Name: Equine Herpesvirus Type 2, qPCR
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 55.35 EUR

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Equine Herpesvirus Type 2, qPCR

Pathogen test The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Equine Herpesvirus Type 2 (EHV-2). Serological detection of EHV-2 is of limited use to determine...

€55.35

Sample Requirements

1 nasopharyngeal swab - dry swab
5 mL - K3 EDTA tube
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 Time

2 to 5 working days

About the test

The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Equine Herpesvirus Type 2 (EHV-2).

Serological testing has limited value for detecting reactivation of EHV-2 because the virus can remain latent while still being shed at levels capable of infecting other horses.

Molecular detection by qPCR is the most sensitive, specific and accurate method for assessing the infectivity of affected horses.

What is Equine Herpesvirus Type 2 (EHV-2)?

Equine Herpesvirus Type 2 (EHV-2) belongs to the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily and is widespread in horse populations.

It has been isolated from both healthy horses and animals showing clinical disease.

EHV-2 establishes persistent infections and is considered a potential predisposing factor for Rhodococcus equi respiratory infections. It has also been suggested that EHV-2 may contribute to the reactivation of latent EHV-1 and EHV-4 infections.

Why test?

The qPCR test provides rapid and accurate detection of Equine Herpesvirus Type 2 (EHV-2) and is the preferred method for identifying active viral shedding and assessing infectivity.

Clinical signs

EHV-2 infection occurs most commonly in young foals.

Clinical signs may include:

Keratoconjunctivitis
Respiratory disease
Pneumonia
Pharyngitis
Fever
Enlarged lymph nodes
Inappetence or anorexia
General malaise
Poor performance

There is no evidence that EHV-2 causes abortion.

Transmission

Most foals become infected at an early age.
Transmission is believed to occur through aerosolised respiratory secretions from infected horses.
Initial viral replication occurs in the upper respiratory tract.
Prenatal infection has not been documented.
The virus has not been detected in colostrum or milk.
Experimental studies have shown that infected foals may develop mild rhinitis, conjunctivitis and nasal viral shedding after in utero exposure.

Prevention

Evidence suggests that controlling EHV-2 infection may help reduce the risk of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals.

Preventive and therapeutic approaches reported include:

Passive immunisation with hyperimmune equine serum.
Active immunisation using vaccines containing EHV-2 glycoprotein antigens.
Ophthalmic treatment of ocular disease with idoxuridine or trifluridine, combined with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs where appropriate.

Results

The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Equine Herpesvirus Type 2 (EHV-2).

Additional information

Unlike serological testing, qPCR allows detection of active viral shedding and is considered the preferred method for assessing infectivity in horses with suspected EHV-2 infection.