Insights into equine hepacivirus: assay development and transmission patterns

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Radley, Mirelle (2024) Insights into equine hepacivirus: assay development and transmission patterns. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

Equine hepacivirus A (EqHV) is most genetically similar to hepatitis C and causes liver disease in horses. EqHV has been detected in equids globally since 2011, but several aspects about the virus are yet to be established, including transmission and clinical impact.

This study developed a novel assay to detect EqHV antibodies, using EqHV viral proteins expressed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens in Nicotiana benthamiana. Prevalence of EqHV was assessed in a population of rescue horses from Bransby horse sanctuary over several months of 2018. Results showed a new significant seasonal dependence of EqHV prevalence, with most positive samples obtained in the summer months only. An in vivo experiment demonstrated biting flies are a potential transmission vector and may explain this seasonality.

Clinical chemistry data was assessed and compared to data from a Thoroughbred population. Potential implications of haematological parameters were identified for Thoroughbred horses with EqHV. Thoroughbred horses positive for EqHV via PCR had a significantly higher level of haemoglobin, MCH, PCV and MCV and significantly lower MCHC. The haematological parameters for Bransby rescue horses positive for EqHV were not affected, however a have significantly lower levels of CK, highlighting the differences and implications EqHV infections may have on horses in intense work.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Daly, Janet
Tarr, Alexander
Keywords: Equine hepacivirus A (EqHV); EqHV antibodies; EqHV prevalence
Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
Item ID: 76933
Depositing User: Radley, Mirelle
Date Deposited: 31 Jul 2024 04:40
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2024 04:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/76933

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