Equine herpesviruses: antigenic relationships and deoxyribonucleic acid densities

Epidemiological and Phylogeographic Study of Equid Herpesviruses in Tunisia

Equid herpesvirus (EHV) is a contagious viral disease affecting horses, causing illness characterized by respiratory symptoms, abortion and neurological disorders. It is common worldwide and causes severe economic losses to the equine industry. The present study was aimed at investigating the incidence of EHVs, the genetic characterization of Tunisian isolates and a spatiotemporal study, using 298 collected samples from diseased and clinically healthy horses. The global incidence of EHV infection was found to be about 71.81%. EHV2 and EHV5 were detected in 146 (48.99%) and 159 (53.35%) sampled horses, respectively. EHV1 was detected in 11 samples (3.69%); EHV4 was not detected. Co-infections with EHV1-EHV2, EHV1-EHV5 and EHV2-EHV5 were observed in 0.33%, 1.34% and 31.54% of tested horses, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses showed that gB of EHV2 and EHV5 displays high genetic diversity with a nucleotide sequence identity ranging from 88 to 100% for EHV2 and 97.5 to 100% for EHV5. Phylogeography suggested Iceland and USA as the most likely countries of origin of the Tunisian EHV2 and EHV5 isolates. These viruses detected in Tunisia seemed to be introduced in the 2000s. This first epidemiological and phylogeographic study is important for better knowledge of the evolution of equid herpesvirus infections in Tunisia.

Whole genome sequence analysis of equid gammaherpesvirus -2 field isolates reveals high levels of genomic diversity and recombination

Background

Equid gammaherpesvirus 2 (EHV2) is a gammaherpesvirus with a widespread distribution in horse populations globally. Although its pathogenic significance can be unclear in most cases of infection, EHV2 infection can cause upper respiratory tract disease in foals. Co-infection of different strains of EHV2 in an individual horse is common. Small regions of the EHV2 genome have shown considerable genetic heterogeneity. This could suggest genomic recombination between different strains of EHV2, similar to the extensive recombination networks that have been demonstrated for some alphaherpesviruses. This study examined natural recombination and genome diversity of EHV2 field isolates.

Results

Whole genome sequencing analysis of 18 EHV2 isolates, along with analysis of two publicly available EHV2 genomes, revealed variation in genomes sizes (from 173.7 to 184.8 kbp), guanine plus cytosine content (from 56.7 to 57.8%) and the size of the terminal repeat regions (from 17,196 to 17,551 bp). The nucleotide sequence identity between the genomes ranged from 86.2 to 99.7%. The estimated average inter-strain nucleotide diversity between the 20 EHV2 genomes was 2.9%. Individual gene sequences showed varying levels of nucleotide diversity and ranged between 0 and 38.1%. The ratio of nonsynonymous substitutions, Ka, to synonymous substitutions, Ks, (Ka/Ks) suggests that over 50% of EHV2 genes are undergoing diversifying selection. Recombination analyses of the 20 EHV2 genome sequences using the recombination detection program (RDP4) and SplitsTree revealed evidence of viral recombination.

Conclusions

Analysis of the 18 new EHV2 genomes alongside the 2 previously sequenced genomes revealed a high degree of genetic diversity and extensive recombination networks. Herpesvirus genome diversification and virus evolution can be driven by recombination, and our findings are consistent with recombination being a key mechanism by which EHV2 genomes may vary and evolve.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08789-x.

Evaluation of targeted next-generation sequencing for detection of equine pathogens in clinical samples

Equine infectious disease outbreaks may have profound economic impact, resulting in losses of millions of dollars of revenue as a result of horse loss, quarantine, and cancelled events. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to limit the spread of infectious diseases. However, laboratory detection of infectious agents, especially the simultaneous detection of multiple agents, can be challenging to the clinician and diagnostic laboratory. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), which allows millions of DNA templates to be sequenced simultaneously in a single reaction, is an ideal technology for comprehensive testing. We conducted a proof-of-concept study of targeted NGS to detect 62 common equine bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens in clinical samples. We designed 264 primers and constructed a bioinformatics tool for the detection of targeted pathogens. The designed primers were able to specifically detect the intended pathogens. Results of testing 27 clinical samples with our targeted NGS assay compared with results of routine tests (assessed as a group) yielded positive percent agreement of 81% and negative percent agreement of 83%, overall agreement of 81%, and kappa of 0.56 (moderate agreement). This moderate agreement was likely the result of low sensitivity of some primers. However, our NGS assay successfully detected multiple pathogens in the clinical samples, including some pathogens missed by routine techniques.

