450, UNICAEN, NORMANDIE UNIV, 14000 Caen, France.
Marcillaud-Pitel, Christel
  • RESPE, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Tapprest, Jackie
  • Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 14430 Goustranville, France.
Foursin, Marc
  • Clinique équine de la Boisrie, 61500 Chailloué, France.
Saunier, Bertrand
  • Structural Virology Unit-CNRS UMR 3569, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France.
Pitel, Pierre-Hugues
  • LABÉO Frank Duncombe, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
Paillot, Romain
  • LABÉO Frank Duncombe, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
  • BIOTARGEN EA7450, UNICAEN, NORMANDIE UNIV, 14000 Caen, France.
Hue, Erika S
  • LABÉO Frank Duncombe, 14280 Saint-Contest, France.
  • BIOTARGEN EA7450, UNICAEN, NORMANDIE UNIV, 14000 Caen, France.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Genes, Viral
  • Hepacivirus / classification
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / transmission
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horses
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Phylogeny
  • Prevalence

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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