Abstract

Using metagenomic analysis, we identified a novel picornavirus in young preweaned lambs with neurologic signs associated with severe nonsuppurative encephalitis and sensory ganglionitis in 2016 and 2017 in the United Kingdom. In situ hybridization demonstrated intralesional neuronotropism of this virus, which was also detected in archived samples of similarly affected lambs (1998–2014).

Highlights

  • Novel Picornavirus in Lambs with Severe EncephalomyelitisIn 2016 in Scotland, and in 2017 in Wales, progressive neurologic signs were observed in young lambs

  • Using metagenomic analysis, we identified a novel picornavirus in young preweaned lambs with neurologic signs associated with severe nonsuppurative encephalitis and sensory ganglionitis in 2016 and 2017 in the United Kingdom

  • These cases were associated with nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis predominantly involving gray matter, including neuronal necrosis/neuronophagia and ganglionitis consistent with lesions caused by a neuronotropic viral infection

Read more

Summary

Novel Picornavirus in Lambs with Severe Encephalomyelitis

In 2016 in Scotland, and in 2017 in Wales, progressive neurologic signs were observed in young lambs These cases were associated with nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis predominantly involving gray matter, including neuronal necrosis/neuronophagia and ganglionitis consistent with lesions caused by a neuronotropic viral infection. For further validation and sample screening, this viral read was used to design a quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRTPCR) assay (Appendix) Using this qRT-PCR, we analyzed lambs that, in 2017, received diagnoses of nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis and ganglionitis typical of neuronotropic viral infection; all 3 animals tested positive (Table 1).

Case information
Spinal cord NA
Findings
Conclusions

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.