Gammaherpesvirus Infections in Equids: a Review

Overview

Journal Vet Med (Auckl)

Specialty Veterinary Medicine

Date 2018 Aug 30

PMID 30155436

Citations 13

Authors

Maria Luisa Marenzoni

Valentina Stefanetti

Maria Luisa Danzetta

Peter Joseph Timoney

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Although the first equine gammaherpesvirus was identified over 50 years ago, the isolation and characterization of other members of this virus group has been relatively recent. Even so, numerous clinical syndromes have been identified in equid species in association with these viruses. Equid gammaherpesviruses are a genetically heterogeneous viral subfamily, the function of which in host immune modulation and disease pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. While they share similarities with gammaherpesviruses in humans, the role they play in their relationship with the host is the subject of continued interest and research. Their widespread presence in horses and other equid species provides a considerable challenge in linking them with particular clinical and pathological conditions and in defining their significance from a diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoint. The present review provides an update on the taxonomy, epidemiology, and clinical syndromes, especially respiratory, reported in association with gammaherpesvirus infection in horses, donkeys, and other equid species.

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