Borna virus, RT-qPCR

Pathogen test The RT-cPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Borna virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube and/or 5mL -...

469,00 kr Incl. VAT

About

The RT-cPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Borna virus.

What is Borna virus?

Borna disease is caused by one of just a few bornaviruses that occur in a wide variety of warm-blooded animals.

This virus attacks the nerve cells within the brain itself causing dangerous levels of inflammation.

This virus is frequently lethal once symptoms begin presenting themselves, however, antibodies specific to the virus have frequently been found in the blood of animals who are clinically unaffected. This suggests that some horses and other animals may become infected and remain asymptomatic.

Borna disease is a rare viral infection that causes swelling of the nerve cells in the brain, leading to unusual behaviours and seizures, and is frequently fatal.

Clinical signs

The clinical signs of Borna disease usually occur in horses two to three months after the initial exposure, although there have been reports of incubation periods exceeding six months.

Blindness
Chewing motions
Colic symptoms
Collapse
Head-pressing
Hypersensitivity
Lack of coordination
Leaning
Loss of appetite
Muscular tremors
Paralysis
Rapid and involuntary eye movement
Sawhorse stance
Severe depression
Weakness
Yawning

Transmission

The virus that causes Borna disease in horses is closely related to the bornavirus that affects birds and is believed to be the cause of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) in birds.

The transmission methods for these viruses are not well understood, but direct contact with either saliva or nasal secretions are believed to be a common vector.

Borna disease emerges more frequently on farms with poor rodent control and hygiene, and instances seem to peak during the months between March and June.

Prevention

Experimental vaccines for immunopathology have had mixed results. In some cases, the immunopathology of the infection caused some vaccines to exacerbate the disease, but recent evidence suggests the possibility of effective inoculation.

Although some preliminary research indicates success with protective vaccination of mice, at this writing, no pre-exposure vaccine has been developed for use with horses.

Sample

5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube and/or 5 mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround

2 to 5 working days

How it works

🛒 Purchase the test: select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive instructions: after payment confirmation you receive sample collection instructions by e-mail.

🩺 Your veterinarian collects the sample: this test must be collected by a veterinarian, who collects the samples described above under Sample.

📄 Complete the form: print and complete the submission form with the animal identification.

📮 Send it to the laboratory: Equigerminal, S.A., HIESE, Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro, 25, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, PORTUGAL.

📄 Receive your report: your certified report is issued as soon as the analysis is validated.

FAQs

Who collects the sample? Your veterinarian. See Sample for the material and the volume this test requires.

How should the sample be sent? Keep it cool and send it by tracked courier as soon as it is collected. Shipping is arranged and paid for by the client.

What happens if the sample arrives unsuitable? We contact you before processing and ask for a new sample.

Can other tests be added to the same sample? Often yes, if the material and the volume allow it. Ask us before shipping.

How long does it take? See Turnaround. The count starts when the sample arrives at the laboratory, not when you order.

More

The antiviral drug amantadine sulfate may be a potential treatment for Borna disease virus. It has been demonstrated in vitro to inhibit wild-type BDV replication and spread of infection.

As with prevention of the disease, much research is needed to develop successful treatment strategies because, currently, the fatality rate ranges between 60 to 95 percent for horses, and animals that survive often remain neurologically impaired permanently.