[Relevance of infection with equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in a German thoroughbred stud: vaccination, abortion and diagnosis].
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to clarify whether an EHV-1 induced abortion can be prognosticated by an increase of antibody titres, virus shedding and/or viraemia and whether the current abortion diagnostic is suitable. In this context the immune response post immunization and a possible reactivation were of great interest. For this purpose blood samples of 32 mares between the ages of 5-21 years were regularly investigated during a period of two years before and after vaccination and pregnancy. Neutralization tests, indirect immunofluorescence tests as well as PCR and virus isolation were used for EHV-1 diagnostics. It could be shown that the horses reacted individually to vaccination. In 14 cases a EHV-1-reactivation was suggested. An abortion prognosis was not possible even using serological, virological and molecular biological parameters. In addition, virus shedding and antibody titres were individual. An acute infection was detectable by a significant rise of antibodies and viraemia as well as virus shedding in the secretions. For the abortion diagnostics the antigen detection in combination with virus isolation and PCR from fetal lungs gave reliable results. In addition, the virological and serological investigation of the mare is recommendable. For prophylaxis we would advise a regular vaccination and strict hygiene.
Publication Date: 2000-03-22 PubMed ID: 10726362
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research focuses on understanding whether a forthcoming abortion induced by the equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) can be predicted through increases in antibody titres, virus shedding and viraemia, including an evaluation of current diagnostic methods used for detecting the EHV-1 induced abortion in horses. It further considers the immune response after immunization and potential virus reactivation.
Objective and Methodology of the Research
- The main aim of the study was to establish whether a forthcoming equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) induced abortion could be projected by considering an increase in antibody titres, virus shedding, and viraemia (the presence of viruses in the blood).
- This investigation studied the immune response post immunization and any potential virus reactivation.
- Over a period of two years, 32 mares between 5-21 years of age were systematically observed, both before and after vaccination and pregnancy.
- A variety of tests such as neutralization tests, indirect immunofluorescence tests, PCR, and virus isolation were used for EHV-1 diagnostics.
Key Findings of the Research
- Research found that responses to vaccination varied from horse to horse, with 14 instances suggesting a potential EHV-1-reactivation.
- Making an abortion prognosis proved impossible using serological, virological and molecular biological parameters. Virus shedding and antibody titres were also found to be individualistic.
- An acute infection could be identified by a significant rise of antibodies, viraemia and virus shedding in secretions.
- For reliable abortion diagnostics, antigen detection coupled with virus isolation and PCR from fetal lungs proved effective.
- It is also recommended to carry out virological and serological examinations of the mare.
Recommendations and Conclusion
- For prophylaxis, the research advises regular vaccination and strict hygiene practices, as the responses to the vaccination, the virus shedding and antibody titres varied and were individualistic in nature.
- Evidence also could not support the projection of a forthcoming EHV-1 induced abortion.
Cite This Article
APA
Schröer U, Lange A, Glatzel P, Ludwig H, Borchers K.
(2000).
[Relevance of infection with equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in a German thoroughbred stud: vaccination, abortion and diagnosis].
Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 113(2), 53-59.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institut für Virologie, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin.
MeSH Terms
- Abortion, Veterinary / virology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral / blood
- Female
- Herpesviridae Infections / diagnosis
- Herpesviridae Infections / prevention & control
- Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
- Herpesvirus 1, Equid / classification
- Herpesvirus 1, Equid / isolation & purification
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Male
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Pregnancy
- Viral Vaccines
- Virus Shedding
Citations
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