Getah virus as an equine pathogen.
Abstract: Getah virus is a member of the genus Alphavirus in the family Togaviridae and has been frequently isolated from mosquitoes. Seroepizootiologic studies indicate that the virus is mosquito-borne and widespread, ranging from Eurasia to southeast and far eastern Asia, the Pacific islands, and Australasia. The natural host animal of the virus was not known until the first recognized occurrence of Getah virus infection among racehorses in two training centers in Japan in 1978. Outbreaks of clinical disease due to Getah virus infection occur infrequently, and only one outbreak has been reported outside Japan; this was in India in 1990. Clinical signs of the disease are mild and nonlife-threatening and are characterized by pyrexia, edema of the hind limbs, swelling of the submandibular lymph nodes, and urticarial rash, as reported in the 1978 epizootic. The morbidity was 37.9% (722 of 1903 horses) in one training center, with 96% of 722 affected horses making a full clinical recovery within a week without any significant sequelae. Antibodies against Getah virus were detected in 61.2% (172 of 281) and 55.8% (254 of 455) of horses at two training centers, respectively. Virus isolation can be attempted in VERO, RK-13, BHK-21, and many other cell lines as well as in suckling mouse brain. Blood plasma collected from suspect cases of infection at the onset of pyrexia is the specimen of choice. A diagnosis of Getah virus infection can also be confirmed serologically based on testing acute and convalescent phase sera by using SN, CF, HI, and ELISA tests. An inactivated vaccine is available for the prevention and control of Getah virus infection in horses in Japan.
Publication Date: 2001-02-24 PubMed ID: 11219353DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30099-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article presents a comprehensive study on Getah virus, an Alphavirus largely found in mosquitoes, notably known to affect horses. The article further delves into the geographical prevalence of this virus, the course and symptoms of the disease it causes, ways of diagnosis and the available preventive measures.
Understanding the Getah Virus
- The Getah virus falls under the Alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family, and it’s often linked to mosquitoes. It predominantly affects horses and is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes.
- The virus’s natural targets were unidentified until 1978 when the first known Getah virus infection was reported among racehorses in Japan.
- While the virus is widespread, ranging from Eurasia to southeast and far eastern Asia, including Pacific islands and Australasia, episodes of clinical disease due to Getah virus infection are rare.
Clinical Presentation and Prevalence of the Disease
- The study indicates that the major clinical signs of Getah virus in horse population are relatively mild and non-life threatening. These symptoms include pyrexia (fever), edema of the hind limbs, swollen submandibular lymph nodes, and urticarial rash.
- During an outbreak, the morbidity rate was nearly 38% in one training center, with most horses making a full recovery within a week. Despite the severity of symptoms, the virus does not cause significant long-term health issues.
- The presence of antibodies against Getah virus indicates that the infection had spread widely among the horse population in the studied locations.
Diagnostic Approaches and Measures
- The diagnostic approach for Getah virus infection involves virus isolation in VERO, RK-13, BHK-21, and many other cell lines, as well as in the brain of a suckling mouse.
- The preferred sample for diagnosis is the blood plasma collected from suspected cases when fever sets in. The researchers also mention serological tests that can confirm diagnosis such as SN, CF, HI, and ELISA.
Prevention and Control
- An inactivated vaccine has been developed as a preventive measure against Getah virus infection and is currently in use in Japan.
- Despite this, outbreaks still occur from time to time, emphasizing the need for continual surveillance and possibly updating the current vaccine formulation.
Cite This Article
APA
Fukunaga Y, Kumanomido T, Kamada M.
(2001).
Getah virus as an equine pathogen.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 16(3), 605-617.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30099-8 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Epizootic Research Station, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Alphavirus / pathogenicity
- Alphavirus Infections / epidemiology
- Alphavirus Infections / veterinary
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses
Citations
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