FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Open Vet J / Molecular characterization of equine herpes viruses type 1 a...
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.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2024-01-31 PubMed ID: 38633187PubMed Central: PMC11018441DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i1.48Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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.

References

This article includes 33 references
  1. Ali A.A, Refat N.A, algabri N.A, Sobh M.S. Fetal lesions of EHV-1 in equine.. Anais da Acade. Brasil. de Cien. 2020;92:e20180837.
    pubmed: 32965312
  2. Allen G.P, Kydd J.H, Slater J.D, Smith K.C. Equid herpesvirus 1 and equid herpesvirus 4 infections.. In Infectious diseases of livestock. In: Coetzer J.A.W, Tustin R.C, editors. Cape Town, South Africa: Oxford Press; 2004. pp. 829–859.
  3. Al-Shammari Z, Ahmed B, Haroun M, Afify A, Elsanousi A.A, Shalaby M. A first molecular phylogeny of an Egyptian equine herpesvirus-4 strain derived from a fetal Arabian horse.. J. of Vet. Sci. Med. Diag. 2016;5(1):2–4.
  4. Altschul S.F, Gish W, Miller W, Myers E.W, Lipman D.J. Basic local alignment search tool.. J. Mol Biol. 1990;215(3):403–410.
    pubmed: 2231712
  5. Amer H.M, Shaltout A.K, EL-Sabag I.M, El-Sanousi A.A, Shalaby M.A. Prevalence of equine herpes viruses 1, 2 and 4 in Arabian horse population in Egypt.. Afri. J. Microbiol. Res. 2011;5:4805–4811.
  6. Azab W, Bedair S, Abdelgawad A, Eschke K, Farag G.K, Abdel-raheim A, Ahmed A.H. Detection of equid herpesviruses among different Arabian horse populations in Egypt.. Vet. Med. Sci. 2019;5(3):361–371.
    pmc: PMC7155215pubmed: 31149784
  7. Balasuriya U.B, Crossley B.M, Timoney P.J. A review of traditional and contemporary assays for direct and indirect detection of equid herpesvirus 1 in clinical samples.. J. Vet. Diag. Invest. 2015;27(6):673–687.
    pubmed: 26472746
  8. Connolly S.A, Jackson J.O, Jardetzky T.S, Longnecker R. Fusing structure and function: a structural view of the herpes virus entry machinery.. Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 2011;9:369–381.
    pmc: PMC3242325pubmed: 21478902
  9. Davison A.J, Eberle R, Ehlers B, Hayward G.S, Mcgeoch D.J, Minson A.C, Thiry E. The order herpesvirales.. Archives Virol. 2009;154:171–177.
    pmc: PMC3552636pubmed: 19066710
  10. Dunowska M. A review of equid herpesvirus 1 for the veterinary practitioner. Part A: Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment.. New Zealand Vet. J. 2014;62:37–41.
    pubmed: 24597778
  11. Elia G, Decaro N, Martella V, Campolo M, Desario C, Lorusso E, Cirone F, Buonavoglia C. Detection of equine herpesvirus type 1 by real time PCR.. J. Virol. Methods. 2006;133:70–75.
    pubmed: 16309751
  12. Fortier G, Van Erck E, Pronost S, Lekeux P, Thiry E. Equine gammaherpesviruses: pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnosis.. Vet. J. 2010;186(2):148–156.
    pubmed: 19766026
  13. Gilkerson J.R, Bailey K.E, Diaz-méndez A, Hartley C.A. Update on viral diseases of the equine respiratory tract.. Vet. Clin. Equine Pract. 2015;31(1):91–104.
    pubmed: 25648568
  14. Gonzalez-medina S, Newton J.R. Equine herpesvirus-1: dealing practically but effectively with an ever present threat.. Equine Vet. J. 2015;47:142–144.
    pubmed: 25644768
  15. Goodman L.B, Wimer C, Dubovi E.J, Gold C, Wagner B. Immunological correlates of vaccination and infection for equine herpesvirus 1.. Clini. Vaccine Immun. 2012;19(2):235–241.
    pmc: PMC3272919pubmed: 22205656
  16. Hussey G.S, Hussey S.B, Wagner B, Horohov D.W, Van de Walle G.R, Osterrieder N, Lunn D.P. Evaluation of immune responses following infection of ponies with an EHV-1 ORF1/2 deletion mutant.. Vet. Res. 2011;42:1–12.
    pmc: PMC3045331pubmed: 21314906
  17. Hussey G.S, Goehring L.S, Lunn D.P, Hussey S.B, Huang T, Osterrieder N, Slater J. Experimental infection with equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) induces chorioretinal lesions.. Vet. Res. 2013;44:1–15.
    pmc: PMC4028784pubmed: 24308772
  18. Hussey G.S, Landolt G.A. Equine alphaherpesviruses.. 7th. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier; 2015. In Robinson’s current therapy in equine medicine; pp. 158–161.
  19. International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses ICTV. Virus taxonomy: 2019 release.. 2019 EC 52, Online meeting, October 2019.
