Gillian A Perkins, Bettina Wagner, Alicia Rollins, Hanna Sfraga, Erin Pearson, Marta Cercone
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: To apply equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) antibody testing in nasal swabs and serum in nonclinical horses during a naturally occurring outbreak of (EHV-1). Previous experimental EHV-1 challenge studies showed stable serum anti-EHV-1 antibody concentrations paired with rapidly increasing nasal mucosal antibodies (mucAbs) prevent EHV-1 infection, viral shedding, and cell-associated viremia. From this, we hypothesized that EHV-1 antibody testing can confirm exposure in non-clinical horses during an outbreak.
Methods: 2 horses with neurological signs from 1 farm were admitted to an equine hospital. Equine herpesvirus type 1 was confirmed by PCR. Five concurrently hospitalized, possibly exposed horses, 4 of which were vaccinated against EHV-1 and -4 within 7 months, were studied. Possibly exposed horses had their temperatures measured along with serum and nasal swab samples taken for EHV-1 PCR and antibody quantification between 1 and 29 days of potential EHV-1 exposure.
Results: None of the possibly exposed horses developed fever or clinical signs of EHV-1. Polymerase chain reaction results on nasal swabs and blood were negative. Only mild seroconversion was observed. Mucosal antibodies were initially low and increased rapidly in 4 possibly exposed horses that were considered exposed to EHV-1 yet neither infected (protected) nor infectious. One nonimmune horse without increasing mucAbs was not exposed.
Conclusions: MucAbs provide information on EHV-1 exposure and, together with clinical monitoring and PCR, enable improved management of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy outbreaks. Serum antibodies obtained at the same time provide information on preexisting EHV-1 immunity.
Clinical relevance: Repeatedly measuring the serum and mucAbs of possibly exposed horses during an EHV-1 outbreak, starting shortly after the index case is confirmed, may identify nonimmune horses and possibly exposed animals that are protected to make informed treatment decisions (nonimmune) and reduce quarantine time (protected horses).
期刊介绍：
The American Journal of Veterinary Research supports the collaborative exchange of information between researchers and clinicians by publishing novel research findings that bridge the gulf between basic research and clinical practice or that help to translate laboratory research and preclinical studies to the development of clinical trials and clinical practice. The journal welcomes submission of high-quality original studies and review articles in a wide range of scientific fields, including anatomy, anesthesiology, animal welfare, behavior, epidemiology, genetics, heredity, infectious disease, molecular biology, oncology, pharmacology, pathogenic mechanisms, physiology, surgery, theriogenology, toxicology, and vaccinology. Species of interest include production animals, companion animals, equids, exotic animals, birds, reptiles, and wild and marine animals. Reports of laboratory animal studies and studies involving the use of animals as experimental models of human diseases are considered only when the study results are of demonstrable benefit to the species used in the research or to another species of veterinary interest. Other fields of interest or animals species are not necessarily excluded from consideration, but such reports must focus on novel research findings. Submitted papers must make an original and substantial contribution to the veterinary medicine knowledge base; preliminary studies are not appropriate.
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