The effect of maternal immunity on the equine gammaherpesvirus type 2 and 5 viral load and antibody response

Two types of gammaherpesviruses (γEHV) are known to infect horses, EHV-2 and EHV-5. Foals become infected early in life, probably via the upper respiratory tract, despite maternal antibodies. In this study, we analyzed samples from a herd of mares and their foals. The foals were followed from birth to 22 months of age and the dams during the first 6 months postpartum. Blood and nasal swab samples were taken regularly for evaluation of antibody responses, virus isolation and viral load by qPCR. EHV-2 was isolated on day 5, and EHV-5 on day 12, earlier than previously reported. γEHV specific antibodies were not detectable in serum of foals before colostrum intake but peaked a few days after colostrum. Overall, EHV-2 viral load peaked in nasal swab at three to four months of age, paralleled with decline in maternal antibodies, but EHV-5 viral load did not peak until month 12. Maternal antibodies had a notable effect on the viral load and induction of endogenous antibody production. Foals were grouped in two groups depending on the mare’s γEHV specific total IgG levels in serum at birth, group-high and group-low. Group-high had higher levels of maternal γEHV specific total IgG and IgG4/7 for the first 3 months, but when the endogenous production had superseded maternal antibodies, group-low was higher. The maternal antibodies had an effect on the γEHV viral load. Group-low peaked in EHV-2 viral load one month earlier than group-high. These effects were more evident for EHV-5, as there were seven months between the viral load peaks for the groups. The study provides information on how maternal antibody transfer affects γEHV shedding and antibody production in offspring. It also extends our knowledge on the occurrence of EHV-2 and EHV-5 infection in foals during the first two years of life.

Gammaherpesvirus infections in equids: a review

Although the first equine gammaherpesvirus was identified over 50 years ago, the isolation and characterization of other members of this virus group has been relatively recent. Even so, numerous clinical syndromes have been identified in equid species in association with these viruses. Equid gammaherpesviruses are a genetically heterogeneous viral subfamily, the function of which in host immune modulation and disease pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. While they share similarities with gammaherpesviruses in humans, the role they play in their relationship with the host is the subject of continued interest and research. Their widespread presence in horses and other equid species provides a considerable challenge in linking them with particular clinical and pathological conditions and in defining their significance from a diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoint. The present review provides an update on the taxonomy, epidemiology, and clinical syndromes, especially respiratory, reported in association with gammaherpesvirus infection in horses, donkeys, and other equid species.

Equine gammaherpesviruses: perfect parasites?

The evolutionary success of the equine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) is demonstrated by their consistent and widespread presence in horse populations worldwide. Equine GHVs establish infection in young foals and can be continually detected over the lifetime of the host either by recrudescence of latent infections or by re-infection. A definitive diagnosis of clinical disease in horses due to GHV infection remains challenging given the ubiquitous nature of the GHVs in horses without clinical signs, as well as in horses with clinical signs ranging from mild respiratory disease to severe equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis. This review aims to examine what is known about equine GHV and explore the balance of the relationship that has evolved over millions of years between these viruses and their host.

Equine gammaherpesviruses: pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnosis

Equine gammaherpesviruses (γEHV) have been widely studied over the past 45 years and many isolates have been characterised. Despite this, the diagnosis of γEHV infection remains difficult to establish as its clinical manifestations lack specificity, ranging from mild respiratory signs in a small number of animals to outbreaks in large groups of young horses. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of equine herpesvirus (EHV)-2 and -5 infections, as well as on the genetic variation of these viruses. Study of these variations has resulted in hypotheses relating to viral re-infection and re-activation. Interestingly, the viruses were found to contain genetic sequences identical to those of eukaryotic cells which are considered central to the development of viral latency through interfering with host immune and inflammatory responses. Future molecular biological studies will further elucidate the virulence mechanisms of these equine pathogens.

Study of equid herpesviruses 2 and 5 in Iceland with a type-specific polymerase chain reaction

The horse population in Iceland is a special breed, isolated from other horses for at least 1000 years. This provides an exceptional opportunity to investigate old and new pathogens in an inbred herd with few infectious diseases. We have developed a high sensitivity semi-nested PCR to study equid gammaherpesviruses 2 and 5 (EHV-2 and 5) in Iceland. The first PCR is group specific, the second type-specific, targeting a 113bp sequence in the glyB gene. DNA isolated from white blood cells and 18 different organs was tested for the presence of EHV-2 and 5. This was done in adult horses and foals, healthy and with various enteric infections. Both virus types were easily detected in all types of organs tested or EHV-2 in 79% cases and EHV-5 in 63%. In DNA from PBMC or buffy-coat EHV-2 was found in 20% cases and EHV-5 in 10%, all except one positive were foals. Co-culture of PBMC on fetal horse kidney cells was efficient for detecting EHV-2 but not for EHV-5. We verify here for the first time infections with EHV-2 and 5 in horses in Iceland and show that both viruses are common.

