Prevalence and sequence analysis of equid herpesviruses from the respiratory tract of Polish horses.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research article explores the spread and pathogenic features of equid herpesviruses (EHVs) among horses, particularly in Poland. It unveils crucial data about EHV occurrences and how these viruses affect specific equine populations, which is integral to the biology and epidemiology of equine γ-herpesviruses.
About the Equid Herpesviruses Research
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and effects of EHV on Polish horses highlighting significant factors related to the virus. Its investigation emphasized:
- The distribution of EHV-1, EHV-2, EHV-4, and EHV-5 affecting horses in Poland.
- The use of virus-specific real-time PCR assays in identifying these viruses from nasal swabs taken from 540 horses across thirteen national horse studs in the country.
- Conducting an isolation and analysis course for partial glycoprotein B sequence on a proportion of EHV-2/5 positive samples.
Findings and Analysis on the EHV Prevalence
Of the total horse population tested:
- About 83% tested positive for at least one type of equine herpesvirus.
- EHV-2 had the highest prevalence rate (77.2%), followed by EHV-5 (47%).
- The rate of EHV-4 detection was much lower (0.4%), and none of the horses tested positive for EHV-1.
- Almost half of the virus-infected horses were positive for both EHV-2 and EHV-5.
- Prevalence of positive EHV-2/5 varied in terms of age, breed, and season.
- Approximately 8% of the horses suffered from respiratory disease symptoms when sampled, particularly Arabian horses.
Insights from the Viral Load Examination
The average EHV-2 and EHV-5 DNA amount was notably high in young horses. These aspects of the EHV prevalence were highlighted:
- The level of EHV-2 infection was especially apparent among infected foals.
- Comparatively high amounts of viral loads were in nasal swabs collected from diseased horses than in swabs taken from healthy ones.
- This pattern held true for EHV-2 but not EHV-5, as EHV-5 DNA levels were lower in samples taken from diseased foals versus healthy ones.
- EHV-2 sequences from Polish horses showed significant variability, regardless of the health status of the horses.
Further Implications of the Research
There appears to be breed-specific differences in susceptibility to EHV-2/5 infections. This requires further investigation as it could be an important consideration for disease association. Overall, the research is significant for understanding the epidemiology and biology of equine γ-herpesviruses, with long-term implications for the pathogenesis and impact of these viruses on the health and well-being of horses.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland. jrola@piwet.pulawy.pl.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- DNA, Viral
- Genes, Viral
- Herpesviridae / classification
- Herpesviridae / genetics
- Herpesviridae / isolation & purification
- Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses
- Phylogeny
- Prevalence
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Respiratory Tract Infections / veterinary
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Viral Load
Grant Funding
- S/268 / Ministerstwo Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyu017cszego
Conflict of Interest Statement
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