The classification of seven serotypes of equine encephalosis virus and the prevalence of homologous antibody in horses in South Africa.
Abstract: Selected isolates of equine encephalosis virus were shown to have comparable viral protein profiles and to represent seven distinct serotypes, based on cross-neutralization tests. Serotype-specific virus-neutralizing antibody in serum samples from horses confirmed the widespread occurrence of infection. The distribution and prevalence of individual serotypes however, varied considerably. Localised foci with an increased seasonal seroconversion in groups of horses to a specific serotype and the detection of an ongoing low level of infection from other serotypes within the population, confirmed the independent persistence of the viruses in a maintenance cycle. The identification of donors with antibody resulting from infection with multiple serotypes indicated a low level of cross-protection in horses to natural reinfection.
Publication Date: 2002-07-03 PubMed ID: 12092781
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research explores the classification of seven distinct types of equine encephalosis virus in horses from South Africa. In addition, it studies the presence of antibodies against these virus types in local horse populations, their distribution, their prevalence which varies significantly, and the low level of cross-protection to natural reinfection.
Virus Classification and Analysis
- Equine encephalosis virus isolates were shown to have similar viral protein profiles.
- Based on cross-neutralization tests, these isolates represented seven distinct serotypes or distinct variations of the equine encephalosis virus.
Detection of Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies
- The presence of serotype-specific virus-neutralizing antibodies in sample serums from horses confirmed a widespread infection.
- The individual serotypes’ prevalence and distribution varied significantly, pointing to the complexity of the disease’s spread and impact within the horse population.
Infection Persistence and Seasonal Variation
- The researchers found localized areas where there was an increased seasonal surge of seroconversion in groups of horses to a specific serotype. Seroconversion is the period during which a specific antibody develops and becomes detectable in the blood.
- The detection of continuing low level of infections from other serotypes in the horse population confirmed the independent persistence of the viruses in what’s known as a maintenance cycle. This is a cycle in which the virus continues to exist within a population without needing any additional hosts.
Cross-Protection to Natural Reinfection
- The authors identified donors with antibodies resulting from infections with multiple serotypes, indicating a minimal level of cross-protection in horses to natural reinfection.
- This suggests that an infection with one serotype does not offer the horses a robust protective immunity against other serotypes of the virus, allowing for potential re-infections.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the diverse nature of equine encephalosis viruses, their prevalence and distribution, along with the host’s immune response and re-infection potential. Researchers suggest more thorough investigations to understand the disease better, leading to improved preventive measures and treatments.
Cite This Article
APA
Howell PG, Groenewald D, Visage CW, Bosman AM, Coetzer JA, Guthrie AJ.
(2002).
The classification of seven serotypes of equine encephalosis virus and the prevalence of homologous antibody in horses in South Africa.
Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 69(1), 79-93.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral / blood
- Antibody Specificity
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horse Diseases / virology
- Horses
- Neutralization Tests / methods
- Neutralization Tests / veterinary
- Orbivirus / classification
- Orbivirus / immunology
- Reoviridae Infections / epidemiology
- Reoviridae Infections / immunology
- Reoviridae Infections / veterinary
- Seasons
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Serotyping / veterinary
- South Africa / epidemiology
Citations
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