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Horner S, Agne GF, Byrne DP, Bain ME, Lynch BM, Gow WR, Verdegaal EL. Case series report: Equine coronavirus in Australia. Aust Vet J 2025; 103:56-62. [PMID: 39628064 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 10/29/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) can cause gastrointestinal disease and was first described in 2000 in the USA followed by several international outbreak case reports. Disease manifestation is characterised by vague clinical signs, including mild pyrexia, lethargy and anorexia. Morbidity ranges greatly from 10% to 83%. Although uncommon, ECoV may result in death secondary to disruption to the gastrointestinal barrier causing endotoxaemia and hyperammonaemic encephalopathy. Unfortunately to date, there is no vaccine available to prevent ECoV. CASE REPORTS Three faecal quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-positive ECoV cases are described that presented with mild to severe colic signs: a 2-year-old Miniature Pony gelding from South Australia, an 8-year-old Arabian Riding Pony gelding, and a 6-year-old Warmblood mare, both from Western Australia. The diagnosis was based on a positive faecal qPCR, which is currently the gold standard diagnostic tool. All horses in this case series survived after medical management. The Miniature Pony presented with anorexia and mild colic signs. On day 5, the pony revealed severe colic signs unresponsive to analgesia along with severe abdominal distension secondary to caecal distension requiring surgical intervention. CONCLUSION To the authors' knowledge, this case series is the first published report of ECoV cases in Australia, and it adds both to the clinical description of the disease in horses and to the differential diagnosis list of colic signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Horner
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - G F Agne
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - D P Byrne
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - M E Bain
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - B M Lynch
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - W R Gow
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology, IDEXX Laboratories Pty. Ltd., Stirling, Western Australia, Australia
| | - E-Ljmm Verdegaal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
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2
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Pusterla N, Lawton K, Barnum S. Investigation of the seroprevalence to equine coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 in healthy adult horses recently imported to the United States. Vet Q 2024; 44:1-6. [PMID: 38010292 PMCID: PMC10949836 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2288876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult horses are susceptible to equine coronavirus (ECoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), although, only ECoV has been linked to clinical disease. Little information is available regarding the seroprevalence against ECoV and SARS-CoV-2 in adult healthy horses. The goal of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence against two coronaviruses known to infect horses using convenience samples collected from horses recently imported from Europe to the United States from 2019 to 2023. A total of 385 banked serum samples were tested against ECoV and SARS-CoV-2 using previously validated ELISA assays. Prevalence factors including date of arrival in the United States, signalment and country of origin were available for the majority of the horses. A total of 9/385 (2.3%) and 4/385 (1.0%) horses tested seropositive for ECoV and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The ECoV seropositive horses were all mares, ages 4 to 26 years (median 9 years) and originated from Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Italy. These mares were predominantly imported during the summer and fall months. All SARS-CoV-2 seropositive horses were mares ages 5 to 10 years (median 7.5 years) imported from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The majority of the SARS-CoV-2 seropositive horses were imported during the colder months of the year. The study results support the presence of ECoV in Europe and report on the first SARS-CoV-2 seropositive healthy adult horses outside the United States. Commingling for movements by air and close contact to humans may predispose transmission with ECoV and SARS-CoV-2, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kaila Lawton
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Barnum
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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3
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Gomez DE, Arroyo LG, Schoster A, Renaud DL, Kopper JJ, Dunkel B, Byrne D, Toribio RE. Diagnostic approaches, aetiological agents and their associations with short-term survival and laminitis in horses with acute diarrhoea admitted to referral institutions. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:959-969. [PMID: 37984355 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An international description of the diagnostic approaches used in different institutions to diagnose acute equine diarrhoea and the pathogens detected is lacking. OBJECTIVES To describe the diagnostic approach, aetiological agents, outcome, and development of laminitis for diarrhoeic horses worldwide. STUDY DESIGN Multicentre retrospective case series. METHODS Information from horses with acute diarrhoea presenting to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020, including diagnostic approaches, pathogens detected and their associations with outcomes, were compared between institutions or geographic regions. RESULTS One thousand four hundred and thirty-eight horses from 26 participating institutions from 4 continents were included. Overall, aetiological testing was limited (44% for Salmonella spp., 42% for Neorickettsia risticii [only North America], 40% for Clostridiodes difficile, and 29% for ECoV); however, 13% (81/633) of horses tested positive for Salmonella, 13% (35/262) for N. risticii, 9% (37/422) for ECoV, and 5% (27/578) for C. difficile. C. difficile positive cases had greater odds of non-survival than horses negative for C. difficile (OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.23-5.91). In addition, horses that were positive for N. risticii had greater odds of developing laminitis than negative horses (OR: 2.76, 95%CI: 1.12-6.81; p = 0.029). MAIN LIMITATIONS Due to the study's retrospective nature, there are missing data. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted limited diagnostic investigations in cases of acute equine diarrhoea. Detection rates of pathogens are similar to previous reports. Non-survival and development of laminitis are related to certain detected pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego E Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelika Schoster
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Department University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Equine Clinic, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - David L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Bettina Dunkel
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David Byrne
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ramiro E Toribio
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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4
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Stummer M, Frisch V, Glitz F, Hinney B, Spergser J, Krücken J, Diekmann I, Dimmel K, Riedel C, Cavalleri JMV, Rümenapf T, Joachim A, Lyrakis M, Auer A. Presence of Equine and Bovine Coronaviruses, Endoparasites, and Bacteria in Fecal Samples of Horses with Colic. Pathogens 2023; 12:1043. [PMID: 37624003 PMCID: PMC10458731 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain (colic) is one of the major equine health threats worldwide and often necessitates intensive veterinary medical care and surgical intervention. Equine coronavirus (ECoV) infections can cause colic in horses but are rarely considered as a differential diagnosis. To determine the frequency of otherwise undetected ECoV infections in horses with acute colic, fresh fecal samples of 105 horses with acute colic and 36 healthy control horses were screened for viruses belonging to the Betacoronavirus 1 species by RT-PCR as well as for gastrointestinal helminths and bacteria commonly associated with colic. Horses with colic excreted significantly fewer strongyle eggs than horses without colic. The prevalence of anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-positive bacteria (Clostridium perfringens and Clostridioides difficile) was significantly higher in the feces of horses with colic. Six horses with colic (5.7%) and one horse from the control group (2.8%) tested positive for Betacoronaviruses. Coronavirus-positive samples were sequenced to classify the virus by molecular phylogeny (N gene). Interestingly, in three out of six coronavirus-positive horses with colic, sequences closely related to bovine coronaviruses (BCoV) were found. The pathogenic potential of BCoV in horses remains unclear and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Stummer
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
| | - Vicky Frisch
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (V.F.); (J.-M.V.C.)
| | | | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.K.); (I.D.)
| | - Irina Diekmann
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.K.); (I.D.)
