title: Detection of Equid herpesvirus type 2 and 5 DNA in uterine flushings of mares with reproductive disorders.
abstract: In recent years, there has been increasing evidence of the potential pathogenic significance of equine gammaherpesviruses in the horse. In humans, cattle and mice, gammaherpesviruses have already been associated with uterine infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of gammaherpesviruses in uterine flushings of mares with reproductive problems and to evaluate if there was a possible statistical association with clinical and laboratory findings in these cases. A total of 80 uterine flushings were collected from 61 mares with different reproductive problems and these were tested for equine herpesviruses (EHV) 1-5 by PCR. In the case of each mare in the study, the age, history of infertility, presence of anatomical defects in the reproductive tract, presence of systemic or local disease at time of sampling, phase in the oestrous cycle, post-partum interval, nature of uterine lavage performed (low versus large volume lavage), cytological and bacteriological examination results from the uterine flushing, and PCR herpesvirus results were recorded. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify possible statistical associations and risk factors. Nine out of 61 mares (14.7%) had EHV-5 DNA in their uterine flushings. Co-infections with EHV-1 and EHV-2 were present in two cases. Of all the variables analyzed, only the cytological examination findings were associated with EHV-5 PCR positive results, both on univariate and multivariable analysis, especially in cases with an inflammation score of 3. It is postulated that presence of EHV-5 infection in the non-pregnant uterus may have a role to play in reproductive dysfunction and have a negative consequence on the pregnant uterus. Additional studies involving both healthy mares and mares with reproductive problems need to be performed, however, to elucidate whatever role equine gammaherpesviruses may play in the reproductive tract. This would be very worthwhile, since reproductive problems can have a significant impact on the equine breeding industry. Gaining a greater understanding of its causes could lead to new approaches for prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy. Electronic address: marialuisa.marenzoni@unipg.it.
authors.forename: Maria Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Marenzoni
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sforna
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stefanetti
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Casagrande Proietti
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Central Italy, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brignone
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Central Italy, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Del Sero
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Central Italy, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Falcioni
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Central Italy, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Orvieto
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Central Italy, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tamantini
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Central Italy, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tiburzi
authors.affiliation: Private Practitioner, Central Italy, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Valentini
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coletti
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, 1400 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, United States.
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Timoney
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Passamonti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D060085:Coinfection; D005260:Female; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D004861:Herpesvirus 1, Equid / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000821:virology*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction; D018144:Rhadinovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D018140:Varicellovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*
keywords: EHV-2; EHV-5; Gammaherpesviruses; Horse; Reproductive problems; Uterus