Recent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of equine herpesviruses 1 and 4 among different equine populations in Egypt.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research is about studying the presence and characteristics of Equine herpesviruses (EHVs) among different horse populations in Egypt. The focus was on the detection, molecular characterization, isolation and analysis of EHV-1 and EHV-4, significant respiratory pathogens harmful to equine health.
Methodology and Data Collection
- 120 field samples were collected from clinically ill and apparently healthy horses.
- DNA was extracted from these samples for screening and typing, using consensus and conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays to detect EHV-1 and EHV-4.
- Further confirmation of the virus identity was done through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
- Selected positive samples were subjected to Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell lines for virus isolation.
Results and Findings
- Out of 120 samples, 58 (48%) were found positive for EHVs.
- EHV-1 was detected in 40% of the samples, and EHV-4 was detected in 12%.
- Five samples were found to have dual infection – both EHV-1 and EHV-4.
- The results implied the regular presence of EHV-1 and EHV-4 among equine populations in Egypt.
- The study also identified that individual horses could be affected by multiple EHVs.
- Moreover, latently infected horses were identified that could act as potential reservoirs for regular virus reactivation.
Implications of the Study
The study offers new data about the ongoing circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 within horse populations in Egypt. Such research can aid preventative measures and treatments for this significant equine health issue. It also highlights the possibility of individual horses being infected with multiple forms of the virus and acting as reservoirs for its reactivation, emphasizing the need for effective control mechanisms.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Virology Research Department (VRD), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Giza, Egypt.
- Virology Research Department (VRD), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Giza, Egypt.
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Conflict of Interest Statement
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