| | - Katharina Dimmel
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
| | - Christiane Riedel
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, 46 allée d’Italie, 69364 Lyon, France;
| | | | - Till Rümenapf
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Manolis Lyrakis
- Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Angelika Auer
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
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5
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Pusterla N. Equine Coronaviruses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023; 39:55-71. [PMID: 36737293 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In equids, equine coronavirus has been associated with diarrhea in foals and lethargy, fever, anorexia, and occasional gastrointestinal signs in adult horses. Although horses seem to be susceptible to the human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) based on the high homology to the ACE-2 receptor, they seem to be incidental hosts because of occasional SARS-CoV-2 spillover from humans. However, until more clinical and seroepidemiological data are available, it remains important to monitor equids for possible transmission from humans with clinical or asymptomatic COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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6
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Abstract
The existence of coronaviruses has been known for many years. These viruses cause significant disease that primarily seems to affect agricultural species. Human coronavirus disease due to the 2002 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and the 2012 outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome made headlines; however, these outbreaks were controlled, and public concern quickly faded. This complacency ended in late 2019 when alarms were raised about a mysterious virus responsible for numerous illnesses and deaths in China. As we now know, this novel disease called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and rapidly became a worldwide pandemic. Luckily, decades of research into animal coronaviruses hastened our understanding of the genetics, structure, transmission, and pathogenesis of these viruses. Coronaviruses infect a wide range of wild and domestic animals, with significant economic impact in several agricultural species. Their large genome, low dependency on host cellular proteins, and frequent recombination allow coronaviruses to successfully cross species barriers and adapt to different hosts including humans. The study of the animal diseases provides an understanding of the virus biology and pathogenesis and has assisted in the rapid development of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Here, we briefly review the classification, origin, etiology, transmission mechanisms, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies, including available vaccines, for coronaviruses that affect domestic, farm, laboratory, and wild animal species. We also briefly describe the coronaviruses that affect humans. Expanding our knowledge of this complex group of viruses will better prepare us to design strategies to prevent and/or minimize the impact of future coronavirus outbreaks.
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Key Words
- bcov, bovine coronavirus
- ccov, canine coronavirus
- cov(s), coronavirus(es)
- covid-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- crcov, canine respiratory coronavirus
- e, coronaviral envelope protein
- ecov, equine coronavirus
- fcov, feline coronavirus
- fipv, feline infectious peritonitis virus
- gfcov, guinea fowl coronavirus
- hcov, human coronavirus
- ibv, infectious bronchitis virus
- m, coronaviral membrane protein
- mers, middle east respiratory syndrome-coronavirus
- mhv, mouse hepatitis virus
- pedv, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus
- pdcov, porcine deltacoronavirus
- phcov, pheasant coronavirus
- phev, porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus
- prcov, porcine respiratory coronavirus
- rt-pcr, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- s, coronaviral spike protein
- sads-cov, swine acute diarrhea syndrome-coronavirus
- sars-cov, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus
- sars-cov-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus–2
- tcov, turkey coronavirus
- tgev, transmissible gastroenteritis virus
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso S Gozalo
- Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland;,
| | - Tannia S Clark
- Office of Laboratory Animal Medicine, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David M Kurtz
- Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
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BANNAI H, KAMBAYASHI Y, OHTA M, NEMOTO M, TSUJIMURA K. Prevalence of serum and salivary virus-neutralizing antibodies against equine coronavirus in four riding stables in Japan. J Equine Sci 2023; 34:13-18. [PMID: 37155492 PMCID: PMC10122986 DOI: 10.1294/jes.34.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To assess the prevalence of equine coronavirus infection in riding horses, virus-neutralizing tests were performed on serum and saliva samples collected at four facilities in Japan. Seropositivity rates ranged from 79.2% to 94.6%, suggesting widespread circulation of the virus in these populations. Antibody prevalence in saliva samples from two facilities that had experienced outbreaks in the previous year (67.6% and 71.4%) was significantly higher than at the other facilities without reported outbreaks (41.7% and 45.2%, P<0.05). The presence of salivary antibodies in a high proportion of horses is therefore suggestive of recent exposure to the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi BANNAI
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412,
Japan
- *Corresponding author:
| | | | - Minoru OHTA
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412,
Japan
| | - Manabu NEMOTO
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412,
Japan
| | - Koji TSUJIMURA
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412,
Japan
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8
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Kambayashi Y, Nemoto M, Tsujimura K, Ohta M, Bannai H. Serosurveillance of equine coronavirus infection among Thoroughbreds in Japan. Equine Vet J 2022; 55:481-486. [PMID: 35822940 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine coronavirus (ECoV) causes fever, lethargy, anorexia and gastrointestinal signs in horses. There has been limited information about the prevalence and seasonality of ECoV among Thoroughbreds in Japan. OBJECTIVES To understand the epidemiology and to evaluate the potential risk of ECoV infection to the horse industry in Japan. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal. METHODS The virus-neutralisation (VN) test was performed using sera collected three times a year at 4 months intervals from 161 yearlings and at 6-7 months intervals from 181 active racehorses in Japan in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. VN titre ≥1:8 was defined as seropositive, and ≥ 4-fold increase in titres between paired sera was regarded as indicative of infection. RESULTS The VN test showed that 44.1% (71/161) of yearlings were seropositive in August, when they first entered the yearling farm. The infection rate was significantly higher between August and December (60.9%, 98/161) than between December and the following April (5.6%, 9/161; P = 0.002). Among the racehorses, it was significantly higher between November and the following May (15.5%, 28/181) than between the preceding April/May and November (0%; P = 0.02). The morbidity rates during the estimated periods of viral exposure were 39.2% in the yearlings and 4% in the racehorses. No horses showed any severe clinical signs. MAIN LIMITATIONS Clinical records did not cover the period during horses' absence from the training centre. CONCLUSIONS ECoV was substantially prevalent in Thoroughbred yearlings and racehorses in Japan, and there was a difference in epizootic pattern between these populations in terms of predominant periods of infection. ECoV infection was considered to be responsible for some of the pyretic cases in the yearlings. However, no diseased horses were severely affected in either population, suggesting that the potential risk of ECoV infection to the horse industry in Japan is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Kambayashi
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Manabu Nemoto
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koji Tsujimura
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Minoru Ohta
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Bannai
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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Mashin VV, Sergeev AN, Martynova NN, Sergeev AA, Lys’ko KA, Raikov AO, Kataeva VV, Zagidullin NV. Viral Safety Issues in the Production and Manufacturing of Human Immunoglobulin Preparations from Equine Plasma/Serum. Pharm Chem J 2022; 56:532-537. [PMID: 35845147 PMCID: PMC9274627 DOI: 10.1007/s11094-022-02675-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The current Russian and foreign pharmacopoeias either do not provide any information about existing types of viral diseases in horses or do not present it in full. Data of modern domestic and foreign literature was used to prepare the most complete list of viruses that cause equine diseases including 36 infectious agents, 25 of which are pathogenic for humans, 13 of the 25 of which are widespread throughout Russia. Information is provided on the magnitudes of the disease incubation periods (which are most often within one month), the external clinical signs of these diseases (which can also be asymptomatic), and the maximum possible concentrations of viruses in the blood of horses with these diseases (which can reach 8 log conventional units/mL of blood). This information is offered for use in critical production stages of heterologous immunoglobulin drugs for medical use to assure viral safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. V. Mashin
- Joint Stock Company Microgen Scientific Industrial Company for Immunobiological Medicines, 10 2nd Volkonskii Per., Moscow, 127473 Russia
| | - A. N. Sergeev
- Joint Stock Company Microgen Scientific Industrial Company for Immunobiological Medicines, 10 2nd Volkonskii Per., Moscow, 127473 Russia
| | - N. N. Martynova
- Joint Stock Company Microgen Scientific Industrial Company for Immunobiological Medicines, 10 2nd Volkonskii Per., Moscow, 127473 Russia
| | - A. A. Sergeev
- Moscow Office of AVVA Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 4/3 Aviamotornaya St., Office 8, Moscow, 111116 Russia
| | - K. A. Lys’ko
- Joint Stock Company Microgen Scientific Industrial Company for Immunobiological Medicines, 10 2nd Volkonskii Per., Moscow, 127473 Russia
| | - A. O. Raikov
- Joint Stock Company Microgen Scientific Industrial Company for Immunobiological Medicines, 10 2nd Volkonskii Per., Moscow, 127473 Russia
| | - V. V. Kataeva
- Joint Stock Company Microgen Scientific Industrial Company for Immunobiological Medicines, 10 2nd Volkonskii Per., Moscow, 127473 Russia
| | - N. V. Zagidullin
- Joint Stock Company Microgen Scientific Industrial Company for Immunobiological Medicines, 10 2nd Volkonskii Per., Moscow, 127473 Russia
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10
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Kambayashi Y, Kishi D, Ueno T, Ohta M, Bannai H, Tsujimura K, Kinoshita Y, Nemoto M. Distribution of equine coronavirus RNA in the intestinal and respiratory tracts of experimentally infected horses. Arch Virol 2022; 167:1611-1618. [PMID: 35639190 PMCID: PMC9152306 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Kambayashi
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Daiki Kishi
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takanori Ueno
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Minoru Ohta
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Bannai
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koji Tsujimura
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuta Kinoshita
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Manabu Nemoto
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.
