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 -...

€61.50

Sample Requirements

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 Time

2 to 5 working days

About the test

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.

Additional information

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.