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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2023; 12(6); 813; doi: 10.3390/pathogens12060813

Prevalence of Latent Equid Herpesvirus Type 1 in Submandibular Lymph Nodes of Horses in Virginia.

Abstract: Equine Herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) typically causes mild respiratory disease, but it can also cause late-term abortion, neonatal foal death and neurologic disease. Once a horse is infected, the virus concentrates to local lymphoid tissue, where it becomes latent. The virus can be reactivated during times of stress, which can lead to the initiation of devastating outbreaks. Understanding the carriage rate of latent EHV-1 in different geographic regions is essential for managing the disease. The objective of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of latent EHV-1 and compare the frequency of each variant in the submandibular lymph nodes of horses in Virginia. Sixty-three submandibular lymph nodes were collected post-partem from horses submitted to regional labs for necropsy, and qPCR was performed. All samples were negative for the gene of EHV-1. The results demonstrated a low apparent prevalence of latent EHV-1 DNA in submandibular lymph nodes in this population of horses in Virginia. Despite this, the mainstay for outbreak prevention and mitigation continues to focus on minimizing risks and using appropriate and diligent biosecurity.
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Publication Date: 2023-06-07 PubMed ID: 37375503PubMed Central: PMC10301069DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060813Google 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.

The research article focused on investigating the prevalence and variants of Equine Herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) in submandibular lymph nodes of horses from Virginia, USA. Using samples collected during necropsy, the researchers found low prevalence of EHV-1 DNA, indicating a low infection rate in the sampled horse population.

Study Objectives and Methodology

  • The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of latent EHV-1 in horses in Virginia and to investigate the frequency of its various forms.
  • The virus typically causes mild respiratory illness in horses but can also lead to more serious conditions such as late-term abortions, neonatal deaths, and neurological disorders.
  • The research concentrated on EHV-1 because this virus often resides latently in lymphoid tissues, particularly in submandibular lymph nodes.
  • To carry out the study, researchers collected sixty-three submandibular lymph nodes post-mortem from horses presented to regional laboratories for a necropsy.
  • They utilized qPCR – a molecular biology technique for detecting and quantifying a specific DNA sequence – to identify and quantify any latent EHV-1 DNA in the samples.

Results and Interpretation

  • All the tested samples were negative for the EHV-1 gene, thus exhibiting a low prevalence of EHV-1 DNA in the submandibular lymph nodes of the sampled horse population.
  • This result suggests that, within the population under study, EHV-1 infection – whether active or latent – is comparatively rare.
  • However, despite the low prevalence, the study emphasizes the continued focus on diligent biosecurity measures and minimizing risks to help prevent outbreaks,
  • The reason for this caution is that EHV-1 virus can reactivate under stressful conditions in horses and potentially initiate widespread devastating outbreaks.

Conclusion and Implications

  • The findings not only contribute to understanding the prevalence of EHV-1 in this geographic area, but also help in the formulation of effective disease management strategies.
  • Even though the latent EHV-1 prevalence was found to be low in this population, the threat it poses warrants vigilant monitoring and stringent biosecurity measures.
  • The research underscores the significance of regional studies in comprehending infection patterns, informing local veterinary practices, and preventing outbreaks of diseases like EHV-1.

Cite This Article

APA
Saklou N, Pleasant S, Lahmers K, Funk R. (2023). Prevalence of Latent Equid Herpesvirus Type 1 in Submandibular Lymph Nodes of Horses in Virginia. Pathogens, 12(6), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12060813

Publication

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2076-0817
NlmUniqueID: 101596317
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 6
PII: 813

Researcher Affiliations

Saklou, Nadia
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, The University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
Pleasant, Scott
  • Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
Lahmers, Kevin
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, The University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
Funk, Rebecca
  • Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Maryland, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.

Grant Funding

  • AT-59797 / Virginia Horse Industry Board

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. El-Zayat M, Shemies OA, Mosad SM, El Rahman SA. Recent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of equine herpesviruses 1 and 4 among different equine populations in Egypt. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023 Dec;10(4):639-646.
    doi: 10.5455/javar.2023.j719pubmed: 38370903google scholar: lookup
  2. White N, Pelzel-McCluskey A. Cross-Sectional Survey of Horse Owners to Assess Their Knowledge and Use of Biosecurity Practices for Equine Infectious Diseases in the United States. Animals (Basel) 2023 Nov 17;13(22).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13223550pubmed: 38003167google scholar: lookup
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