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11
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Korath ADJ, Janda J, Untersmayr E, Sokolowska M, Feleszko W, Agache I, Adel Seida A, Hartmann K, Jensen‐Jarolim E, Pali‐Schöll I. One Health: EAACI Position Paper on coronaviruses at the human-animal interface, with a specific focus on comparative and zoonotic aspects of SARS-CoV-2. Allergy 2022; 77:55-71. [PMID: 34180546 PMCID: PMC8441637 DOI: 10.1111/all.14991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The latest outbreak of a coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), evolved into a worldwide pandemic with massive effects on health, quality of life, and economy. Given the short period of time since the outbreak, there are several knowledge gaps on the comparative and zoonotic aspects of this new virus. Within the One Health concept, the current EAACI position paper dwells into the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2's receptors, symptoms, transmission routes for human and animals living in close vicinity to each other, usefulness of animal models to study this disease and management options to avoid intra- and interspecies transmission. Similar pandemics might appear unexpectedly and more frequently in the near future due to climate change, consumption of exotic foods and drinks, globe-trotter travel possibilities, the growing world population, the decreasing production space, declining room for wildlife and free-ranging animals, and the changed lifestyle including living very close to animals. Therefore, both the society and the health authorities need to be aware and well prepared for similar future situations, and research needs to focus on prevention and fast development of treatment options (medications, vaccines).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D. J. Korath
- Comparative MedicineInteruniversity Messerli Research InstituteUniversity of Veterinary Medicine and Medical University ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jozef Janda
- Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Eva Untersmayr
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Milena Sokolowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF),University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Paediatric Allergy and PulmonologyThe Medical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | | | - Ahmed Adel Seida
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineCairo UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische KleintierklinikZentrum für Klinische TiermedizinLMUMunichGermany
| | - Erika Jensen‐Jarolim
- Comparative MedicineInteruniversity Messerli Research InstituteUniversity of Veterinary Medicine and Medical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Isabella Pali‐Schöll
- Comparative MedicineInteruniversity Messerli Research InstituteUniversity of Veterinary Medicine and Medical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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12
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Uzal FA, Arroyo LG, Navarro MA, Gomez DE, Asín J, Henderson E. Bacterial and viral enterocolitis in horses: a review. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:354-375. [PMID: 34763560 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211057469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteritis, colitis, and enterocolitis are considered some of the most common causes of disease and death in horses. Determining the etiology of these conditions is challenging, among other reasons because different causes produce similar clinical signs and lesions, and also because some agents of colitis can be present in the intestine of normal animals. We review here the main bacterial and viral causes of enterocolitis of horses, including Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens type A NetF-positive, C. perfringens type C, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium piliforme, Paeniclostridium sordellii, other clostridia, Rhodococcus equi, Neorickettsia risticii, Lawsonia intracellularis, equine rotavirus, and equine coronavirus. Diarrhea and colic are the hallmark clinical signs of colitis and enterocolitis, and the majority of these conditions are characterized by necrotizing changes in the mucosa of the small intestine, colon, cecum, or in a combination of these organs. The presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical, gross, and microscopic findings, and confirmed by detection of some of the agents and/or their toxins in the intestinal content or feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mauricio A Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA.,Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Diego E Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Javier Asín
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA
| | - Eileen Henderson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA
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13
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Seifi T, Reza Kamali A. Antiviral performance of graphene-based materials with emphasis on COVID-19: A review. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 11:100099. [PMID: 34056572 PMCID: PMC8151376 DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2021.100099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 has been one of the most challenging global epidemics of modern times with a large number of casualties combined with economic hardships across the world. Considering that there is still no definitive cure for the recent viral crisis, this article provides a review of nanomaterials with antiviral activity, with an emphasis on graphene and its derivatives, including graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and graphene quantum dots. The possible interactions between surfaces of such nanostructured materials with coronaviruses are discussed. The antiviral mechanisms of graphene materials can be related to events such as the inactivation of virus and/or the host cell receptor, electrostatic trapping and physico-chemical destruction of viral species. These effects can be enhanced by functionalization and/or decoration of carbons with species that enhances graphene-virus interactions. The low-cost and large-scale preparation of graphene materials with enhanced antiviral performances is an interesting research direction to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Seifi
- Energy and Environmental Materials Research Centre (E2MC), School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Ali Reza Kamali
- Energy and Environmental Materials Research Centre (E2MC), School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
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14
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Outbreak of equine coronavirus infection among riding horses in Tokyo, Japan. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 77:101668. [PMID: 34004508 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In 2020, an outbreak of equine coronavirus (ECoV) infection occurred among 41 horses at a riding stable in Tokyo, Japan. This stable had 16 Thoroughbreds and 25 horses of other breeds, including Andalusians, ponies and miniature horses. Fifteen horses (37 %) showed mild clinical signs such as fever, lethargy, anorexia and diarrhoea, and they recovered within 3 days of onset. A virus neutralization test showed that all 41 horses were infected with ECoV, signifying that 26 horses (63 %) were subclinical. The results suggest that subclinical horses played an important role as spreaders. A genome sequence analysis revealed that the lengths from genes p4.7 to p12.7 or NS2 in ECoV differed from those of ECoVs detected previously, suggesting that this outbreak was caused by a virus different from those that caused previous outbreaks among draughthorses in Japan. Among 30 horses that tested positive by real-time RT-PCR, ECoV shedding periods of non-Thoroughbreds were significantly longer than those of Thoroughbreds. The difference in shedding periods may indicate that some breeds excrete ECoV longer than other breeds and can contribute to the spread of ECoV.
