First Molecular Evidence of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) in Ocular Swabs of Clinically Affected Horses
Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen within the <i>Alphaherpesvirinae</i> subfamily, causing respiratory disease, abortions, and, in severe cases, equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). While nasal swabs and blood samples are commonly used for real-time poly...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Viruses |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/6/862 |
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| Summary: | Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen within the <i>Alphaherpesvirinae</i> subfamily, causing respiratory disease, abortions, and, in severe cases, equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). While nasal swabs and blood samples are commonly used for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnosis, variability in viral shedding necessitates exploring additional sample types. This study reports the first molecular detection of EHV-1 in ocular swabs from naturally infected horses during an outbreak in the Valencian Community in 2023. Nasal and ocular swabs were collected from ten symptomatic horses and analyzed via RT-PCR. EHV-1 was detected in all cases, with higher viral loads in nasal samples. Although nasal swabs remain the most reliable sample for EHV-1 detection, the presence of viral DNA in tear fluid suggests a previously unrecognized route of viral shedding. These findings support further investigation into the role of ocular secretions in the pathogenesis and epidemiology of EHV-1. Additional studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance and potential utility of ocular swabs in specific outbreak scenarios. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4915 |