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Persistence and chronic urinary shedding of the aphthovirus equine rhinitis A virus
Stacey E Lynch1, James R Gilkerson, Sally J Symes
1Equine Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
Abstract:
Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) is a member of the Aphthovirus genus, and has many physical and structural similarities to the prototype Aphthovirus foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The pathogenesis of FMDV has been extensively studied, however, the similarities in the pathogenesis of ERAV and FMDV disease has not been well documented. This study describes and compares the pathogenesis of ERAV both in the natural host and a small animal model alternative (CBA mice). Distinct parallels in the pathogenesis of the acute infection of these two viruses are described where infection in the upper respiratory tract precedes shedding of high levels of virus from the nasopharynx and a transient viraemic phase before dissemination to distal sites. The finding that ERAV is maintained at high levels in the urine of infected horses for at least 37 days post infection, however, is a feature unique to ERAV amongst all of the picornaviruses.
Insights
Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) shares pathogenesis similarities with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), including upper respiratory infection and shedding. ERAV uniquely maintains high urine viral levels for over 37 days post-infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Comparative Pathology
- Equine Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) belongs to the Aphthovirus genus, sharing similarities with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV).
- While FMDV pathogenesis is well-studied, ERAV pathogenesis, particularly its comparative aspects, remains less documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare the pathogenesis of ERAV in its natural host (horses) and a small animal model (CBA mice).
- To identify similarities and unique features in ERAV pathogenesis compared to FMDV.
Main Methods:
- Infection of horses and CBA mice with ERAV.
- Monitoring viral shedding, viraemia, and dissemination.
- Analysis of viral persistence in urine.
Main Results:
- ERAV infection initiates in the upper respiratory tract, preceding nasopharyngeal shedding and transient viraemia.
- Virus disseminates to distal sites following the acute phase.
- ERAV is uniquely maintained at high levels in equine urine for at least 37 days post-infection, a characteristic not observed in other picornaviruses.
Conclusions:
- ERAV pathogenesis exhibits distinct parallels with FMDV, particularly during acute infection.
- The prolonged high-level viral shedding in urine is a novel finding and a unique characteristic of ERAV among picornaviruses.
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