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Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis
1Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) viruses continue to emerge due to high mutation rates. Future vaccines should target enzootic viruses to prevent VEE virus transmission at its source.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) viruses emerge due to high RNA virus mutation rates.
- Current vaccines are effective against VEE in equids but not in human epidemics.
- VEE virus occurrences in Mexico indicate current vaccines do not interrupt transmission from enzootic cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current VEE virus vaccines.
- To propose a new vaccine strategy targeting enzootic VEE viruses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of VEE virus emergence patterns.
- Review of vaccine efficacy data in equids and humans.
- Assessment of VEE virus transmission cycles.
Main Results:
- High mutation rates of VEE viruses contribute to epidemic emergence.
- Existing vaccines are insufficient to prevent VEE virus transmission from enzootic sources.
- Recent VEE outbreaks suggest vaccine limitations.
Conclusions:
- Current VEE vaccines do not interrupt transmission at the source.
- Future VEE vaccines should utilize immunogens from enzootic viruses.
- Targeting enzootic cycles is crucial for preventing VEE virus emergence.