First Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) in Iran

The recent identification of novel viruses associated with hepatitis in horses has prompted equine veterinarians to investigate the viral factors contributing to equine hepatitis. Hepacivirus equi (EqHV), a member of the Flaviviridae family within the Hepacivirus genus, has been detected in horses affected by hepatitis. Globally, EqHV is highly conserved, existing as a single genotype with three distinct subtypes (Subtypes 1-3). Numerous studies have detected the virus by PCR and identified EqHV-specific antibodies through serological tests in different regions worldwide. However, to the best of our knowledge, no published research has investigated the presence of EqHV in the horse population of Iran.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of Hepacivirus equi in Iran's horse population and to perform a phylogenetic analysis of the detected strains.

A total of 150 whole blood samples were collected from horses (Equus caballus) across various locations in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Molecular assays were used to detect the EqHV genetic material.

This study confirms the presence of EqHV in the equine population of Khuzestan, Iran, with an average prevalence of 4.66%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain identified in this study, designated as 'IR1-Ahvaz-2024', belongs to EqHV-1 subtype. The sequence identified in this study has been submitted to GenBank under accession number PQ848112.

The detection of EqHV in Iran's horse population is of potential significance to manufacturers and users of equine-derived biological products, both in Iran and in countries that import these products. These findings highlight the need for further research and surveillance to assess the potential impact of EqHV on equine health in the region.