First isolation of Bunyamwera virus (Bunyaviridae family) from horses with neurological disease and an abortion in Argentina.
Authors: Tauro Laura B, Rivarola Maria E, Lucca Eduardo, Mariño Betina, Mazzini Rubén, Cardoso Jedson Ferreira, Barrandeguy María Edith, Teixeira Nunes Marcio Roberto, Contigiani Marta S
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Bunyamwera Virus in Argentine Horses Bunyamwera virus (BUNV), long recognised as a significant pathogen in ruminants, has historically not been documented as a cause of equine neurological disease or reproductive loss—until now. During 2013, researchers isolated three distinct BUNV strains from clinical cases in Santa Fe Province, Argentina: two from brain and splenic tissue of horses presenting with encephalitis, and one from the brain of an aborted foetus. This represents the first confirmed association between BUNV infection and equine central nervous system disease coupled with abortion-related losses in Argentina, expanding our understanding of the virus's host range and geographical distribution. The recovery of multiple isolates from different tissues and individuals suggests active circulation in the region rather than isolated cases, warranting heightened clinical awareness amongst equine practitioners and diagnostic laboratories. Given BUNV's established vector-borne transmission pattern and presence in domestic equids, practitioners should consider this pathogen in their differential diagnoses for encephalitis and abortion cases in South America, particularly in regions where the virus and relevant arthropod vectors coincide, whilst further epidemiological surveillance remains essential to determine prevalence and risk factors.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Bunyamwera virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis for equine encephalitis and abortion cases in Argentina and potentially other regions
- •Clinicians should maintain awareness of emerging viral pathogens affecting equine populations, particularly those with neurological presentations
- •Brain and spleen tissue sampling may be indicated for suspected viral encephalitis cases to enable pathogen identification
Key Findings
- •Three isolates of Bunyamwera virus were recovered from brains and spleen of two horses with encephalitis and from an aborted equine fetus in Argentina
- •This represents the first association of BUNV infection with central nervous system disease and abortion in equines in Argentina
- •BUNV, previously associated mainly with ruminant disease, was isolated from domestic equine animals showing neurological clinical signs