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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2020; 9(2); 110; doi: 10.3390/pathogens9020110

Molecular Detection and Genetic Characteristics of Equine Herpesvirus in Korea.

Abstract: Respiratory diseases cause significant economic losses (especially in the horse racing industry). The present study describes the detection and genetic characteristics of equine herpesvirus (EHV) from a total of 1497 samples from clinically healthy horses in Korea, including 926 blood samples, 187 lung tissues, and 384 nasal swabs. EHV-2 and EHV-5 were detected in 386 (41.7%; 95% CI: 38.5-44.9) and 201 (21.7%; 95% CI: 19.1-24.4) blood samples, respectively, and in 25 (13.4%; 95% CI: 8.5-18.2) and 35 (18.7%; 95% CI: 13.1-24.3) lung tissues, respectively. EHV-1 and EHV-4 were not detected in either blood or lung tissues. EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5 were detected in 46 (12.0%; 95% CI: 8.7-15.2), 21 (5.5%; 95% CI: 3.2-7.7), and 43 (11.2%; 95% CI: 8.0-14.4) nasal swabs, respectively. EHV-4 was not detected in nasal swabs. Co-infection with EHV-2 and EHV-5 was detected in 11.6% (107/926) of the blood samples and 6.4% (12/187) of lung tissues. In nasal swabs, co-infection with EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5 was detected in 0.8% (3/384) of samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the gene showed that EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5 strains demonstrated significant genetic diversity in Korea, with a nucleotide sequence identity among them that ranged from 95.7% to 100% for EHV-1, 96.2%-100% for EHV-2, and 93.8%-99.3% for EHV-5. These results are the first phylogenetic analyses of EHV-1 in Korea in nasal swabs from a nationwide population of clinically healthy horses. Both EHV-2 and EHV-5 from blood, lung tissues, and nasal swabs were also detected.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-11 PubMed ID: 32053974PubMed Central: PMC7168308DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020110Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of equine herpesvirus (EHV) detected in horses in Korea. The research provides the data about occurrence, co-infection, and the genetic diversity of different strains of EHV in clinically healthy horses.

Study on Equine Herpesvirus

  • The research primarily investigates the prevalence and genetic characteristics of various forms of equine herpesvirus, namely EHV-1, EHV-2, EHV-4, and EHV-5, through a comprehensive collection of 1497 samples, including blood samples, lung tissues, and nasal swabs, from healthy horses in Korea.
  • The study’s motivation is rooted in the significant economic impact caused by respiratory diseases, particularly in the horse racing industry.

Prevalence of Equine Herpesvirus

  • The research reports that EHV-2 and EHV-5 were found in significant percentages of the blood and lung tissue samples collected; however, EHV-1 and EHV-4 were not detected in the same.
  • A smaller percentage of the collected nasal swabs contained EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5, but none carried EHV-4.
  • It also records co-infection scenarios that showed the simultaneous presence of two or more types of EHV in a single sample, revealing the prevalence and interplay of multiple EHV strains in the horses’ health scenario.

Findings on Genetic Diversity of EHV

  • The study also conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the equine herpesvirus. This analysis is used to infer evolutionary relationships among various EHV strains based on their genetic characteristics.
  • The findings demonstrate a significant genetic diversity among EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5 strains, with nucleotide sequence identity. This variance indicates the distinct genetic make-up and evolutionary trajectory of these viruses in horses in Korea.

Significance of the Study

  • This paper presents the first phylogenetic analysis of EHV-1 strains from Korea, obtained from nasal swabs of a nationwide population of clinically healthy horses.
  • It also marks the detection of both EHV-2 and EHV-5 from different samples, contributing to the broader understanding of the EHV’s prevalence, diversity, and potential impact on horse health in Korea.

Cite This Article

APA
Seo MG, Ouh IO, Lee SK, Lee JS, Kwon OD, Kwak D. (2020). Molecular Detection and Genetic Characteristics of Equine Herpesvirus in Korea. Pathogens, 9(2), 110. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9020110

Publication

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2076-0817
NlmUniqueID: 101596317
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
PII: 110

Researcher Affiliations

Seo, Min-Goo
  • Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, Korea.
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea.
Ouh, In-Ohk
  • Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, Korea.
Lee, Sang Kyu
  • Equine Epidemic Control & Quarantine Section, Korea Racing Authority, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi 13822, Korea.
Lee, Jong-Seok
  • Horse Riding Military Unit, Korea Military Academy, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01805, Korea.
Kwon, Oh-Deog
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea.
Kwak, Dongmi
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea.
  • Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea.

Grant Funding

  • NRF-2016R1D1A1B02015366 / National Research Foundation of Korea

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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This article has been cited 8 times.
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