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Aujeszky's disease in a horse
T S van den Ingh1, G J Binkhorst, T G Kimman
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Aujeszky's disease caused severe meningoencephalitis in a horse, confirmed by detecting viral DNA and antibodies. Experimental infection showed transient signs and induced neutralizing antibodies but not gI-specific ones.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aujeszky's disease, caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (SHV-1), is a significant concern in pigs but can affect other species.
- Neurological manifestations in non-porcine species are less common and often fatal.
- Accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial for disease management and control.
Observation:
- A horse presented with severe neurological signs consistent with meningoencephalitis.
- Post-mortem examination and diagnostic tests confirmed Aujeszky's disease as the causative agent.
- Viral antigen and DNA were localized within the neurons of the horse's cerebrum.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry, DNA-in situ hybridization, and multiple serological assays were employed for diagnosis.
- Antibodies against Aujeszky's disease virus were detected using virus neutralization, blocking ELISA (targeting glycoprotein I), indirect double sandwich ELISA, and immunoelectron microscopy.
- Experimental intranasal infection in horses with a high dose of SHV-1 resulted in transient, severe neurological signs.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Aujeszky's disease to cause severe neurological disease in horses.
- The diagnostic methods used provide a comprehensive approach for identifying SHV-1 infection in equids.
- Experimental infection revealed that while neutralizing antibodies are induced, specific antibodies against glycoprotein I may not be reliably generated, impacting vaccine development and diagnostic strategies.