Sequence analysis of Seven Equine Herpes Type 1 Viruses circulating in nonvaccinated Arabian and Foreign horses in Egypt
Sequence analysis of Seven Equine Herpes Type 1 Viruses circulating in nonvaccinated Arabian and Foreign horses in Egypt
Nagwa K. Meselhy1, Mohamed A. Abo El-khair1, Basem M. Ahmed2, Sherif A. El-Soally3,
Abdelhamid M. Fares1, Mohamed A. Nayel1 and Hussein A. Hussein2
ABSTRACT
Background: Equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1) has a significant economic impact on equine industry. It
is a highly contagious pathogen, mainly transmitted by inhalation of aerosols of virus laden respiratory
secretions especially with high population during equestrian events. Reactivation of virus in nonsymptomatic,
latently (silently) infected horses is the main cause of circulation of such virus in horses.
Methods: In the present study, molecular characterization of circulating EHV-1 viruses among horses
of equestrian clubs in Egypt was carried out. Sixty-two samples of whole blood with anticoagulant
were collected and screened for EHV-1 using nested PCR that amplify the conserved fragment of
glycoprotein B gene (ORF 33), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
Results: The study revealed that 19% of our samples were positive to EHV-1 and phylogenetic
analysis showed that the Egyptian EHV-1 isolates were more than 99% similarity to European
abortogenic isolates (EHV-1 strains: Army 183 and Suffolk/48/2013). Indeed, the analysis reports that
these viruses are circulating in both Arabian and foreign horses in Egypt.
Conclusion: The nested PCR is an appropriate technique for the detection of EHV-1 present in blood
of a latently, or silently infected horses. The application of this nested PCR is considered to be a rapid
diagnostic tool for use in veterinary laboratories. Thus it will enhance the detection and
characterization of the circulating EHV-1 in Egypt. Control strategy for EHV-1 viruses in vaccinated
and non-vaccinated animals needs to be addressed.
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January 2019
Vol. 5, Pages 1-141
