Use of the meridian test for the detection of equine herpesvirus type 1 infection in horses with decreased performance.

This study analyzed the effectiveness of the acupuncture meridian test in detecting equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) infections in horses showing reduced performance levels. Despite the observed correlation between positive meridian test results and sensitivity reactions similar to those detected by physical and neurological examinations, the researchers did not find a clear link with EHV-1 or EHV-4 infections.

Research Methodology

• The study followed a case-control model using a selection of 40 horses displaying decreased performance.
• Each horse underwent physical and neurological tests, as well as the acupuncture meridian test. The latter assessed sensitivity reactions at specific acupuncture points along the bladder meridian believed to be associated with EHV infections.
• The researchers conducted Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to verify whether EHV-1 or EHV-4 DNA was present in the animals’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
• They also deployed Complement fixation (CF) tests and virus neutralization (VN) tests on paired serum samples taken 3 weeks apart. These tests aimed to detect antibodies against EHV-1 and EHV-4.

Findings and Results

• Significant differences in skin sensitivities were noted in both test and control horses, with variations occurring in cervical, sacral, gluteal regions and flank.
• All test horses displayed sensitivity to all acupuncture points linked with EHV infections. In comparison, only a few control horses showed sensitivity, and even then, only at sporadic points.
• No cases of EHV-1 or EHV-4 viremia were found in any of the horses tested.
• The VN antibody titers against EHV-1 did not show significant differences between test and control groups.
• Three weeks after initial sampling, the CF antibody titers against EHV-1 were found to be higher in test horses than control horses.

Conclusions

• The researchers found that the results of the meridian test in test horses corresponded with sensitivity reactions shared with those found in the physical and neurological examinations.
• However, despite the meridian test results mirroring certain aspects of physical and neurological tests, the study could not definitively establish an association with EHV-1 or EHV-4 infections.

Hence, while the meridian test proved valuable in detecting sensitivity reactions (similar to those uncovered in physical and neurological examinations) in horses with decreased performance, its efficacy in accurately diagnosing EHV-1 or EHV-4 infections remained inconclusive.