Chronic equine hepacivirus infection in an adult gelding with severe hepatopathy

Abstract

Background: Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) in equids represents the closest homologue to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infecting humans. A majority of HCV infected patients develop a chronic course of infection leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. However, in horses mostly transient mild subclinical infections are reported for EqHV to date. Objectives: EqHV can be involved in chronic liver diseases of horses. Methods: Biochemical parameters in serum samples were measured. Viral load was determined using qPCR. Next generation sequencing (NGS) of serum was performed. Liver tissue was stained with haematoxylin and eosin and analysed for viral RNA with fluorescent in situ‐hybridization. Results: The horse showed symptoms of severe hepatopathy and was chronically infected with EqHV. Viral RNA was detectable in the liver during disease. To rule out other infectious agents NGS was performed and showed the highest abundance for EqHV. The identified virus sequence was similar to other circulating equine hepaciviruses. Conclusions: EqHV can be associated with liver disease in horses. Whether it causes the disease or contributes in a multifactorial manner needs further investigation.

Pathogenesis, MicroRNA‐122 Gene‐Regulation, and Protective Immune Responses After Acute Equine Hepacivirus Infection

“…Histopathologic changes in horses were similar to acute HCV in humans, with lymphocytic infiltrate and some hepatocyte necrosis. A recent report of liver disease associated with chronic EqHV infection also showed similarities to chronic HCV infection in humans (11). Thus, EqHV also appears to be of clinical importance in equine medicine and warrants further study.…”

Equine parvovirus hepatitis

“…In contrast, EqHV and EqPV-H are hepatotropic and have frequently been detected in cases of mild or subclinical hepatitis [2; 20; 21]. EqHV infection has only been reported in three cases of severe clinical liver disease [22][23][24].…”

Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine: Challenges and Prospects

“…This discrepancy between serology and viral RNA may be indicative of a high viral clearance rate. Despite this potential high clearance rate, EqHV acute infection may proceed to chronicity after 6 months [148], further validating the relevancy of this virus as a model for HCV.…”