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Fortier C, El-Hage C, Normand C, Hue ES, Sutton G, Marcillaud-Pitel C, Jeffers K, Bamford N, Oden E, Paillot R, Hartley C, Gilkerson J, Pronost S. Detection of Equine Parvovirus-Hepatitis Virus and Equine Hepacivirus in Archived Sera from Horses in France and Australia. Viruses 2024; 16:862. [PMID: 38932156 PMCID: PMC11209535 DOI: 10.3390/v16060862] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reports of newly discovered equine hepatotropic flavi- and parvoviruses have emerged throughout the last decade in many countries, the discovery of which has stimulated a great deal of interest and clinical research. Although commonly detected in horses without signs of disease, equine parvovirus hepatitis (EqPV-H) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV) have been associated with liver disease, including following the administration of contaminated anti-toxin. Our aim was to determine whether EqPV-H and EqHV are present in Australian horses and whether EqPV-H was present in French horses and to examine sequence diversity between strains of both viruses amongst infected horses on either side of the globe. Sera from 188 Australian horses and 256 French horses from horses with and without clinical signs of disease were collected. Twelve out of 256 (4.7%) and 6 out of 188 (3.2%) French and Australian horses, respectively, were positive for the molecular detection of EqPV-H. Five out of 256 (1.9%) and 21 out of 188 (11.2%) French and Australian horses, respectively, were positive for the molecular detection of EqHV. Australian strains for both viruses were genomically clustered, in contrast to strains from French horses, which were more broadly distributed. The findings of this preliminary survey, with the molecular detection of EqHV and EqPV-H in Australia and the latter in France, adds to the growing body of awareness regarding these recently discovered hepatotropic viruses. It has provided valuable information not just in terms of geographic endemicity but will guide equine clinicians, carers, and authorities regarding infectious agents and potential impacts of allogenic tissue contamination. Although we have filled many gaps in the world map regarding equine hepatotropic viruses, further prospective studies in this emerging field may be useful in terms of elucidating risk factors and pathogenesis of these pathogens and management of cases in terms of prevention and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Fortier
- LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France; (C.F.); (E.S.H.); (G.S.); (E.O.); (R.P.)
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France
| | - Charles El-Hage
- Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (C.E.-H.); (K.J.); (N.B.); (C.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Camille Normand
- LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France; (C.F.); (E.S.H.); (G.S.); (E.O.); (R.P.)
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France
| | - Erika S. Hue
- LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France; (C.F.); (E.S.H.); (G.S.); (E.O.); (R.P.)
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France
| | - Gabrielle Sutton
- LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France; (C.F.); (E.S.H.); (G.S.); (E.O.); (R.P.)
- Cytokines and Adaptive Immunity Lab, Sainte-Justine University Hospital and Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Kim Jeffers
- Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (C.E.-H.); (K.J.); (N.B.); (C.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Nicholas Bamford
- Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (C.E.-H.); (K.J.); (N.B.); (C.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Elise Oden
- LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France; (C.F.); (E.S.H.); (G.S.); (E.O.); (R.P.)
| | - Romain Paillot
- LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France; (C.F.); (E.S.H.); (G.S.); (E.O.); (R.P.)
- Faculty of Science & Engineering, School of Agriculture, Animal & Environmental Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU Writtle), Lordship Road, Writtle Chelmsford CM1 3RR, UK
| | - Carol Hartley
- Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (C.E.-H.); (K.J.); (N.B.); (C.H.); (J.G.)
| | - James Gilkerson
- Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (C.E.-H.); (K.J.); (N.B.); (C.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Stéphane Pronost
- LABÉO, 14280 Saint-Contest, France; (C.F.); (E.S.H.); (G.S.); (E.O.); (R.P.)
