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Open veterinary journal2024; 14(1); 534-544; doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i1.48

Molecular characterization of equine herpes viruses type 1 and 4 among Arabian horse populations in Egypt during the period between 2021 and 2022.

Abstract: Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of abortion and respiratory disease. Equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4), on the other hand, is exclusively associated with respiratory disease in horse populations worldwide, particularly in Egypt and Arabian countries. Unassigned: This study aims to investigate the circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in the Arabian horse population through molecular detection and genetic characterization of EHV-1 and/or EHV-4 that may threaten the stability of horse industry. Unassigned: A total of 80 samples including 50 nasal swabs, 10 vaginal swabs and 20 whole blood samples were collected from vaccinated and registered pure-bred Arabian adult horses from different studs in the governorates of northern Egypt (Cairo, Dakahlyia and Qalyubia) from 2021 to 2022. The collected samples were screened using consensus PCR for detection of EHVs using specific primers targeting DNA polymerase gene. The positive samples were subjected to conventional PCR for detection of EHV-1 and/or EHV-4using specific primers targeting glycoprotein (gB) gene. EHV-1 and EHV-4 amplicons were partially sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed using Sanger method. Unassigned: Consensus PCR revealed that 48 out of 80 samples were positive for EHVs with percentage of 60%. Typing of the selected positive samples using conventional PCR showed that 29 out of 80 were positive for EHV-1 with percentage 36.25%, while 24 out of 80 samples were positive for EHV-4 with percentage 30%. Mixed infections with both viruses were detected in five samples. The amplified products were sequenced using Sanger method and submitted to GenBank under accession number OM362231MG-1 for EHV-1 strain and OM362232 MG-4 for EHV-4 strain. Sequence analysis and alignments of the amplified fragments of the EHV-1 and EHV-4 glycoprotein B (gB) gene to that of GenBank-derived reference strains revealed a high degree of similarity. According to the phylogenetic tree, the obtained sequences of EHV-1 and 4 in the current study showed homogeneity with local Egyptian and foreign EHV-1 and 4 strains and heterogeneity with EHV-2 and 5. Unassigned: The current investigation showed that molecular methods are appropriate assays for an efficient and accurate diagnosis of EHVs. Furthermore, it supports earlier research findings about the prevalence of EHV-1 and 4 in Arabian horse populations in Egypt.
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Publication Date: 2024-01-31 PubMed ID: 38633187PubMed Central: PMC11018441DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i1.48Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

Overview

  • This study investigates the presence and genetic characteristics of equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4) in Arabian horses in Egypt between 2021 and 2022.
  • It uses molecular techniques to detect the viruses and analyze their genetic relatedness to strains from Egypt and other countries.

Background

  • EHV-1 is a significant virus causing abortion and respiratory illness in horses.
  • EHV-4 primarily causes respiratory disease and is common in horse populations worldwide including Egypt and Arabian countries.
  • Understanding the presence and genetic makeup of these viruses helps in disease control and protecting the horse industry.

Objectives

  • To detect the circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in vaccinated Arabian horses from northern Egypt.
  • To genetically characterize the virus strains isolated from the horses for better understanding of their relatedness and variation.
  • To assess the potential threat these viruses pose to the horse industry by identifying mixed infections and viral diversity.

Methods

  • Sampling:
    • 80 samples collected including 50 nasal swabs, 10 vaginal swabs, and 20 whole blood samples.
    • Samples were from purebred Arabian adult horses from studs in the governorates of Cairo, Dakahlyia, and Qalyubia.
    • Sampling period spanned from 2021 to 2022.
  • Molecular Detection:
    • Consensus PCR targeting DNA polymerase gene was used to detect equine herpesviruses generally.
    • Positive samples were further tested with conventional PCR using glycoprotein B (gB) gene primers specific for EHV-1 and EHV-4.
  • Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis:
    • Positive PCR products for EHV-1 and EHV-4 were partially sequenced using the Sanger method.
    • Sequences were submitted to GenBank (accession numbers: OM362231 for EHV-1 and OM362232 for EHV-4).
    • Sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree constructed to compare with local and international reference strains of EHV-1, EHV-4, and other related herpesviruses (EHV-2 and EHV-5).

Results

  • Detection rates:
    • 60% (48/80) of samples were positive for equine herpesviruses by consensus PCR.
    • 36.25% (29/80) were specifically positive for EHV-1.
    • 30% (24/80) were specifically positive for EHV-4.
    • Mixed infections with both EHV-1 and EHV-4 were found in 5 samples.
  • Genetic characterization:
    • Sequences of the glycoprotein B gene showed a high degree of similarity to known reference strains.
    • Phylogenetic analysis revealed the Egyptian EHV-1 and EHV-4 strains cluster closely with previously identified local and foreign strains.
    • The sequences displayed clear distinction and heterogeneity from other equine herpesviruses such as EHV-2 and EHV-5.

Conclusions

  • Molecular techniques like PCR and sequencing are effective tools for rapid and accurate detection of equine herpesviruses.
  • This study confirms the ongoing presence and co-circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in vaccinated Arabian horse populations in northern Egypt.
  • The genetic similarity with both local and global strains suggests these viruses have stable genetic profiles but continued surveillance is needed.
  • Detection of mixed infections highlights the potential complexity of virus infection dynamics that could impact control strategies.
  • Findings support previous reports on the prevalence of these viruses and emphasize the need for ongoing molecular monitoring to safeguard the equine industry.

Cite This Article

APA
Ali AAH, Abdallah F, Shemies OA, Kotb G, Nafea MR. (2024). Molecular characterization of equine herpes viruses type 1 and 4 among Arabian horse populations in Egypt during the period between 2021 and 2022. Open Vet J, 14(1), 534-544. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i1.48

Publication

Open veterinary journal
ISSN: 2218-6050
NlmUniqueID: 101653182
Country: Libya
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Pages: 534-544

Researcher Affiliations

Ali, Ahmed A H
  • Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Abdallah, Fatma
  • Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Shemies, Omayma A
  • Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Dokki, Egypt.
Kotb, Gamilat
  • Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Nafea, Maged R
  • Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Dokki, Egypt.

MeSH Terms

  • Pregnancy
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Egypt
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
  • Phylogeny
  • Herpesviridae / genetics
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Glycoproteins

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Al-Ebshahy E, Badr Y, El-Ansary RE, Alajmi R, El-Ashram S, Rady A, Elgendy E. Molecular Detection and Genetic Characteristics of Equine Herpesviruses 1 and 4 in Egypt. Vet Med Int 2025;2025:9719058.
    doi: 10.1155/vmi/9719058pubmed: 41112826google scholar: lookup
  2. Kutumbetov L, Myrzakhmetova B, Tussipova A, Zhapparova G, Tlenchiyeva T, Bissenbayeva K, Nurabayev S, Kerimbayev A. Development and Preclinical Evaluation of a Lyophilized Vaccine Against Equine Herpesvirus Type 4 (EHV-4). Vaccines (Basel) 2025 May 31;13(6).
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  3. Petano-Duque JM, Urueña-Martinez E, Cabezas-Callejas LL, Perilla-Amaya J, Rueda-García V, Rondón-Barragán IS, Lopera-Vásquez R. Molecular and Serological Investigation of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) and Type 4 (EHV-4) in Horses In Ibagué, Tolima. Vet Med Int 2025;2025:1661949.
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