Genetic and serological surveillance for non-primate hepacivirus in horses in Japan.
Abstract: Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is a recently discovered homolog of the hepatitis C virus in horses. The frequency and distribution of NPHV infections among horses in Japan is unknown. In this study, serum samples from 453 horses across Japan were screened for NPHV RNA using real-time RT-PCR and anti-nonstructural 3 protein (NS3) antibodies using the Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay. In order to monitor the course of NPHV infection in horses, we examined 31 stored samples (9 adult horses and 22 young horses) obtained one year ago and compared the results to the recent data. Stored sera from 7 mare-foal pairs were also examined. The NS3 region sequences of 14 NPHV strains from NPHV RNA positive serum samples were determined and analyzed phylogenically. Of the 453 serum samples tested, 33.55% were positive for anti-NS3 antibody and 13.68% were positive for NPHV RNA. We found a higher rate of NPHV RNA detection in serum obtained from young horses (1-2 years of age) than that of adults, in two geographically distinct areas. We observed higher variation in the course of infection over one year in young horses than in adult horses. The foals were infected with NPHV after the weaning period. Phylogenic analysis revealed that while NPHV NS3 genes isolated in Japan clustered with sequences previously classified as NPHV, but the genetic diversity of the Japanese NPHV strains we detected was not correlated with their geographic origin. In conclusion, Japanese horses exhibit a high prevalence of NPHV. Young age appears to be a risk factor for such viral infection in Japan, although the infectious route was not determined.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2015-06-04 PubMed ID: 26070772DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.05.028Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research paper is about the study conducted to determine the frequency, distribution and variation in the course of Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) infections among horses in Japan using a range of tests and data from serum samples.
Objective of the Research
The main objective of this study was to assess distribution, frequency and monitor the course of Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) infections in horses across Japan which was previously unknown. To achieve this, the researchers used real-time RT-PCR and a Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay to screen NPHV RNA and anti-NS3 antibodies in the serum samples of the horses.
Methodology
- The research team collected serum samples from 453 horses throughout Japan to screen for NPHV RNA using real-time RT-PCR. They also tested for anti-NS3 antibodies using the Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay.
- Data from 31 stored serum samples collected the past year were examined to monitor changes in the infection over time. The samples included 9 adult horses and 22 young horses.
- In addition, the researchers examined stored sera from 7 mare-foal pairs.
- Lastly, the team identified and analysed the NS3 region sequences from 14 NPHV strains using phylogenic analysis.
Key Findings
- Findings revealed that 33.55% of the 453 serum samples tested were positive for anti-NS3 antibodies and 13.68% were positive for NPHV RNA.
- The rate of NPHV RNA detection was found to be significantly higher in young horses aged between 1-2 years than in adult horses.
- More variation in the NPHV infection was observed among young horses as compared to adult horses over the course of a year.
- After the weaning period, foals were found to be infected with NPHV.
- While the NS3 genes of the identified NPHV strains were in line with previously classified NPHV sequences, there was no identifiable correlation between the genetic diversity of the Japanese NPHV strains and their geographic origin.
- Overall, the findings conclude that there is a high prevalence of NPHV in Japanese horses, with young age being a significant risk factor.
Conclusion
This study concludes that Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) infections are quite prevalent in horses in Japan, particularly among younger horses. Additionally, there was no specific correlation found between the genetic diversity of the Japanese NPHV strains and their geographic origin. The study contributes valuable data toward understanding the nature of NPHV infection in horses, which could be instrumental in future preventive measures and treatments.
Cite This Article
APA
Matsuu A, Hobo S, Ando K, Sanekata T, Sato F, Endo Y, Amaya T, Osaki T, Horie M, Masatani T, Ozawa M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K.
(2015).
Genetic and serological surveillance for non-primate hepacivirus in horses in Japan.
Vet Microbiol, 179(3-4), 219-227.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.05.028 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan. Electronic address: matsuu@vet.kagoshima-u.ac.jp.
- Laboratory of Domestic Animal Internal Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
- Bloodhorse Training Center Horse Clinic, Urakawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
- International Animal Health and Management College, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Equine Breeding Science, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Urakawa, Hokkaido, Japan.
- Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm, Japan Racing Association, Hanagashima, Miyazaki, Japan.
- Yamatokohgen Animal Medical Clinic, Habikino, Osaka, Japan.
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan.
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan.
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan.
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral / blood
- Epidemiological Monitoring / veterinary
- Female
- Flaviviridae Infections / epidemiology
- Flaviviridae Infections / veterinary
- Hepacivirus / genetics
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses
- Immunoprecipitation / veterinary
- Japan / epidemiology
- Luciferases
- Phylogeny
- Prevalence
- RNA, Viral / blood
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
- Risk Factors
- Viral Nonstructural Proteins / immunology
Citations
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