Abstract
The recently discovered nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV) naturally infects horses and is the closest known homolog of hepatitis C virus to date. Within a follow-up study acute field infections were monitored in four young Thoroughbred horses until the ages of 12–13 months. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of NPHV RNA and anti-NPHV NS3 antibodies and liver specific parameters were evaluated. The four young horses were not able to clear infection, but remained chronically infected for the entire monitored time period despite the presence of NPHV specific antibodies.
Highlights
Nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV) was described to infect horses in several countries worldwide and represents a new member within the family Flaviviridae, genus Hepacivirus [1, 2]
A mild elevation of serum liver enzymes was observed at seroconversion in some affected horses, in most horses serum liver enzymes remained within the reference range [7, 11, 12]
We investigated twenty mare-foal pairs at parturition until 6 months postpartum and could show the occurrence of vertical transmission of NPHV at parturition [15]
Summary
Nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV) was described to infect horses in several countries worldwide and represents a new member within the family Flaviviridae, genus Hepacivirus [1, 2]. NPHV is the closest known homolog of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to date. HCV is a major human pathogen with approximately million people infected worldwide [3]. In 75–85% of acutely infected patients progression to chronic disease occurs, which can lead to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and carcinoma [4]. Similar as well as distinct features between HCV and NPHV have been described. Disease association remains uncertain several studies reported subclinical hepatitis in infected horses. Single reports exist about NPHV infected horses suffering from severe hepatitis.
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