Neurological disease suspected to be caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus infection in 6 horses in Switzerland.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research investigates the correlation between tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infections and neurological diseases in horses, based on observations in six cases in Switzerland between 2011 and 2019.
Study Overview
The study investigated six cases of horses with sudden onset neurological symptoms, from areas in Switzerland where TBEV is endemic. The symptoms included physical conditions such as ataxia (lack of muscle control) and proprioceptive deficits (control of limb positions). The aim was to understand if TBEV could be the cause of such symptoms.
Methods
- The research took a retrospective stance, reviewing cases from previous years.
- Each horse subjected to clinical and microbiological examinations to eliminate the presence of other infectious diseases that affect the central nervous system.
- Tests included virus neutralisation test and TBEV-specific IgM (antibodies) test.
Results
- All horses presented acute signs of neurological diseases and tested positive for TBEV.
- Five out of six horses displayed the presence of TBEV-specific IgM antibodies.
- One horse, despite registering an LU value (measurement to determine TBEV-specific IgM) below the threshold, was included as it was hypothesized to be transitioning from an acute to chronic infection.
- All the horses came from areas where humans with confirmed tick-borne encephalitis reported being bitten by ticks.
Conclusion
Based on these findings, the study suggests considering acute TBEV infection as a possible diagnosis in horses displaying signs of neurological disease, and which originate from TBEV endemic areas. Furthermore, the study recommends establishing harmonized diagnostic criteria to tackle the diagnostic challenges related to flavivirus infections such as TBEV in horses. This would allow for more consistent and accurate diagnoses.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine, Equine Department, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Mittelhäusern and Bern, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Horses
- Animals
- Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne
- Switzerland / epidemiology
- Retrospective Studies
- Antibodies, Viral
- Flavivirus Infections / veterinary
- Immunoglobulin M
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
Conflict of Interest Statement
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Citations
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