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, Biotargen, 14280 Saint-Contest, France
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Nardini R, Pacchiarotti G, Svicher V, Salpini R, Bellocchi MC, Conti R, Sala MG, La Rocca D, Carioti L, Cersini A, Manna G, Scicluna MT. First National Prevalence in Italian Horse Population and Phylogenesis Highlight a Fourth Sub-Type Candidate of Equine Hepacivirus. Viruses 2024; 16:616. [PMID: 38675957 PMCID: PMC11054338 DOI: 10.3390/v16040616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV, Flaviviridae, hepacivirus) is a small, enveloped RNA virus generally causing sub-clinical hepatitis with occasional fatalities. EqHV is reported in equids worldwide, but for Italy data are limited. To address this, a survey study was set up to estimate prevalence at a national level and among different production categories (equestrian; competition; work and meat; reproduction) and national macro-regions (North, Central, South, and Islands). Data obtained testing 1801 horse serum samples by Real-Time RT PCR were compared within the categories and regions. The NS3 fragment of the PCR-positive samples was sequenced by Sanger protocol for phylogenetic and mutational analysis. The tertiary structure of the NS3 protein was also assessed. The estimated national prevalence was 4.27% [1.97-6.59, 95% CI] and no statistical differences were detected among production categories and macro-regions. The phylogenesis confirmed the distribution in Italy of the three known EqHV subtypes, also suggesting a possible fourth sub-type that, however, requires further confirmation. Mutational profiles that could also affect the NS3 binding affinity to the viral RNA were detected. The present paper demonstrates that EqHV should be included in diagnostic protocols when investigating causes of hepatitis, and in quality control protocols for blood derived products due to its parental transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giulia Pacchiarotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Maria Concetta Bellocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Raffaella Conti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Marcello Giovanni Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Davide La Rocca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | | | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
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Cavalleri JV, Korbacska‐Kutasi O, Leblond A, Paillot R, Pusterla N, Steinmann E, Tomlinson J. European College of Equine Internal Medicine consensus statement on equine flaviviridae infections in Europe. Vet Med (Auckl) 2022; 36:1858-1871. [DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessika‐M. V. Cavalleri
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Orsolya Korbacska‐Kutasi
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
- Department for Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest Hungary
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences—Szent Istvan University (MTA‐SZIE) Large Animal Clinical Research Group Üllő Dóra major Hungary
| | - Agnès Leblond
- EPIA, UMR 0346, Epidemiologie des maladies animales et zoonotiques, INRAE, VetAgro Sup University of Lyon Marcy l'Etoile France
| | - Romain Paillot
- School of Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy Writtle University College Chelmsford UK
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis California USA
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine Ruhr University Bochum Bochum Germany
| | - Joy Tomlinson
- Baker Institute for Animal Health Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca New York USA
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Pacchiarotti G, Nardini R, Scicluna MT. Equine Hepacivirus: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of Serological and Biomolecular Prevalence and a Phylogenetic Update. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2486. [PMID: 36230228 PMCID: PMC9558973 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis has recently assumed relevance for equine veterinary medicine since a variety of new viruses have been discovered. Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family that can cause subclinical hepatitis in horses, occasionally evolving into a chronic disease. EqHV, to date, is considered the closest known relative of human HCV. EqHV has been reported worldwide therefore assessing its features is relevant, considering both the wide use of blood products and transfusions in veterinary therapies and its similitude to HCV. The present review resumes the actual knowledge on EqHV epidemiology, risk factors and immunology, together with potential diagnostics and good practices for prevention. Moreover, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews a meta-analysis of serological and biomolecular prevalence and an updated phylogenetic description is presented as a benchmark for further studies.
