Prevalence and pathology of equine parvovirus-hepatitis in racehorses from New York racetracks

• DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01901-3
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01T17:07:54Z
• Authors: Mason C. Jager; Joy E. Tomlinson; Caitlin E. Henry; Megan J. Fahey; Gerlinde R. Van d...
• Keywords: Subclinical infection; Liver disease

Abstract Background Theiler’s disease, a.k.a. equine serum hepatitis, is a devastating, highly fatal disease of horses. Equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) has been identified as the likely cause this disease. While incidence low, prevalence EqPV-H DNA in horses high, with up to 37% some regions, suggesting that subclinical or persistent infection common. Methods To determine and pathogenicity at New York racetracks, was extracted from archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver tissues racehorses submitted for necropsy Animal Health Diagnostic Center part State Gaming Commission-Cornell University postmortem examination program. A total 191 samples between 2 13 years old were evaluated. Extracted tested using PCR gel electrophoresis. PCR-positive further assessed tissue morphology histology detection viral nucleic acid situ hybridization. Results Forty-two positive (22%). Of those, 31 had hybridization hepatocytes 11 showing necrotic associated inflammatory cells, indicating active hepatitis. Both individual hepatocyte necrosis hepatitis positively (p < 0.0001 p = 0.0005, respectively). Conclusion These findings indicate presence parvoviral-associated are prevalent thus warranting additional studies examining potential associations racehorse performance.