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15
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Luethy D, Feldman R, Stefanovski D, Aitken MR. Risk factors for laminitis and nonsurvival in acute colitis: Retrospective study of 85 hospitalized horses (2011-2019). J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2019-2025. [PMID: 33938584 PMCID: PMC8295695 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute colitis is a serious cause of morbidity and death in horses. Recent studies have compared clinical features of coronavirus and salmonellosis, but no study has compared clinical features of enteric salmonellosis, coronavirus, and neorickettsiosis. Hypothesis/Objectives To identify risk factors for laminitis and nonsurvival to discharge in horses with enteric salmonellosis, coronavirus, or neorickettsiosis. Animals Eighty‐five horses hospitalized for acute colitis from 2011 to 2019. Methods Retrospective case series. Medical record review (2011‐2019) of adult (≥2 years) horses with colitis. Primary outcomes were laminitis and survival to discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess association between variables and the development of laminitis. Stepwise Cox regression was performed to assess association between variables and survival. Results Seventeen of 85 (20%) horses developed laminitis during hospitalization. Neorickettsiosis cases (11/26, 42%) were more likely to develop laminitis than coronavirus (0/16, 0%) cases (odds ratio [OR] 24.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33‐451.74, P = .03). There was no significant difference in laminitis between salmonellosis and neorickettsiosis cases (OR 0.27; 95% CI: 0.07‐1.07, P = .06). Admission heart rate (OR 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02‐1.15, P = .01), total solids (OR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.06‐0.54, P = .003), band neutrophils (OR 1248.47; 95% CI: 6.62‐235 540, P = .008), and bicarbonate concentration (OR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.5‐0.92, P = .01) were predictive of development of laminitis during hospitalization. Sixty‐three of 85 (74%) horses survived to discharge: 16/16 (100%) coronavirus cases, 17/26 (65%) neorickettsiosis cases, 14/20 (70%) salmonellosis cases, and 16/23 (70%) unknown cases. Packed cell volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09‐1.26, P < .001), L‐lactate concentration (HR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.14‐1.55, P < .001), and development of laminitis (HR 7.07; 95% CI: 1.67‐29.95, P = .008) were retained in the final multivariable model for prediction of nonsurvival to discharge. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Nonsurvival and laminitis rates were high, likely related to the presence of neorickettsiosis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Luethy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Rose Feldman
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maia R Aitken
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Khamassi Khbou M, Daaloul Jedidi M, Bouaicha Zaafouri F, Benzarti M. Coronaviruses in farm animals: Epidemiology and public health implications. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:322-347. [PMID: 32976707 PMCID: PMC7537542 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are documented in a wide range of animal species, including terrestrial and aquatic, domestic and wild. The geographic distribution of animal CoVs is worldwide and prevalences were reported in several countries across the five continents. The viruses are known to cause mainly gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases with different severity levels. In certain cases, CoV infections are responsible of huge economic losses associated or not to highly public health impact. Despite being enveloped, CoVs are relatively resistant pathogens in the environment. Coronaviruses are characterized by a high mutation and recombination rate, which makes host jumping and cross-species transmission easy. In fact, increasing contact between different animal species fosters cross-species transmission, while agriculture intensification, animal trade and herd management are key drivers at the human-animal interface. If contacts with wild animals are still limited, humans have much more contact with farm animals, during breeding, transport, slaughter and food process, making CoVs a persistent threat to both humans and animals. A global network should be established for the surveillance and monitoring of animal CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Médiha Khamassi Khbou
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonoses, and Sanitary RegulationUniv. Manouba. Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Monia Daaloul Jedidi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniv. ManoubaEcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Faten Bouaicha Zaafouri
- Department of Livestock Semiology and MedicineUniv. ManoubaEcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - M’hammed Benzarti
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonoses, and Sanitary RegulationUniv. Manouba. Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi ThabetSidi ThabetTunisia
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17
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Haake C, Cook S, Pusterla N, Murphy B. Coronavirus Infections in Companion Animals: Virology, Epidemiology, Clinical and Pathologic Features. Viruses 2020; 12:E1023. [PMID: 32933150 PMCID: PMC7551689 DOI: 10.3390/v12091023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses capable of causing respiratory, enteric, or systemic diseases in a variety of mammalian hosts that vary in clinical severity from subclinical to fatal. The host range and tissue tropism are largely determined by the coronaviral spike protein, which initiates cellular infection by promoting fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. Companion animal coronaviruses responsible for causing enteric infection include feline enteric coronavirus, ferret enteric coronavirus, canine enteric coronavirus, equine coronavirus, and alpaca enteric coronavirus, while canine respiratory coronavirus and alpaca respiratory coronavirus result in respiratory infection. Ferret systemic coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis virus, a mutated feline enteric coronavirus, can lead to lethal immuno-inflammatory systemic disease. Recent human viral pandemics, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and most recently, COVID-19, all thought to originate from bat coronaviruses, demonstrate the zoonotic potential of coronaviruses and their potential to have devastating impacts. A better understanding of the coronaviruses of companion animals, their capacity for cross-species transmission, and the sharing of genetic information may facilitate improved prevention and control strategies for future emerging zoonotic coronaviruses. This article reviews the clinical, epidemiologic, virologic, and pathologic characteristics of nine important coronaviruses of companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Haake
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sarah Cook
- Graduate Group Integrative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Brian Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
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18
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Pusterla N. Science-in-brief: Equine coronavirus - a decade long journey to investigate an emerging enteric virus of adult horses. Equine Vet J 2020; 52:651-653. [PMID: 32589298 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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19
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Pusterla N, Barnum S, Hall JA, Marshall-Lund L, Gebhart C. Investigation of the Usefulness of Serum Amyloid A in Supporting the Diagnosis of Equine Proliferative Enteropathy. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 92:103151. [PMID: 32797779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if serum amyloid A (SAA), a major acute-phase protein, could help support the diagnosis of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) caused by Lawsonia intracellularis infection in foals. Archived serum samples from 101 foals with enteric signs and hypoproteinemia were available for SAA testing. Based on immunodiagnostics for L. intracellularis, the foals were divided into EPE-suspect (67) and non-EPE-suspect cases (34). Serum amyloid A values ranged from 0 to 2,761 μg/mL (median 466 μg/mL) and from 0 to 2,555 μg/mL (median 192 μg/mL) for the EPE-suspect and the non-EPE-suspect cases, respectively. Although SAA can be measured patient-side and help determine the severity of the underlying inflammatory condition, SAA was unable to consistently support the diagnosis of EPE in hypoproteinemic foals with enteric signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA.