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Bezerra CDS, Limeira CH, Monteiro dos Anjos D, Nogueira DB, Morais DDA, Falcão BMR, Alves CJ, Santos CDSAB, Silva MLCR, de Azevedo SS. Global prevalence of RNA-positive horses for hepacivirus (EqHV): systematic review and meta-analysis. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 114:104003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Yoon J, Park T, Kim A, Song H, Park BJ, Ahn HS, Go HJ, Kim DH, Lee JB, Park SY, Song CS, Lee SW, Choi IS. First report of equine parvovirus-hepatitis and equine hepacivirus coinfection in horses in Korea. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2735-2746. [PMID: 34919324 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV) are etiologically associated with Theiler's disease (TD), causing fulminant equine hepatitis, but the transmission route and co-infection effect remain unclear. We determined EqPV-H and EqHV prevalence and coinfection rate in 160 serum and 114 faecal samples using nested polymerase chain reaction. Amino acid and nucleotide analyses were performed and phylogenetic trees were constructed. By measuring liver-specific parameters (AST, GGT, TBIL and A/G ratio), hepatopathological changes in viremia status were compared. We found a high prevalence (EqPV-H: 10.6% in serum, 5.3% in faeces; EqHV: 8.1% in serum) and coinfection rate (35.3% in EqPV-H) of TD-causing agents. The newly identified EqPV-H genomes showed high nucleotide and amino acid similarities with previously reported strains in the USA, China and Austria. In phylogenetic tree and recombination analysis, a natural recombination event was confirmed between Chinese and Korean strains. In the EqPV-H or EqHV viremic horses, AST was significantly elevated and at least two liver-specific parameters were outside the reference intervals in 43.5% (10/23) of horses. To our knowledge, this is the first prevalence field study of EqPV-H and EqHV using both serum and faeces, providing further evidence of faecal-oral transmission of TD. These epidemiologic and clinicopathologic analyses specify the risk factors of TD infection and promote disease prevention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungho Yoon
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju, Korea.,Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Taemook Park
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju, Korea
| | - Ahram Kim
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju, Korea
| | - Heeeun Song
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju, Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-Seop Ahn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Go
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Hwi Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joong-Bok Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Yong Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Soo Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Abbadi I, Lkhider M, Kitab B, Jabboua K, Zaidane I, Haddaji A, Nacer S, Matsuu A, Pineau P, Tsukiyama-Kohara K, Benjelloun S, Ezzikouri S. Non-primate hepacivirus transmission and prevalence: Novel findings of virus circulation in horses and dogs in Morocco. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104975. [PMID: 34175479 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is a homolog of hepatitis C virus and has been isolated from dogs and horses. Data on NPHV prevalence and distribution are not complete, and there is a particular lack of reports from the African continent. The present study represents the first investigation of NPHV prevalence in horses and dogs in North Africa. Blood was collected from 172 horses and 36 dogs at different locations in Morocco, and screened for NPHV RNA using nested PCR targeting 5'UTR and NS3 regions and analyzed for anti-NPHV NS3 antibody using a Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system-to determine seroprevalence. Eight sequences of the NS3 region isolated from positive serum samples were targeted for phylogenetic analysis. Horses and dogs showed respective NPHV RNA positivity rates of 10.5% and 5.5%, and seroprevalences of 65.7% and 8.33%. Juvenile horses appeared more susceptible to infection, with a 23.5% NHPV RNA positivity rate. Seropositivity was more extensive in mares than stallions (77.14% vs. 46.27%, p < 0.0001). Phylogenetically, that NPHV NS3 genes isolated from horses and dog are clustered together. The NPHV strains we detected showed no correlation with geographic location within Morocco. In conclusion, Moroccan horses showed much evidence of previous and/or current NPHV infection, with young age and female sex as noted potential risk factors. Interestingly, NPHV is circulating in dogs as well as horses, suggesting that it has crossed species barriers and that horses and dogs are potential vectors by which an ancestor to hepatitis C virus was transmitted into human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Abbadi
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco; Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Lkhider
- Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Bouchra Kitab
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | - Imane Zaidane
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Asmaa Haddaji
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sabrine Nacer
- Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Sciences and Technology, Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Aya Matsuu
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Pascal Pineau
- Unité "Organisation Nucléaire et Oncogenèse", INSERM U993, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco.
