Distribution and load of elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses in tissues from associated fatalities of Asian elephants.
Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses (EEHVs) are the cause of a highly fatal haemorrhagic disease in elephants primarily affecting young Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in both captivity and in the wild. The viruses have emerged as a significant threat to Asian elephant conservation, critically affecting overall sustainability of their population. So far insight into the pathogenesis of EEHV infections has been restricted to examination of EEHV-infected tissues. However, little is known about distribution and burden of the viruses within the organs of fatal cases, crucial elements in the understanding of the virus pathogenesis. This study was therefore undertaken to assess the extent of organ and cell involvement in fatal cases of EEHV-1A, 1B and 5 using a quantitative real-time PCR. EEHV-1 and 5 DNA were detectable in all the tissues examined, albeit with substantial differences in the viral DNA load. The highest EEHV-1A DNA load was observed in the liver, followed by the heart, thymus and tongue. EEHV-1B and 5 showed the highest DNA load in the heart, followed by tongue and liver. This study provides new insights into EEHV pathogenicity and has implications in choice of sample type for disease investigation and virus isolation.
Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; Division of Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK.
Katharina
K
Seilern-Moy
Division of Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK.
Karin
K
Darpel
Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK.
Falko
F
Steinbach
Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK. Electronic address: akbar.dastjerdi@apha.gsi.gov.uk.
Akbar
A
Dastjerdi
D000818:Animals; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D004606:Elephants / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D014059:Tongue / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D019562:Viral Load
D004279:DNA, Viral
EEHV distribution; EEHV load; EEHV-1; EEHV-5; Herpesvirus