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Published on: August 18, 2023
Pseudorabies virus as a zoonosis: scientific and public health implications
Yumei Chen1,2, Jie Gao1,2, Rongqian Hua1,2
1School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, 450001, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a herpes virus, also known as Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), which can cause a highly infectious disease pseudorabies (PR) in a variety of mammals. In the past, it has been debated whether PRV can infect humans, but more and more cases of PRV infection have been reported since 2017. The illness has claimed many victims and left survivors with serious sequelae. This indicates that humans may ignore the zoonotic ability of PRV. This review aims to summarize the pathology and pathogenesis of PRV and speculate on how it infects humans. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the progression of PRV, including its virology characteristics, genomic organization, and genetic evolution. It also synthesises the existing literature on PRV infection in humans, and analyses the factors contributing to PRV zoonosis. Finally, the pathogenesis of PRV-infected pigs and other mammals was summarized, and the pathogenesis of PRV-infected humans was speculated.
Insights
Pseudorabies virus (PRV), or Aujeszky's disease virus, is a herpes virus causing severe illness in mammals. Recent outbreaks reveal its zoonotic potential, highlighting the urgent need to understand PRV infections in humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Pathogenesis
Background:
- Pseudorabies virus (PRV), also known as Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), is a herpesvirus causing significant disease in mammals.
- Historically, human infection with PRV was debated, but increasing reports since 2017 indicate a growing zoonotic threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathology and pathogenesis of PRV.
- To explore the mechanisms of human PRV infection and zoonotic transmission.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of PRV virology, genomics, and evolution.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis on PRV virology, genomics, and evolution.
- Review of existing studies on human PRV infections.
- Analysis of factors contributing to PRV zoonosis.
- Summary of PRV pathogenesis in mammals and speculation on human pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- PRV exhibits characteristics of a significant zoonotic pathogen.
- Factors contributing to PRV zoonosis are being identified.
- Pathogenesis in humans is increasingly evident, though not fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- PRV poses a serious zoonotic risk that requires further investigation.
- Understanding PRV's zoonotic potential is critical for public health.
- Continued research into PRV pathogenesis in humans is essential.