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Elia G, Caringella F, Lanave G, Martella V, Losurdo M, Tittarelli M, Colitti B, Decaro N, Buonavoglia C. Genetic heterogeneity of bovine hepacivirus in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2731-2740. [PMID: 32426936 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viruses similar to human hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Hepacivirus genus have been identified in several animal hosts, including cattle. Since its first discovery in Germany, bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) has been described in several countries globally. However, limited data are available on BovHepV epidemiology and genetic variability. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of BovHepV in Italy. Viral RNA was identified in 37 (0.15%) of 24,820 bovine sera, with titres ranging from 1.09 × 103 to 8.27 × 106 RNA copies/ml. Upon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 5'UTR and NS3 genomic portions, the Italian BovHepV strains segregated into at least four distinct subtypes (A, B, C and F) that are also co-circulating globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Elia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | | | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Michele Losurdo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Manuela Tittarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Colitti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Grugliasco (Torino), Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Canio Buonavoglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano (Bari), Italy
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9
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Denys M, Léon A, Robert C, Saulnier N, Josson-Schramme A, Legrand L, Wimel L, Maddens S, Pronost S. Biosafety Evaluation of Equine Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells by Systematic Pathogen Screening in Peripheral Maternal Blood and Paired UC-MSCs. Biopreserv Biobank 2020; 18:73-81. [PMID: 31904273 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2019.0071] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The growing interest in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in equine medicine, together with the development of MSC biobanking for allogeneic use, raises concerns about biosafety of such products. MSCs derived from umbilical cord (UC) carry an inherent risk of contamination by environmental conditions and vertical transmission of pathogens from broodmares. There is yet no report in the scientific literature about horses being contaminated by infected MSC products, and no consensus about systematic infectious screening of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) to ensure microbiological safety of therapeutic products. Objectives: To develop a standard protocol to ensure UC-MSC microbiological safety and to assess the risk of vertical transmission of common intracellular pathogens from broodmares to paired UC-MSCs. Study Design and Methods: Eighty-four UC and paired peripheral maternal blood (PMB) samples were collected between 2014 and 2016. Sterility was monitored by microbiological control tests. Maternal contamination was tested by systematical PMB PCR screening for 14 pathogens and a Coggins test. In case of a PCR-positive result regarding one or several pathogen(s) in PMB, a PCR analysis for the detected pathogen(s) was then conducted on the associated UC-MSCs. Results: Ten out of 84 UC samples were contaminated upon extraction and 6/84 remained positive in primo culture. The remaining 78/84 paired PMB & UC-MSC samples were evaluated for vertical transmission; 37/78 PMB samples were PCR positive for Equid herpesvirus (EHV)-1, EHV-2, EHV-5, Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and/or Mycoplasma spp. Hepacivirus was detected in 2/27 cases and Theiler Diseases Associated Virus in 0/27 cases (not performed on all samples due to late addition). All paired UC-MSC samples tested for the specific pathogen(s) detected in PMB were negative (37/37). Main Limitations: More data are needed regarding MSC susceptibility to most pathogens detected in PMB. Conclusions: In-process microbiological controls combined with PMB PCR screening provide a comprehensive assessment of UC-MSC exposure to infectious risk, vertical transmission risk appearing inherently low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Denys
- VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Albertine Léon
- LABÉO Frank Duncombe, Saint Contest, France.,U2RM, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | | | | | | | - Loïc Legrand
- LABÉO Frank Duncombe, Saint Contest, France.,BIOTARGEN, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
| | - Laurence Wimel
- Experimental Farm, French Horse and Riding Institute (IFCE), Chamberet, France
| | | | - Stéphane Pronost
- LABÉO Frank Duncombe, Saint Contest, France.,BIOTARGEN, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Caen, France
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10
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Further Evidence for in Utero Transmission of Equine Hepacivirus to Foals. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121124. [PMID: 31817371 PMCID: PMC6950541 DOI: 10.3390/v11121124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Equine hepacivirus (EqHV), also referred to as non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), infects horses—and dogs in some instances—and is closely related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) that has infected up to 3% of the world’s human population, causing an epidemic of liver cirrhosis and cancer. EqHV also chronically infects the liver of horses, but does not appear to cause serious liver damages. Previous studies have been looking to identify route(s) of EqHV transmission to and between horses. (2) Methods: In this retrospective study, we sought to evaluate the prevalence of vertical transmission taking place in utero with measuring by quantitative RT-PCR the amounts of EqHV genome in samples from 394 dead foals or fetuses, paired with the allantochorion whenever available. (3) Results: Detection of EqHV in three foals most likely resulted from a vertical transmission from the mares to the fetuses, consistent with the in utero transmission hypothesis. In support of this observation, the presence of EqHV genome was found for the first time in two of the allantochorions. (4) Conclusions: As seemingly benign viruses could turn deadly (e.g., Zika flavivirus) and EqHV happens to have infected a significant proportion of the world’s horse herds, EqHV infectious cycle should be further clarified.