Sequence analysis of the equid herpesvirus 2 chemokine receptor homologues E1, ORF74 and E6 demonstrates high sequence divergence between field isolates

Equid herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2), in common with other members of the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae, encodes homologues of cellular seven-transmembrane receptors (7TMR), namely open reading frames (ORFs) E1, 74 and E6, which each show some similarity to cellular chemokine receptors. Whereas ORF74 and E6 are members of gammaherpesvirus-conserved 7TMR gene families, E1 is currently unique to EHV-2. To investigate their genetic variability, EHV-2 7TMRs from a panel of equine gammaherpesvirus isolates were sequenced. A region of gB was sequenced to provide comparative sequence data. Phylogenetic analysis revealed six 'genogroups' for E1 and four for ORF74, which exhibited approximately 10-38 and 11-27 % amino acid difference between groups, respectively. In contrast, E6 was highly conserved, with two genogroups identified. The greatest variation was observed within the N-terminal domains and other extracellular regions. Nevertheless, analysis of the number of non-synonymous (d(N)) and synonymous (d(S)) substitutions per site generally supported the hypothesis that the 7TMRs are under negative selective pressure to retain functionally important residues, although some site-specific positive selection (d(N)>d(S)) was also observed. Collectively, these data are consistent with transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains being less tolerant of mutations with adverse effects upon function. Finally, there was no evidence for genetic linkage between the different gB, E1, ORF74 and E6 genotypes, suggesting frequent intergenic recombination between different EHV-2 strains.

Equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) infection in thoroughbred horses in Argentina

Background

Equine herpesvirus 2 is a gamma-herpesvirus that infects horses worldwide. Although EHV-2 has been implicated in immunosuppression in foals, upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis, general malaise and poor performance, its precise role as a pathogen remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the incidence of EHV-2 in an Argentinean horse population and correlate it with age and clinical status of the animals.

Results

A serological study on 153 thoroughbred racing horses confirmed the presence of EHV-2 in the Argentinean equine population. A virus neutralization test showed a total of 79.7 % animals were sero-positive for EHV-2. An increase in antibodies titre with age as well as infection at earlier ages were observed.

EHV-2 was isolated from 2 out of 22 nasal swabs from horses showing respiratory symptoms. The virus grew slowly and showed characteristic cytopathic effect after several blind passages on RK13 cells. The identity of the isolates was confirmed by nested PCR and restriction enzyme assay (REA).

Conclusion

This is the first report on the presence of EHV-2 in Argentina and adds new data to the virus distribution map. Though EHV-2 was isolated from foals showing respiratory symptoms, further studies are needed to unequivocally associate this virus with clinical symptoms.

Detection of equine herpesvirus type 2 (EHV-2) in horses with keratoconjunctivitis

The prevalence of EHV-2 in 27 horses with keratoconjunctivitis and 21 clinically healthy horses of different ages and stocks were analyzed. We demonstrated that EHV-2 was present in 12 keratoconjunctivitis cases as shown by nested PCR on ocular swabs. This is statistically more often than in the control group, where only two ocular swabs were EHV-2 positive. Cocultivation was successful on peripheral blood leukocytes of healthy and diseased horses but not on swabs. We isolated ten EHV-2 strains from diseased and nine from control horses, whereas 16 isolates showed different restriction enzyme patterns. The results of immunfluorescence and neutralization tests are predictory only in combination with the nested PCR data on ocular swabs. A successful antiviral treatment in nine out of 16 cases supports the aetiological role of EHV-2 in this ocular disease.

Equine herpesvirus 5: comparisons with EHV2 (equine cytomegalovirus), cloning, and mapping of a new equine herpesvirus with a novel genome structure

A new equine herpesvirus, provisionally designated equine herpesvirus 5 (EHV5; Browning and Studdert (1987) J. Gen. Virol. 68, 1441-1447), was examined for the degree of genomic difference from equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV2) by Southern hybridizations. EHV5 and EHV2 whole genomic DNA probes were highly specific for homologous DNA only, indicating that significant genomic difference exists between the two viruses. Restriction endonuclease analysis of EHV5 strain 2-141 (EHV5.2-141) revealed that the genome is 179 kb and exists as a single isomer. Clones representing 82% of the genome were obtained and used to construct restriction maps for four restriction endonucleases. Hybridization experiments indicated that the EHV5.2-141 genome does not contain large terminal or internal repeats, although some evidence for very short repeated sequences in the genomic termini was obtained. Such a genome structure makes EHV5 unique among the equine herpesviruses but similar to the mouse, rat, and guinea pig cytomegaloviruses and the tupaiid herpesvirus. Sequence analysis of one of the genomic termini of EHV5.2-141 revealed the presence of a 30-bp sequence (pac-1; Deiss et al. (1986) J. Virol. 59, 605-618) which is highly conserved among herpesviruses.

