Detection of bovine herpesvirus type 4 antibodies and bovine lymphotropic herpesvirus in New Zealand dairy cows |
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| Authors: | MW de Boer T Zheng BM Buddle S McDougall |
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| Institution: | 1. Anexa Animal Health, Cognosco, PO Box 21, Morrinsville, 3300, New Zealandmdeboer@anexa.co.nz;3. AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand;4. Anexa Animal Health, Cognosco, PO Box 21, Morrinsville, 3300, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | AIM: To detect the presence of bovine herpesvirus (BoHV) type 4 in New Zealand dairy cows with clinical metritis.METHODS: Serum samples taken from 92 dairy cows with clinical metritis, each from a different farm, were tested for the presence of antibodies against BoHV-4 using a commercially available, indirect ELISA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 10 BoHV-4 seropositive cows, and PBMC were examined by a pan-herpesvirus nested PCR to detect herpesvirus. PCR products were sequenced directly and a proportion of the PCR products were cloned and sequenced to identify the virus present.RESULTS: Antibodies to BoHV-4 were detected in 23/92 (25%) serum samples. The pan-herpesvirus PCR was positive in 8/10 PBMC samples. Cloning and sequencing identified that all of the eight PCR-positive PBMC contained bovine lymphotropic herpesvirus (BLHV); no BoHV-4 DNA was detected.CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the finding of the presence of apparent antibodies to BoHV-4, and BLHV DNA in New Zealand dairy cows affected by metritis.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bovine herpesvirus type 4 and BLHV are reported to have the potential to cause reproduction failure in cows. This is the first report of apparent BoHV-4 antibodies, and BLHV in New Zealand. The importance and epidemiology of these viruses in cattle in New Zealand requires further investigation. |
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| Keywords: | Bovine herpesvirus type 4 BoHV-4 bovine lymphotropic herpesvirus BLHV metritis dairy cows detection ELISA cloning peripheral blood mononuclear cells |
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