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Badenhorst M, de Heus P, Auer A, Rümenapf T, Tegtmeyer B, Kolodziejek J, Nowotny N, Steinmann E, Cavalleri JMV. No Evidence of Mosquito Involvement in the Transmission of Equine Hepacivirus (Flaviviridae) in an Epidemiological Survey of Austrian Horses. Viruses 2019; 11:v11111014. [PMID: 31683893 PMCID: PMC6893842 DOI: 10.3390/v11111014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence studies have demonstrated a global distribution of equine hepacivirus (EqHV), a member of the family Flaviviridae. However, apart from a single case of vertical transmission, natural routes of EqHV transmission remain elusive. Many known flaviviruses are horizontally transmitted between hematophagous arthropods and vertebrate hosts. This study represents the first investigation of potential EqHV transmission by mosquitoes. More than 5000 mosquitoes were collected across Austria and analyzed for EqHV ribonucleic acid (RNA) by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Concurrently, 386 serum samples from horses in eastern Austria were analyzed for EqHV-specific antibodies by luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) and for EqHV RNA by RT-qPCR. Additionally, liver-specific biochemistry parameters were compared between EqHV RNA-positive horses and EqHV RNA-negative horses. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted in comparison to previously published sequences from various origins. No EqHV RNA was detected in mosquito pools. Serum samples yielded an EqHV antibody prevalence of 45.9% (177/386) and RNA prevalence of 4.15% (16/386). EqHV RNA-positive horses had significantly higher glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) levels (p = 0.013) than control horses. Phylogenetic analysis showed high similarity between nucleotide sequences of EqHV in Austrian horses and EqHV circulating in other regions. Despite frequently detected evidence of EqHV infection in Austrian horses, no viral RNA was found in mosquitoes. It is therefore unlikely that mosquitoes are vectors of this flavivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcha Badenhorst
- University Equine Clinic - Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Phebe de Heus
- University Equine Clinic - Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Angelika Auer
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Till Rümenapf
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Birthe Tegtmeyer
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Medical School Hannover (MHH) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Building 14, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Jessika-M V Cavalleri
- University Equine Clinic - Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Lu G, Ou J, Sun Y, Wu L, Xu H, Zhang G, Li S. Natural recombination of equine hepacivirus subtype 1 within the NS5A and NS5B genes. Virology 2019; 533:93-98. [PMID: 31136896 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) was first reported in 2012 and is the closest known homolog of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A number of studies have reported HCV recombination events. The aim of this study was to determine whether recombination events occur in EqHV strains. Considering that no information on the Chinese EqHV genome sequence is available, we first sequenced the near-complete genomes of three field EqHV strains. Through systemic analysis, we obtained strong evidence supporting a recombination event within the NS5A and NS5B genes in the American EqHV strains, but not in the strains from China or other countries. Finally, using cut-off values for determination of HCV genotypes and subtypes, we classified the EqHV strains from around the world into one unique genotype and three subtypes. The recombination event occurred in subtype 1 EqHV strains. This study provides critical insights into the genetic variability and evolution of EqHV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Ou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yankuo Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guihong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shoujun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Severe Clinical Animal Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Technological Engineering Research Center for Pet, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Figueiredo AS, de Moraes MVDS, Soares CC, Chalhoub FLL, de Filippis AMB, Dos Santos DRL, de Almeida FQ, Godoi TLOS, de Souza AM, Burdman TR, de Lemos ERS, Dos Reis JKP, Cruz OG, Pinto MA. First description of Theiler's disease-associated virus infection and epidemiological investigation of equine pegivirus and equine hepacivirus coinfection in Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1737-1751. [PMID: 31017727 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the study of equine pegivirus (EPgV), Theiler's disease-associated virus (TDAV) and equine hepacivirus (EqHV) highlight their importance to veterinary and human health. To gain some insight into virus distribution, possible risk factors, presence of liver damage and genetic variability of these viruses in Brazil, we performed a cross-sectional study of EPgV and TDAV infections using a simultaneous detection assay, and assessed EqHV coinfection in different horse cohorts. Of the 500 serum samples screened, TDAV, EPgV and EPgV-EqHV were present in 1.6%, 14.2% and 18.3%, respectively. EPgV-positive horses were present in four Brazilian states: Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Serum biochemical alterations were present in 40.4% of EPgV-infected horses, two of them presenting current liver injury. Chance of infection was 2.7 times higher in horses ≤5 years old (p = 0.0008) and 4.9 times higher in horses raised under intensive production systems (p = 0.0009). EPgV-EqHV coinfection was 75% less likely in horses older than 5 years comparatively to those with ≤5 years old (p = 0.047). TDAV-positive animals were detected in different