Animal cytomegaloviruses

Cytomegaloviruses are agents that infect a variety of animals. Human cytomegalovirus is associated with infections that may be inapparent or may result in severe body malformation. More recently, human cytomegalovirus infections have been recognized as causing severe complications in immunosuppressed individuals. In other animals, cytomegaloviruses are often associated with infections having relatively mild sequelae. Many of these sequelae parallel symptoms associated with human cytomegalovirus infections. Recent advances in biotechnology have permitted the study of many of the animal cytomegaloviruses in vitro. Consequently, animal cytomegaloviruses can be used as model systems for studying the pathogenesis, immunobiology, and molecular biology of cytomegalovirus-host and cytomegalovirus-cell interactions.

Physical mapping of a genome of equine herpesvirus 2 (equine cytomegalovirus)

The genome of a low equine cell passage equine herpesvirus 2 was partially cloned and physical maps for the restriction endonucleases BamHI, EcoRI, HindIII, and SalI determined. The genome length was estimated to be 192 kilobase pairs (kbp) and no evidence of isomerization was found. Two separate repeat structures were detected: 18 kbp direct terminal repeats; and an unrelated second pair of short internal, indirect repeats at 0.20 and 0.75 map units. Such a genomic structure does not appear to have been reported amongst the herpesviruses--all the genomes that do not isomerize either have repeat structures only at the termini, or if present internally, have only direct repeats.

Physical mapping of the genomic heterogeneity of isolates of equine herpesvirus 2 (equine cytomegalovirus)

The BamHI, EcoRI, and HindIII physical maps of the genomes of 14 isolates of equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV 2) were determined by Southern blot analysis using DNA fragments of a previously mapped EHV 2 strain 86/67. No two isolates had identical maps for all 3 enzymes, the number of differing cleavage sites between pairs of isolates varying from 3 to 21. Overall 75 cleavage sites were mapped, of which 40 were variable. Cleavage sites occurred throughout the genome, including within the terminal repeat regions. Additionally, fragment length polymorphisms, independent of cleavage site loss or gain, were mapped to 5 regions of the genome, 4 of which occurred within the terminal repeat regions.

Epidemiology of equine herpesvirus 2 (equine cytomegalovirus)

The epidemiology of equine herpesvirus 2 was examined by using restriction endonuclease DNA fingerprints to distinguish viruses isolated from two groups of horses. The first group consisted of three yearlings isolated from other horses but in contact with each other for 418 days, whereas the second comprised seven mares and their foals, which were sampled at monthly intervals from parturition until the foals were about 180 days old. There was a complex pattern of transmission, with 15 different viruses isolated from both groups. Four distinguishable viruses were isolated from the three yearlings by day 16 of quarantine, and by day 141 an additional two viruses were isolated. Up to five different viruses were isolated from one yearling. Although four repeat isolations of one virus from the nasal cavity of one yearling over 54 days indicated that equine herpesvirus 2 established persistent infection with constant shedding, most repeat isolations yielded distinguishable viruses. Identical viruses were isolated from the nasal cavity and leukocytes of one yearling and the nasal cavity and vagina of another, indicating that a particular equine herpesvirus 2 strain was not site specific. Although seven different viruses were isolated from the three yearlings throughout the quarantine period, two appeared to establish latent infections; one virus was not isolated until 141 days after quarantine, whereas the second was first isolated 16 days after quarantine and then for the second time, from the same horse, 402 days later. Multiple concurrent local infections were demonstrated by the isolation of two or more viruses from the same nasal swab.

