Identification and molecular characterization of Hendra virus in a horse in Queensland.

The article discusses a study where a tissue sample from a horse in Queensland was examined and found to contain the Hendra virus, a potentially deadly infection to both horses and humans. The sample was subjected to a series of tests including histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction, which confirmed the presence of the virus.

Examination of Sample and Histopathological Findings

• The sample for this study was obtained from the lung of a nine-year-old mare based in Queensland. Pathological examination revealed a number of abnormalities such as haemorrhage, oedema, emphysema, and other changes that match those found in cases of Hendra virus infection in horses.

Transmission Electron Microscopy

• The lung tissue was also examined using transmission electron microscopy. The analysis revealed evidence of cellular damage, such as disintegration of organelles and destruction of membranes. Within the lung tissue, aggregates of nucleocapsids were found. Immunogold labeling indicated these aggregates were associated with the Hendra virus.

Polymerase Chain Reaction

• To confirm the presence of the Hendra virus, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the tissue samples. The PCR process followed extensive preparation, such as removal of wax with xylene, digestion with proteinase K, extraction with chloroform and phenol, and overnight precipitation of nucleic acids.
• A control sample was used to ensure that cross-contamination did not occur during the PCR process. The extracted nucleic acid was then transcribed into complementary DNA and PCR was performed using predefined primers.
• The sequence data derived from the DNA fragment showed identity with the matrix protein of the Hendra virus. Some nucleotide substitutions were found in both coding and non-coding regions.

Conclusion

• The combined evidence from histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, and PCR confirmed the presence of the Hendra virus in the horse sample. It highlights the risk associated with this potentially zoonotic disease among horse populations in Queensland.