| | - Samantha Barnum
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | | | - Lacey Marshall-Lund
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
| | - Connie Gebhart
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
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20
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Mattei DN, Kopper JJ, Sanz MG. Equine Coronavirus-Associated Colitis in Horses: A Retrospective Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 87:102906. [PMID: 32172908 PMCID: PMC7126555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a known cause of fever, anorexia, and lethargy in adult horses. Although there are multiple reports of ECoV outbreaks, less is known about the clinical presentation of individual horses during a nonoutbreak situation. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation of horses diagnosed with ECoV infection that were not associated with an outbreak. Medical records of all horses admitted to Washington State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, during an 8-year period were reviewed (2010-2018). The five horses included in this study were older than 1 year of age, were diagnosed with colitis, tested positive for ECoV using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and were negative to other enteric pathogens. Interestingly, 4 of 5 horses had moderate to severe diarrhea, 3 had abnormal large colon ultrasonography, 2 had transient ventricular tachycardia and 2 had clinicopathologic evidence of liver dysfunction. ECoV should be included as a differential diagnosis for individual horses presenting with anorexia, fever, lethargy, and colitis. Early identification of ECoV cases is key to implement appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent the potential spread of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora N Mattei
- Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Macarena G Sanz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
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21
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Nomura M, Kuroda T, Tamura N, Muranaka M, Niwa H. Mortality, clinical findings, predisposing factors and treatment of Clostridioides difficile colitis in Japanese thoroughbred racehorses. Vet Rec 2020; 187:e14. [PMID: 32201380 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Clostridioides difficile-associated diseases (CDAD) is considered to be associated with colitis in horses, few studies have been performed with a focus on the characteristics of CDAD in thoroughbred racehorses. METHODS Between 2010 and 2018, a test for C. difficile was performed using faecal samples from 137 thoroughbred racehorses with colitis presenting with diarrhoea and fever. The mortality rate, clinical findings, predisposing factors and the selected treatments were investigated in a retrospective manner. RESULTS Twenty-four cases were diagnosed as CDAD and 113 as non-CDAD. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the CDAD group (83 per cent) than that in the non-CDAD group (34 per cent). The levels of serum amyloid A, blood urea nitrogen and packed cell volume at initial presentation were also significantly higher, and those of total protein and albumin were significantly lower in the CDAD group. The development of CDAD was associated with the administration of antimicrobials, surgery and hospitalisation. No significant improvement in mortality was observed for any of the selected treatment in both groups. CONCLUSION CDAD in thoroughbred racehorses was identified as a high mortality disease with rapid progression of systemic inflammation and deterioration of the circulatory state. Further investigation is required to improve the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoi Nomura
- The Horse Racing School, Japan Racing Association, Shiroi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Taisuke Kuroda
- Clinical Science & Pathobiology Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Norihisa Tamura
- Clinical Science & Pathobiology Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masanori Muranaka
- Racehorse Hospital, Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Inashiki, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Niwa
- Microbiology Division, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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22
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Long A, Nolen-Walston R. Equine Inflammatory Markers in the Twenty-First Century: A Focus on Serum Amyloid A. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2020; 36:147-160. [PMID: 32007299 PMCID: PMC7135104 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Long
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
| | - Rose Nolen-Walston
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
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23
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Development and Validation of a S1 Protein-Based ELISA for the Specific Detection of Antibodies against Equine Coronavirus. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121109. [PMID: 31801275 PMCID: PMC6950238 DOI: 10.3390/v11121109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is considered to be involved in enteric diseases in foals. Recently, several outbreaks of ECoV infection have also been reported in adult horses from the USA, France and Japan. Epidemiological studies of ECoV infection are still limited, and the seroprevalence of ECoV infection in Europe is unknown. In this study, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method utilizing ECoV spike S1 protein was developed in two formats, and further validated by analyzing 27 paired serum samples (acute and convalescent sera) from horses involved in an ECoV outbreak and 1084 sera of horses with unknown ECoV exposure. Both formats showed high diagnostic accuracy compared to virus neutralization (VN) assay. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to determine the best cut-off values for both ELISA formats, assuming a test specificity of 99%. Employing the developed ELISA method, we detected seroconversion in 70.4% of horses from an ECoV outbreak. Among the 1084 horse sera, seropositivity varied from 25.9% (young horses) to 82.8% (adult horses) in Dutch horse populations. Further, sera of Icelandic horses were included in this study and a significant number of sera (62%) were found to be positive. Overall, the results demonstrated that the ECoV S1-based ELISA has reliable diagnostic performance compared to the VN assay and is a useful assay to support seroconversion in horses involved with ECoV outbreaks and to estimate ECoV seroprevalence in populations of horses.
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24
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Nemoto M, Schofield W, Cullinane A. The First Detection of Equine Coronavirus in Adult Horses and Foals in Ireland. Viruses 2019; 11:E946. [PMID: 31615132 PMCID: PMC6832964 DOI: 10.3390/v11100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of equine coronavirus (ECoV) in clinical samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Ireland. A total of 424 clinical samples were examined from equids with enteric disease in 24 Irish counties between 2011 and 2015. A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect ECoV RNA. Nucleocapsid, spike and the region from the p4.7 to p12.7 genes of positive samples were sequenced, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were conducted. Five samples (1.2%) collected in 2011 and 2013 tested positive for ECoV. Positive samples were collected from adult horses, Thoroughbred foals and a donkey foal. Sequence and/or phylogenetic analysis showed that nucleocapsid, spike and p12.7 genes were highly conserved and were closely related to ECoVs identified in other countries. In contrast, the region from p4.7 and the non-coding region following the p4.7 gene had deletions or insertions. The differences in the p4.7 region between the Irish ECoVs and other ECoVs indicated that the Irish viruses were distinguishable from those circulating in other countries. This is the first report of ECoV detected in both foals and adult horses in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Nemoto
- Virology Unit, The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare W91 RH93, Ireland.
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan.
| | - Warren Schofield
- Troytown Grey Abbey Equine Hospital, Green Road, Co. Kildare R51 YV04, Ireland.
| | - Ann Cullinane
- Virology Unit, The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare W91 RH93, Ireland.
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25
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Changes in Serum Amyloid A (SAA) Concentration in Arabian Endurance Horses During First Training Season. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9060330. [PMID: 31181740 PMCID: PMC6616404 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sport training leads to adaptation to physical effort that is reflected by the changes in blood parameters. In equine endurance athletes, blood testing is accepted as a support in training, however, only the changes before versus after exercise in creatine phosphokinase activity (CPK) and basic blood parameters are usually measured. This study is the first longitudinal investigation of the changes in routinely measured blood parameters and, additionally, serum amyloid A (SAA), during seven months, in Arabian horses introduced to endurance training and competing in events for young horses. It has been determined that CPK, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count (RBC), and concentration of total serum protein (TSP) slightly increased after training sessions and competitions in similar manner. The increase in white blood cell (WBC) count was higher after competitions and SAA increased only after competitions. Total protein concentration was the only parameter that increased with training during a 7-month program. SAA indicated only in the case of heavy effort, and, it thus may be helpful in the monitoring of training in young horses. In an optimal program, its concentration should not increase after a training session but only after heavy effort, which should not be repeated too often.
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26
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Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcome of adult horses with equine coronavirus infection at a veterinary teaching hospital: 33 cases (2012-2018). Vet J 2019; 248:95-100. [PMID: 31113572 PMCID: PMC7110482 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a differential diagnosis for adult horses with fever, mild colic signs, and anorexia. Leukopenia tends to be more severe in ECoV-infected horses than uninfected horses with similar signs. Horses shedding ECoV should be evaluated for co-infections. ECoV-infected horses may require intensive care to treat systemic inflammation, dehydration, and electrolyte derangements.
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a recently described enteric virus with worldwide outbreaks; however, there are little data available on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcome. The study objective was to document case management of ECoV in adult horses presented to a referral hospital and compare to a cohort of horses that tested negative for ECoV. A retrospective case series was performed based on positive real-time quantitative PCR results for ECoV on faeces from horses treated at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1 March 2012 to 31 March 2018. Horses negative for ECoV were matched to the ECoV-positive group as controls. Data collected included signalment, history, exam findings, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up. Thirty-three horses (median age, 11 years; range, 2–37 years) tested ECoV-positive, including three horses with co-infections. Presenting complaints for ECoV-infected horses included historic fevers (n = 25/30; 83%), anorexia (n = 14/30; 47%), and colic (n = 13/30; 43%). ECoV-positive horses had significantly lower white blood cell (median, 3.0 × 109/L; range, 0.68–16.2 × 109/L), neutrophil (median, 1.26 × 109/L; range, 0.15–14.4 × 109/L), and lymphocyte (median, 0.86 × 109/L; range, 0.42–3.47 × 109/L) counts than ECoV-negative horses. Electrolyte and metabolic derangements and scant faeces were common. Twenty-seven horses were hospitalised for a median of 5 days (range, 0.5–14 days), with 26/27 (96%) horses surviving to discharge. ECoV infection should be a differential diagnosis for adult horses with fever, colic, anorexia, and leukopenia. The disease has a low mortality rate, but horses may require intensive care to resolve severe leukopenia, systemic inflammation, and metabolic disturbances.
