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A murine model for studying EHV-1-induced abortion
A R Awan1, J S Gibson, H J Field
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.
Research in Veterinary Science
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection in mice caused varying disease severity and, in pregnant mice, premature birth and fetal abnormalities. Virus was detected in affected fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Reproductive Immunology
Background:
- Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen in horses, known for causing respiratory disease, abortion, and neurological issues.
- Abortigenic strains of EHV-1 pose a threat to equine reproduction, necessitating further understanding of their pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic effects of two abortigenic EHV-1 strains in a mouse model.
- To evaluate the impact of EHV-1 infection on pregnant mice and their fetuses.
Main Methods:
- Balb/c mice were intranasally inoculated with two distinct abortigenic EHV-1 strains.
- Disease progression, clinical signs, and outcomes in pregnant and non-pregnant mice were monitored.
- Fetal tissues were examined for abnormalities and presence of EHV-1 via virus isolation and immunofluorescence.
Main Results:
- One EHV-1 strain induced subclinical disease, while the other caused significant morbidity, including weight loss, constitutional signs, and mortality.
- In pregnant mice, one strain led to premature parturition, and both strains resulted in fetal abnormalities.
- EHV-1 was successfully detected in aborted fetuses, confirming viral transmission and replication.
Conclusions:
- The mouse model effectively demonstrated differential pathogenicity of EHV-1 strains.
- EHV-1 infection in pregnant mice can lead to adverse reproductive outcomes, including fetal loss and abnormalities.
- These findings highlight the potential of EHV-1 to cause reproductive failure and underscore the need for effective control strategies.