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) induced abortions and paralysis in a Lipizzaner stud: a contribution to the classification of equine herpesviruses

Out of 30 cases of abortion and perinatal deaths in a Lipizzaner stud in Austria 10 mares died after having shown central nervous system disturbances, ataxias and paralysis. The etiological agent of this "abortion storm" was equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). The restriction enzyme pattern of the DNA from 5 isolates recovered from fetuses has been analyzed and compared with the known reference strains of EHV-1, -2, -4 and an Austrian vaccine strain. The DNA restriction profiles of the Lipizzaner isolates as well as of the vaccine strain could be identified as being typical of abortigenic strains with minor variations. Such variations on the molecular biological level of the DNA do not justify characterization of the strains as neuro-variants. The vaccine strain differed from other isolates investigated with 4 restriction endonucleases (Bam HI, Bgl II, EcoRI, Kpn I) which was due to a deletion in the unique short segment of the genome. The lack of similar DNA bands in two EHV-1 viruses, causing mild respiratory disease, as well as in the vaccine strain Prevaccinol is suggestive of lowered virulence. In contrast to one Lipizzaner isolate tested (strain Austria IV) the Austrian vaccine strain proved to be of strong neurovirulence for suckling mice.

Analysis of small and large plaque variants of equine herpesvirus type 3 by restriction endonucleases. Brief report

Six of 6 equine herpesvirus type 3 (EHV3) isolates, 5 of which were epidemiologically unrelated, produced a mixture of small and large plaque variants in equine foetal kidney cells under methylcellulose. In 4 of 4 instances the cleavage site(s) generating the Bam HI A fragment of large plaque variants was distinct from the site(s) for the same fragment of small plaque variants.

Restriction endonuclease DNA fingerprinting of respiratory, foetal and perinatal foal isolates of equine herpesvirus type 1

DNA was prepared from 43 equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV 1) isolates, 11 of which were from horses with respiratory disease, 22 from aborted equine foetuses, and 10 from foals that died perinatally. The restriction endonuclease DNA fingerprints of 10 of the 11 respiratory isolates, known with certainty to have been recovered from horses with respiratory disease, were entirely different from all but 3 of the 32 foetal or perinatal foal isolates. The exceptional respiratory isolate, EHV 1 Army 183, had a foetal (F) strain fingerprint but this virus cannot be said with certainty to have been isolated from the respiratory tract. The 3 exceptional foetal isolates, had respiratory (R) strain fingerprints, and were recovered from single sporadic abortions. There are no exceptions to the view that only R strains have been isolated from naturally occurring respiratory disease. Also it is clear that major epizootics of abortion (abortion storms) and of perinatal foal mortality are caused by F strains. The data together with an analysis of the epidemiological patterns, particularly in Australia, strongly support the view that F and R strains be regarded as separate species, EHV 1 and 4 respectively.

Antigenic relatedness of equine herpes virus types 1 and 3

Antiserums prepared in specific pathogen free (SPF) ponies were used in direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immunodiffusion, complement fixation and serum neutralization procedures to study the interrelationships of the three types of equine herpes viruses (EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-3). Equine cell cultures infected with each type virus fluoresced when stained with homologous conjugated antiserum. In reciprocal tests EHV-1 and EHV-3 cross-fluoresced, but EHV-2 did not cross-fluoresce. Non-infected cell cultures did not fluoresce when stained with the 3 conjugates. EHV-1 and EHV-3 cross-fluoresced in reciprocal indirect fluorescent antibody tests, but no cross-fluorescence was shown with EHV-2. Antigens representing each type of equine herpes virus reacted with their homologous antiserum in the immunodiffusion test. In reciprocal tests, a common line(s) of identity formed with EHV-1 and EHV-3; however, the precipitin line(s) was not common with EHV-2. Antigen prepared from noninfected embryonic mule skin (EMS) cell cultures did not react with any of the antiserums. Specific complement-fixing antibodies were present in antiserums when tested against their homologous antigens. In reciprocal complement fixation tests EHV-1 and EHV-3 crossreacted, but no cross-reactivity was shown with EHV-2. Significant levels of neutralizing antibody were in an antiserum when tested against homologous virus, whereas cross-neutralization was not detectable in reciprocal tests. These studies indicate that each type of equine herpes virus contains specific antigenic components, and EHV-1 and EHV-3 share a common antigen(s) that is not shared with EHV-2.

Serological detection of equid herpesvirus 1 infections of the respiratory tract

An investigation was made of 3 serological tests (virus neutralization, complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescence), which are applicable to epidemiological studies of infections by Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1). Sera from gnotobiotic foals inoculated intranasally with various strains of EHV-1 were unable in some cases to neutralize heterologous strains and these results were not consistent with the existence of clearly-defined subtypes of EHV-1, as previously proposed. The cross-reactions in complement-fixation tests paralleled those with neutralization but immunofluorescence tests were found to be both more sensitive and more broadly reactive than the other two. Complement-fixing antibodies declined more rapidly following experimental infection than did those measured by neutralization or immunofluorescence. The results are discussed in relation to the diagnosis of EHV-1 infection and the significance they may have for the epidemiology of this disease.