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Pusterla N, James K, Mapes S, Bain F. Frequency of molecular detection of equine coronavirus in faeces and nasal secretions in 277 horses with acute onset of fever. Vet Rec 2019; 184:385. [PMID: 30850426 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Due to the inconsistent development of enteric signs associated with ECoV infection in adult horses, many practitioners collect nasal secretions rather than feces for the molecular diagnostic work-up of such horses. MAIN CONCLUSION ECoV infection should be considered in horses presenting with acute onset of fever, especially when nasal discharge is absent as one of the cardinal clinical sign. APPROACH A total of 277 adult horses with acute onset of fever were enrolled in this study. Feces were tested for ECoV and nasal secretions for common respiratory pathogens (equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1, EHV-4, equine influenza virus (EIV), equine rhinitis viruses (ERVs) and Streptococcus equi ss. equi) and ECoV by qPCR. Each submission was accompanied by a questionnaire requesting information pertaining to signalment, use, recent transportation, number of affected horses on the premise and presence of clinical signs at the time of sample collection. RESULTS The total number of horses testing qPCR-positive for ECoV in feces was 20 (7.2%), 4 of which also tested qPCR-positive for ECoV in nasal secretions. In the same population 9.0% of horses tested qPCR-positive for EHV-4, 6.1% for EIV, 4.3% for Streptococcus equi ss. equi, 3.2% for ERVs and 0.7% for EHV-1. Draft horses, pleasure use, multiple horses affected on a premise and lack of nasal discharge were significantly associated with ECoV qPCR-positive horses. INTERPRETATION The present study results showed that 7.2% of horses with acute onset of fever tested qPCR-positive for ECoV in feces, highlighting the importance of testing such horses for ECoV in feces. The various prevalence factors associated with ECoV qPCR-positive status likely relate to the high infectious nature of ECoV and breed-specific differences in management and husbandry practices. SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS ECoV infection should be suspected and tested for in horses presenting with acute onset of fever, lethargy and anorexia with no respiratory signs. A two-step approach should be consider in which respiratory secretions and feces should be collected from such horses and submitted to a diagnostic laboratory. If the respiratory secretions test negative by qPCR for a panel of respiratory pathogens, feces already submitted to the laboratory should be tested for ECoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kaitlyn James
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Samantha Mapes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Manship AJ, Blikslager AT, Elfenbein JR. Disease features of equine coronavirus and enteric salmonellosis are similar in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:912-917. [PMID: 30632200 PMCID: PMC6430874 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is an emerging pathogen associated with fever and enteric disease in adult horses. Clinical features of ECoV infection have been described, but no study has compared these features to those of Salmonella infections. OBJECTIVES Compare the clinical features of ECoV infection with enteric salmonellosis and establish a disease signature to increase clinical suspicion of ECoV infection in adult horses. ANIMALS Forty-three horses >1 year of age with results of CBC, serum biochemistry, and fecal diagnostic testing for ECoV and Salmonella spp. METHODS Medical records of horses presented to the North Carolina State University Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center (2003-016) were retrospectively reviewed. Horses were divided into 3 groups based on fecal diagnostic test results: ECoV-positive, Salmonella-positive, or unknown diagnosis (UNK). Time of year presented, clinical signs, CBC, and serum biochemistry test results were recorded. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, or Fisher's exact test with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS Most common presenting complaints were fever and colic and were similar across groups. Horses with ECoV had significantly decreased neutrophil counts when compared to those with no diagnosis but were not different from horses with Salmonella. Horses with Salmonella had significantly lower mean leukocyte counts compared to those with UNK. No significant differences were found among groups for any other examined variable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Equine coronavirus and Salmonella infections share clinical features, suggesting both diseases should be differential diagnoses for horses with fever and enteric clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlie J. Manship
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Anthony T. Blikslager
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Johanna R. Elfenbein
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
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Witkowska-Piłaszewicz OD, Żmigrodzka M, Winnicka A, Miśkiewicz A, Strzelec K, Cywińska A. Serum amyloid A in equine health and disease. Equine Vet J 2019; 51:293-298. [PMID: 30565319 PMCID: PMC7163734 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Serum amyloid A (SAA) is the major acute phase protein in horses. It is produced during the acute phase response (APR), a nonspecific systemic reaction to any type of tissue injury. In the blood of healthy horses, SAA concentration is very low, but it increases dramatically with inflammation. Due to the short half‐life of SAA, changes in its concentration in blood closely reflect the onset of inflammation and, therefore, measurement of SAA useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease and response to treatment. Increases in SAA concentration have been described in equine digestive, reproductive and respiratory diseases and following surgical procedures. Moreover, SAA has proven useful for detection of some subclinical pathologies that can disturb training and competing in equine athletes. Increasing availability of diagnostic tests for both laboratory and field use adds to SAA's applicability as a reliable indicator of horses’ health status. This review article presents the current information on changes in SAA concentrations in the blood of healthy and diseased horses, focussing on clinical application of this biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- O D Witkowska-Piłaszewicz
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WarsawUniversity of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Żmigrodzka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WarsawUniversity of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Winnicka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WarsawUniversity of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Miśkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WarsawUniversity of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Strzelec
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - A Cywińska
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, WarsawUniversity of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
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Bryan J, Marr CM, Mackenzie CJ, Mair TS, Fletcher A, Cash R, Phillips M, Pusterla N, Mapes S, Foote AK. Detection of equine coronavirus in horses in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 2019; 184:123. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.105098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Bryan
- Rossdales Laboratories, Rossdale and Partners; Suffolk UK
| | - Celia M Marr
- Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre; Suffolk UK
| | | | - Tim S Mair
- Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic; Maidstone UK
| | - Adam Fletcher
- Rossdales Laboratories, Rossdale and Partners; Suffolk UK
| | - Robert Cash
- Rossdales Laboratories, Rossdale and Partners; Suffolk UK
| | | | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California; Davis California USA
| | - Samantha Mapes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California; Davis California USA
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Schaefer E, Harms C, Viner M, Barnum S, Pusterla N. Investigation of an experimental infection model of equine coronavirus in adult horses. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:2099-2104. [PMID: 30353949 PMCID: PMC6271284 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a recently reported enteric disease of adult horses. Natural infection by ECoV has been reported in adult horses worldwide, whereas experimental infection has only been reported in juvenile horses. An experimental infection model is needed to study the clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities, and pathophysiological changes associated with ECoV. Objectives To investigate the clinical, hematologic, molecular, and serological features of adult horses experimentally infected with ECoV. Animals Eight adult horses. Methods Four horses were intragastrically infected with fecal material containing 109 genome equivalents of ECoV. Four additional horses were exposed daily to the feces from the experimentally‐infected horses. Monitoring included physical examinations, as well as daily nasal swab, whole blood, and fecal collection for molecular detection of ECoV. Blood was collected every other day for hematologic analysis and weekly for serologic analysis. Results All 8 horses shed ECoV in feces. Six of the 8 horses (75%) exhibited mild, clinical disease with soft, formed manure; 1 horse exhibited transient pyrexia. All horses maintained total white cell counts within normal limits, but 3 horses developed transient lymphopenia. No statistically significant differences (P = .20) were observed in quantity of fecal shedding of ECoV between the 2 groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Experimental infection of adult horses with ECoV was associated with mild and self‐limiting clinical signs, transient lymphopenia, and fecal shedding of ECoV, which mimics natural infection. No differences between experimentally‐infected horses and horses exposed to ECoV‐containing feces were identified. Results of our study support a fecal‐oral route of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Schaefer