horse categories without biochemical alteration. Nucleotide sequences were highly conserved among isolates from this study and previous field and commercial product isolates (≥88% identity). Tree topology revealed the formation of two clades (pp = 1) for both EPgV and TDAV NS3 partial sequences. In conclusion, the widespread presence of EPgV-RNA suggests an enzootic infection with subclinical viremia in Brazil. Horse management can influence virus spread. This first report of TDAV-infected horses outside the USA reveals the existence of subclinical viremic horses in distant geographical regions. EPgV and TDAV have similar circulating isolates worldwide. These findings contribute to global efforts to understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these equine viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreza Soriano Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tatianne Leme Oliveira Santos Godoi
- Coordenação de Produção Integrada ao Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão, Reitoria, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline Moreira de Souza
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Diagnóstico Molecular Professor Marcílio Dias do Nascimento, Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Rozental Burdman
- Laboratório de Hantaviroses e Rickettsioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Alves Pinto
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Virologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Schlottau K, Fereidouni S, Beer M, Hoffmann B. Molecular identification and characterization of nonprimate hepaciviruses in equines. Arch Virol 2018; 164:391-400. [PMID: 30361815 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-4077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Hepacivirus, family Flaviviridae. Its genome has a length of 9.6 kb and encodes a single polyprotein flanked by two untranslated regions. HCV can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and approximately 2% of the world's population is chronically infected. The investigation of pathogenesis is complicated due to the lack of an animal model. The origin of this virus remains unclear, but in the last few years, relatives of HCV were initially identified in dogs and later in horses, rodents, bats and Old World monkeys. Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), which infects dogs and horses, is the closest relative to HCV. We established a pan-reactive "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay, which is able to detect human HCV as well as equine NPHV, and additionally, an equine-specific "equHepaci"-RT-qPCR for confirmation of positive results. Serum samples from 1158 clinically inconspicuous horses from Germany and several samples from other mammalian species were screened. We found 2.4% of the horses positive for hepacivirus RNA, and furthermore, the "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay also detected a hepacivirus in a donkey from Egypt. This virus had only 78% sequence identity in the E2 gene when compared to other known NPHVs. The established method could be useful for screening purposes, since it is likely that related hepaciviruses also occur in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kore Schlottau
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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15
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Yeşilbağ K, Baechlein C, Kadiroğlu B, Baldan Toker E, Alpay G, Becher P. Presence of bovine hepacivirus in Turkish cattle. Vet Microbiol 2018; 225:1-5. [PMID: 30322519 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a worldwide distributed human pathogen, causes one of the most important viral infections in human being. HCV is the type species of the genus Hepacivirus (Flaviviridae) in which recently discovered animal viruses i.e. from horses, bats, rodents and cattle are allocated. After preliminary reports in 2015 from German and African cattle, a wide distribution of bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV, Hepacivirus N) was proposed. We investigated the possible presence of BovHepV in serum samples from cattle in different locations of Turkey. Analyzing a total of 120 samples from 98 female (dairy) and 22 male (beef) cattle by real-time RT-PCR resulted in 15 (12.5%) positives. BovHepV infection was detected in 6 out of 10 locations included in the study. There were positive samples both from eastern and western parts of the country indicating possible wide distribution in the Turkish cattle population. Phylogenetic analysis of 9 selected positive samples clearly assigned 8 sequences to a separate cluster on the basis of NS3 gene region, while one of the sequences obtained from an imported animal from north of Italy grouped with sequences obtained from cattle in Germany. The latter finding may indicate possible occurrence of this genetic group of BovHepV not only in Germany but in other European countries. Results of the present study demonstrate the presence of BovHepV infections in Turkey and in The Middle East region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Yeşilbağ
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Christine Baechlein
- Institute for Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Berfin Kadiroğlu
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Eda Baldan Toker
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gizem Alpay
- Department of Virology, Uludag University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Paul Becher
- Institute for Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
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16