  20. Kydd J.H, Slater J, Osterrieder N, Lunn D.P, Antczak D.F, Azab W, Balasuriya U, Barnett C, Brosnahan M, Cook C, Damiani A, Elton D, Frampton A, Gilkerson J, Goehring L, Horohov D, Maxwell L, Minke J, Morley P, Nauwynck H, Newton R, Perkins G, Pusterla N, Soboll-Hussey G, Traub-Dargatz J, Townsend H, Van de Walle G.R, Wagner B. Third international havemeyer workshop on equine herpesvirus type 1.. Equine. Vet. J. 2012;44(5):513–517.
    pubmed: 22888774
  21. Khattab O.M, Abdelmegeedhk M.M, Hamdyme H.N, Hamed A, Fahmy H. A, Ibrahim E, Ahmed E.M. Equine herpes virus 4 (EHV4) investigation in aborted Egyptian Mares; molecular detection, isolation, and phylogeny for viral glycoprotein B.. Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2022;10(9):1907–1915.
  22. Lara M.C.S.H, Villalobos E.M.C, Cunha E.M.S, Oliveira J.V, Castro V, Nassar A.F.C. Occurance of viral diseases in donkeys (Equusasinus) in Sao Paulo State, Brazil.. Braz. J. Vet. Res. Anim. Sci. 2017;54(2):154–158.
  23. Ma G, Azab W, Osterrieder N. Equine herpesviruses type 1 (EHV-1) and 4 (EHV-4) Masters of co-evolution and a constant threat to equids and beyond.. Vet. Microbiol. 2013;167(1–2):123–134.
    pubmed: 23890672
  24. . Manual of diagnostic tests and vaccines for terrestrial animals (mammals, birds and bees). Office International des Epizooties (OIE) 6th. Paris, France: Editions of the OIE biological standards commission; 2008.
  25. . Manual of diagnostic tests and vaccines for terrestrial animals. Chapter 2.5.9. Equine rhinopneumonitis.. Office International des Epizooties (OIE) 2015.
  26. Pusterla N, Mapes S, Wilson W.D. Comparison of the diagnostic sensitivity of nasopharyngeal and Nasal Swabs and use of viral loads for the molecular diagnosis of equine herpesvirus-1 infection.. American Association of Equine Practitioners Orlando, Florida, USA 1–5 December, 2007. 2007:220–224.
  27. Pusterla N, Hussey S.B, Mapes S, Leutenegger C.M, Madigan J.E, Ferraro G.L, Lunn D.P. Comparison of four methods to quantify Equid herpesvirus 1 load by real-time polymerase chain reaction in nasal secretions of experimentally and naturally infected horses.. J. Vet. Diag. Invest. 2009;21(6):836–840.
    pubmed: 19901285
  28. Radalj A, Nišavić J, Krnjaić D, Valčić M, Jovanović T, Veljović L, Milić N. Detection and molecular characterization of equine herpesviruses 1, 2, and 5 in horses in the Republic of Serbia.. Acta Vet.-Brno. 2018;87(1):27.
  29. Salib F, Kalad M, Hassan H, Said S. Using indirect ELISA and PCR for the diagnosis of equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) infection in Egypt.. J. Vet. Med. Res. 2016;23(1):117–124.
  30. VanDevanter D.R, Warrener P, Bennett L, Schultz E.R, Coulter S, Garber R L, Rose T.M. Detection and analysis of diverse herpesviral species by consensus primer PCR.. J. Clin. Microbiol. 1996;34(7):1666.
    pmc: PMC229091pubmed: 8784566
  31. Van Maanen C, De Boer-Luijtze E, Terpstra C. Development and validation of a monoclonal antibody blocking ELISA for the detection of antibodies against both equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV1) and equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV4). Vet. Microbiol. 2000;71(1–2):37–51.
    pubmed: 10665532
  32. Wagner B, Perkins G, Babasyan S, Freer H, Keggan A, Goodman L.B, Björnsdóttir S. Neonatal immunization with a single IL-4/antigen dose induces increased antibody responses after challenge infection with equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) at weanling age.. PLoS One. 2017;12(1):e0169072.
    pmc: PMC5207648pubmed: 28045974
  33. Warda S.M. Studies on equine abortion problem in Egypt.. Zagazig University, Benha Branch, Egypt. 2003.

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).
    doi: 10.3390/vaccines13060604pubmed: 40573935google scholar: lookup
  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.
    doi: 10.1155/vmi/1661949pubmed: 39949613google scholar: lookup
  4. Li L, Li S, Ma H, Akhtar MF, Tan Y, Wang T, Liu W, Khan A, Khan MZ, Wang C. An Overview of Infectious and Non-Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Losses in Equine.. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 2;14(13).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14131961pubmed: 38998073google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,000 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.