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Corey Harms
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Molly Viner
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Samantha Barnum
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
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Goodrich EL, Mittel LD, Glaser A, Ness SL, Radcliffe RM, Divers TJ. Novel findings from a beta coronavirus outbreak on an American Miniature Horse breeding farm in upstate New York. EQUINE VET EDUC 2018; 32:150-154. [PMID: 32313400 PMCID: PMC7163602 DOI: 10.1111/eve.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This case report describes an outbreak and novel findings associated with a beta coronavirus (BCoV) infection that occurred on an American Miniature Horse (AMH) breeding farm in upstate New York, in January and February of 2013. Twenty-nine AMH and one donkey were present on the farm when the outbreak occurred. One 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare, stabled at a separate location and owned by an employee of the farm, also tested positive. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of BCoV was performed at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) at Cornell on all faecal samples. The PCR assay used detects multiple beta coronaviruses, including, but not limited to, equine enteric coronavirus (ECoV). Novel findings regarding this BCoV infection in horses were recognised in this outbreak study. To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest outbreak of BCoV described thus far in a closed herd on a single premise. The case fatality rate was 0% unlike that described in a previous outbreak of ECoV involving miniature horses and a miniature donkey (Fielding et al. 2015). The morbidity rate was lower in this outbreak than in previously described studies (Oue et al. 2013; Pusterla et al. 2013). This outbreak also demonstrated the potential for BCoV transmission via farm personnel. The duration of shedding of virus in the faeces among some asymptomatic horses in this outbreak was longer than previously described clinical cases of ECoV (Pusterla et al. 2013; Nemoto et al. 2014). This study suggests that asymptomatic animals may play a role in the maintenance of BCoV during an outbreak; therefore, the need for diagnostic testing of both clinically affected and apparently clinically normal horses on a premises followed by appropriate biosecurity and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Goodrich
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Animal Health Diagnostic Center College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
| | - L D Mittel
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Animal Health Diagnostic Center College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
| | - A Glaser
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Animal Health Diagnostic Center College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
| | - S L Ness
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
| | - R M Radcliffe
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
| | - T J Divers
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
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Pusterla N, Vin R, Leutenegger CM, Mittel LD, Divers TJ. Enteric coronavirus infection in adult horses. Vet J 2018; 231:13-18. [PMID: 29429482 PMCID: PMC7110460 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A new enteric virus of adult horses, equine coronavirus (ECoV), has recently been recognized. It is associated with fever, lethargy, anorexia, and less frequently, colic and diarrhea. This enteric virus is transmitted via the feco-oral route and horses become infected by ingesting fecally contaminated feed and water. Various outbreaks have been reported since 2010 from Japan, Europe and the USA. While the clinical signs are fairly non-specific, lymphopenia and neutropenia are often seen. Specific diagnosis is made by the detection of ECoV in feces by either quantitative real-time PCR, electron microscopy or antigen-capture ELISA. Supportive treatment is usually required, as most infections are self-limiting. However, rare complications, such as endotoxemia, septicemia and hyperammonemia-associated encephalopathy, have been reported, and have been related to the loss of barrier function at the intestinal mucosa. This review article will focus on the latest information pertaining to the virus, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, pathology, treatment and prevention of ECoV infection in adult horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - R Vin
- Myhre Equine Clinic, Rochester, NH 03867, USA
| | | | - L D Mittel
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - T J Divers
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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NEMOTO M, KANNO T, BANNAI H, TSUJIMURA K, YAMANAKA T, KOKADO H. Antibody response to equine coronavirus in horses inoculated with a bovine coronavirus vaccine. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:1889-1891. [PMID: 28993568 PMCID: PMC5709570 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A vaccine for equine coronavirus (ECoV) is so far unavailable. Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is antigenically related to ECoV; it is therefore possible that BCoV vaccine will induce antibodies against ECoV in horses. This study investigated antibody response to ECoV in horses inoculated with BCoV vaccine. Virus neutralization tests showed that antibody titers against ECoV increased in all six horses tested at 14 days post inoculation, although the antibody titers were lower against ECoV than against BCoV. This study showed that BCoV vaccine provides horses with antibodies against ECoV to some extent. It is unclear whether antibodies provided by BCoV vaccine are effective against ECoV, and therefore ECoV challenge studies are needed to evaluate efficacy of the vaccine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu NEMOTO
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Toru KANNO
- Hokkaido Research Station, National Institute of Animal Health, 4 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroshi BANNAI
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Koji TSUJIMURA
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Takashi YAMANAKA
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Hiroshi KOKADO
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
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Diseases of the Alimentary Tract. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7167529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Kooijman LJ, Mapes SM, Pusterla N. Development of an equine coronavirus-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine serologic responses in naturally infected horses. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 28:414-8. [PMID: 27216723 DOI: 10.1177/1040638716649643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine coronavirus (EqCoV) infection has been documented in most reports through quantitative qPCR analysis of feces and viral genome sequencing. Although qPCR is used to detect antigen during the acute disease phase, there is no equine-specific antibody test available to study EqCoV seroprevalence in various horse populations. We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) targeting antibodies to the spike (S) protein of EqCoV and validated its use, using acute and convalescent sera from 83 adult horses involved in 6 outbreaks. The EqCoV S protein-based ELISA was able to reliably detect antibodies to EqCoV in naturally infected horses. The greatest seroconversion rate was observed in horses with clinical signs compatible with EqCoV infection and EqCoV qPCR detection in feces. The EqCoV S protein-based ELISA could be used effectively for seroepidemiologic studies in order to better characterize the overall infection rate of EqCoV in various horse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte J Kooijman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Samantha M Mapes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
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Yamanaka T, Nemoto M, Bannai H, Tsujimura K, Kondo T, Matsumura T, Gildea S, Cullinane A. Evaluation of twenty-two rapid antigen detection tests in the diagnosis of Equine Influenza caused by viruses of H3N8 subtype. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2016; 10:127-33. [PMID: 26568369 PMCID: PMC4746556 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious disease caused by viruses of the H3N8 subtype. The rapid diagnosis of EI is essential to reduce the disease spread. Many rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests for diagnosing human influenza are available, but their ability to diagnose EI has not been systematically evaluated. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the performance of 22 RAD tests in the diagnosis of EI. Methods The 22 RAD tests were performed on fivefold serial dilutions of EI virus to determine their detection limits. The four most sensitive RAD tests (ImmunoAce Flu, BD Flu examan, Quick chaser Flu A, B and ESPLINE Influenza A&B‐N) were further evaluated using nasopharyngeal samples collected from experimentally infected and naturally infected horses. The results were compared to those obtained using molecular tests. Results The detection limits of the 22 RAD tests varied hugely. Even the four RAD tests showing the best sensitivity were 125‐fold less sensitive than the molecular techniques. The duration of virus detection in the experimentally infected horses was shorter using the RAD tests than using the molecular techniques. The RAD tests detected between 27% and 73% of real‐time RT‐PCR‐positive samples from naturally infected horses. Conclusions The study demonstrated the importance of choosing the right RAD tests as only three of 22 were fit for diagnosing EI. It was also indicated that even RAD tests with the highest sensitivity serve only as an adjunct to molecular tests because of the potential for false‐negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamanaka