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Hepacivirus A Infection in Horses Defines Distinct Envelope Hypervariable Regions and Elucidates Potential Roles of Viral Strain and Adaptive Immune Status in Determining Envelope Diversity and Infection Outcome. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00314-18. [PMID: 29976666 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00314-18] [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: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepacivirus A (also known as nonprimate hepacivirus and equine hepacivirus) is a hepatotropic virus that can cause both transient and persistent infections in horses. The evolution of intrahost viral populations (quasispecies) has not been studied in detail for hepacivirus A, and its roles in immune evasion and persistence are unknown. To address these knowledge gaps, we first evaluated the envelope gene (E1 and E2) diversity of two different hepacivirus A strains (WSU and CU) in longitudinal blood samples from experimentally infected adult horses, juvenile horses (foals), and foals with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Persistent infection with the WSU strain was associated with significantly greater quasispecies diversity than that observed in horses who spontaneously cleared infection (P = 0.0002) or in SCID foals (P < 0.0001). In contrast, the CU strain was able to persist despite significantly lower (P < 0.0001) and relatively static envelope diversity. These findings indicate that envelope diversity is a poor predictor of hepacivirus A infection outcomes and could be dependent on strain-specific factors. Next, entropy analysis was performed on all E1/E2 genes entered into GenBank. This analysis defined three novel hypervariable regions (HVRs) in E2, at residues 391 to 402 (HVR1), 450 to 461 (HVR2), and 550 to 562 (HVR3). For the experimentally infected horses, entropy analysis focusing on the HVRs demonstrated that these regions were under increased selective pressure during persistent infection. Increased diversity in the HVRs was also temporally associated with seroconversion in some horses, suggesting that these regions may be targets of neutralizing antibody and may play a role in immune evasion.IMPORTANCE Hepacivirus C (hepatitis C virus) is estimated to infect 150 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast, its closest relative, hepacivirus A, causes relatively mild disease in horses and is frequently cleared. The relationship between quasispecies evolution and infection outcome has not been explored for hepacivirus A. To address this knowledge gap, we examined envelope gene diversity in horses with resolving and persistent infections. Interestingly, two strain-specific patterns of quasispecies diversity emerged. Persistence of the WSU strain was associated with increased quasispecies diversity and the accumulation of amino acid changes within three novel hypervariable regions following seroconversion. These findings provided evidence that envelope gene mutation is influenced by adaptive immune pressure and may contribute to hepacivirus persistence. However, the CU strain persisted despite relative evolutionary stasis, suggesting that some hepacivirus strains may use alternative mechanisms to persist in the host.
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Badenhorst M, Tegtmeyer B, Todt D, Guthrie A, Feige K, Campe A, Steinmann E, Cavalleri JMV. First detection and frequent occurrence of Equine Hepacivirus in horses on the African continent. Vet Microbiol 2018; 223:51-58. [PMID: 30173752 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of equine hepacivirus (EqHV) in 2011, the virus has been detected in horse populations from more than twelve countries across five continents. EqHV seroprevalence has been reported to be as high as 61.8% and EqHV ribonucleic acid (RNA) prevalence to range between 0.9% and 34.1%. Molecular and serological indications of EqHV infection have never been reported in equids on the African continent. Therefore, investigation of EqHV prevalence in South African horses and subsequent viral genetic characterization contribute to a better understanding of the global epidemiology of this virus. In a cross-sectional study, serum samples from 454 Thoroughbred foals (aged 58-183 days) were analysed for anti-EqHV non-structural protein 3 (NS3)-specific antibodies (abs) with a luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) and for EqHV RNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Farms of origin (n = 26) were situated in South Africa's Western Cape Province. The associations between EqHV infection state and farm of origin, foal gender and foal age were subsequently described. Furthermore, nested PCRs were performed on parts of the 5'UTR, NS3 and NS5B genes of 17 samples. Samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were conducted. The population's seroprevalence was 83.70% and RNA was detected in 7.93% of samples. Increasing foal age was associated with decreasing ab prevalence and increasing prevalence of EqHV RNA. Sequences from South African EqHV strains did not show in-depth clustering with published sequences of EqHV isolates from particular continents. In conclusion, EqHV is present in the South African Thoroughbred population and appears more prevalent than reported in other horse populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcha Badenhorst
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, South Africa; Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birthe Tegtmeyer
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Medical School Hannover (MHH) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Medical School Hannover (MHH) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625, Hannover, Germany; Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alan Guthrie
- Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), WHO-Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Medical School Hannover (MHH) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625, Hannover, Germany; Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Jessika M V Cavalleri
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, South Africa; Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria; Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
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