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Updated: May 9, 2026
09:57
Development and Validation of a Quantitative PCR Method for Equid Herpesvirus-2 Diagnostics in Respiratory Fluids
Published on: March 17, 2016
Equine gammaherpesviruses: perfect parasites?
Carol A Hartley1, Kemperly J Dynon, Zelalem H Mekuria
1Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
Veterinary Microbiology
|July 13, 2013
Summary
Equine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) are widespread in horses, causing lifelong infections. Diagnosing GHV disease is difficult due to the virus
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Equine Infectious Diseases
- Viral Evolution
Background:
- Equine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) are prevalent globally in horse populations.
- These viruses establish lifelong infections in horses, persisting through latency and re-infection.
- GHVs can cause a spectrum of clinical signs, from mild respiratory issues to severe pulmonary fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on equine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs).
- To explore the long-term evolutionary relationship between GHVs and their equine hosts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on equine gammaherpesviruses.
- Analysis of viral persistence, latency, and re-infection patterns.
- Examination of the host-virus balance in equine populations.
Main Results:
- Equine GHVs demonstrate significant evolutionary success and widespread host distribution.
- Diagnosis of clinical disease is complicated by the high prevalence of asymptomatic infections.
- A complex interplay exists between GHVs and their equine hosts over millions of years.
Conclusions:
- Equine GHVs are ubiquitous and establish persistent infections, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Understanding the host-virus relationship is crucial for managing equine health.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and long-term impacts of GHV infections.
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