One way protection between equid herpesvirus 1 and 4 in vivo

Two groups each of six sibling ponies were exposed to sequential infections with equid herpesvirus 1 or 4 (EHV-1 or EHV-4) at four or five month intervals. Two exposures to EHV-4 did not significantly reduce virus shedding or pyrexia when the ponies were subsequently exposed to EHV-1. However, two sequential infections with EHV-1 completely protected against challenge with EHV-4. Virus neutralising antibody in each group did not increase until 21 days after primary exposure and was subtype specific. However, complement fixing antibody rose within seven days after inoculation with EHV-1, and 14 days after inoculation with EHV-4, and while the latter was subtype specific the former was directed against both EHV-1 and EHV-4. Interpretation of these findings in relation to vaccination is discussed.