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Manabu Nemoto
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Bannai
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koji Tsujimura
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takashi Kondo
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tomio Matsumura
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Sarah Gildea
- Virology Unit, Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Ann Cullinane
- Virology Unit, Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Pusterla N, Vin R, Leutenegger C, Mittel LD, Divers TJ. Equine coronavirus: An emerging enteric virus of adult horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2015; 28:216-223. [PMID: 32313392 PMCID: PMC7163714 DOI: 10.1111/eve.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is an emerging virus associated clinically and epidemiologically with fever, depression, anorexia and less frequently colic and diarrhoea in adult horses. Sporadic cases and outbreaks have been reported with increased frequency since 2010 from Japan, the USA and more recently from Europe. A faeco‐oral transmission route is suspected and clinical or asymptomatic infected horses appear to be responsible for direct and indirect transmission of ECoV. A presumptive clinical diagnosis of ECoV infection may be suggested by clinical presentation, haematological abnormalities such as leucopenia due to lymphopenia and/or neutropenia. Confirmation of ECoV infection is provided by specific ECoV nucleic acid detection in faeces by quantitative PCR (qPCR) or demonstration of coronavirus antigen by immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy in intestinal biopsy material obtained ante or post mortem. The disease is generally self‐limiting and horses typically recover with symptomatic supportive care. Complications associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal barrier have been reported in some infected horses and include endotoxaemia, septicaemia and hyperammonaemia‐associated encephalopathy. Although specific immunoprophylactic measures have been shown to be effective in disease prevention for closely‐related coronaviruses such as bovine coronavirus (BCoV), such strategies have yet not been investigated for horses and disease prevention is limited to basic biosecurity protocols. This article reviews current knowledge concerning the aetiology, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, pathology, treatment and prevention of ECoV infection in adult horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis USA
| | - R Vin
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. West Sacramento California USA
| | - C Leutenegger
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. West Sacramento California USA
| | - L D Mittel
- The Animal Health Diagnostic Center Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
| | - T J Divers
- College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
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Nemoto M, Oue Y, Higuchi T, Kinoshita Y, Bannai H, Tsujimura K, Yamanaka T, Kondo T. Low prevalence of equine coronavirus in foals in the largest thoroughbred horse breeding region of Japan, 2012-2014. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:53. [PMID: 26395082 PMCID: PMC4579792 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is considered to be a diarrheic pathogen in foals. In central Kentucky in the United States, it has been shown that approximately 30 % of thoroughbred foals are infected with ECoV and thus it is considered widely prevalent. In contrast, the epidemiology of ECoV and its relationship to diarrhea in foals are poorly understood in Japan. We investigated ECoV in rectal swabs collected from thoroughbred foals in Japan. Results We collected 337 rectal swabs from 307 diarrheic foals in the Hidaka district of Hokkaido, the largest thoroughbred horse breeding region in Japan, between 2012 and 2014. In addition, 120 rectal swabs were collected from 120 healthy foals in 2012. These samples were tested by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification and a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. All samples collected from diarrheic foals were negative, and only three samples (2.5 %) collected from healthy foals were positive for ECoV. Compared with central Kentucky, ECoV is not prevalent among thoroughbred foals in the Hidaka district of Hokkaido. Conclusion ECoV is not prevalent and was not related to diarrhea in thoroughbred foals in the Hidaka district of Hokkaido between 2012 and 2014.
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Nemoto M, Oue Y, Murakami S, Kanno T, Bannai H, Tsujimura K, Yamanaka T, Kondo T. Complete genome analysis of equine coronavirus isolated in Japan. Arch Virol 2015; 160:2903-6. [PMID: 26271151 PMCID: PMC7086706 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-015-2565-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Equine coronavirus has been responsible for several outbreaks of disease in the United States and Japan. Only one complete genome sequence (NC99 isolated in the US) had been reported for this pathogenic RNA virus. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of three equine coronaviruses isolated in 2009 and 2012 in Japan. The genome sequences of Tokachi09, Obihiro12-1 and Obihiro12-2 were 30,782, 30,916 and 30,916 nucleotides in length, respectively, excluding the 3'-poly (A) tails. All three isolates were genetically similar to NC99 (98.2-98.7%), but deletions and insertions were observed in the genes nsp3 of ORF1a, NS2 and p4.7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Nemoto
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Oue
- Hokkaido Kushiro Livestock Hygiene Service Center, 127-1 Otanoshike, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0917, Japan
| | - Satoshi Murakami
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Life technologies Japan Ltd., Sumitomo Fudosan Mita Twin Bldg., 4-2-8 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0023, Japan
| | - Toru Kanno
- Dairy Hygiene Research Division, Hokkaido Research Station, National Institute of Animal Health, 4 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 062-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Bannai
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan
| | - Koji Tsujimura
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamanaka
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan
| | - Takashi Kondo
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan
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Pusterla N, Holzenkaempfer N, Mapes S, Kass P. Prevalence of equine coronavirus in nasal secretions from horses with fever and upper respiratory tract infection. Vet Rec 2015; 177:289. [PMID: 26260064 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - N Holzenkaempfer
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - S Mapes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - P Kass
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Nemoto M, Morita Y, Niwa H, Bannai H, Tsujimura K, Yamanaka T, Kondo T. Rapid detection of equine coronavirus by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification. J Virol Methods 2015; 215-216:13-6. [PMID: 25682750 PMCID: PMC7113660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
An RT-LAMP assay was developed for the detection of equine coronavirus. The RT-LAMP assay was more sensitive than conventional RT-PCR. Quantitative RT-PCR was more sensitive than RT-LAMP. RT-LAMP allows for rapid and simple detection of equine coronavirus.
A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed for the rapid detection of equine coronavirus (ECoV). This assay was conducted at 60 °C for 40 min. Specificity of the RT-LAMP assay was confirmed using several equine intestinal and respiratory pathogens in addition to ECoV. The novel assay failed to cross-react with the other pathogens tested, suggesting it is highly specific for ECoV. Using artificially synthesized ECoV RNA, the 50% detection limit of the RT-LAMP assay was 101.8 copies/reaction. This is a 50-fold greater sensitivity than conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays, but a 4-fold lower sensitivity than quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. Eighty-two fecal samples collected during ECoV outbreaks were analyzed. ECoV was detected in 59 samples using the RT-LAMP assay, and in 30 and 65 samples using RT-PCR or qRT-PCR assays, respectively. Although the RT-LAMP assay is less sensitive than qRT-PCR techniques, it can be performed without the need for expensive equipment. Thus, the RT-LAMP assay might be suitable for large-scale surveillance and diagnosis of ECoV infection in laboratories with limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Nemoto
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan.
| | - Yoshinori Morita
- Tokachi Draft Horse Clinic, Nishi 13, Minami 9-1, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0023, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Niwa
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Bannai
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Koji Tsujimura
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamanaka
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
| | - Takashi Kondo
- Epizootic Research Center, Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4 Shiba, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan
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