Equine Herpesvirus Type 9 in Giraffe with Encephalitis
2008
Equine Herpesvirus Type 9 in Giraffe with Encephalitis
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Kasem Samy, Yamada Souichi, Kiupel Matti, Woodruff Mary, Ohya Kenji, Fukushi Hideto
Primary Institution: Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
Conclusion
The giraffe herpesvirus is closely related to EHV-9 and EHV-1, indicating potential cross-species transmission of equine herpesviruses.
Supporting Evidence
- The giraffe had neurologic symptoms and was found to have nonsuppurative encephalitis.
- The isolated virus was identified as EHV-1 through PCR and monoclonal antibody assay.
- The giraffe herpesvirus was 99.5% identical to EHV-9 and 94.6% identical to EHV-1.
Takeaway
A giraffe got sick from a virus that usually affects horses, and it might have caught it from nearby zebras.
Methodology
PCR was used to amplify gene sequences from the giraffe herpesvirus for analysis.
Participant Demographics
The study involved a reticulated giraffe and Burchell's zebras.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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