First Description of Hepacivirus and Pegivirus Infection in Domestic Horses in China: A Study in Guangdong Province, Heilongjiang Province and Hong Kong District.
Authors: Lu Gang, Sun Lingshuang, Xu Tao, He Dong, Wang Zengchao, Ou Shudan, Jia Kun, Yuan Liguo, Li Shoujun
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hepacivirus and Pegivirus Detection in Chinese Horse Populations Three flaviviruses—equine hepacivirus (EqHV), equine pegivirus (EPgV) and Theiler's disease-associated virus (TDAV)—have only recently been identified in horses since 2012, yet little is known about their global distribution and genetic diversity, particularly in Asian populations. Researchers screened 177 serum samples collected from horses across three Chinese regions between 2014 and 2015 using PCR-based detection, identifying EqHV RNA in six samples and EPgV RNA in two samples, with no concurrent dual infections or TDAV detection observed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both EqHV and EPgV have diversified into distinct clades circulating within China, with EqHV further subdividing into two subclades based on partial NS5B and NS3 gene sequences. These findings establish that both viruses are present in the Chinese equine population, though at relatively low prevalence in this sample cohort, and highlight the need for ongoing surveillance to understand transmission patterns and clinical significance. For practitioners working with horses in Asia-Pacific regions or managing international movement of equines, this work underscores the importance of awareness regarding these flaviviruses and consideration of their potential role in cases of unexplained illness, particularly given the genetic variation now documented across populations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Hepacivirus and pegivirus are present in Chinese horse populations; practitioners should consider these emerging viral infections in differential diagnoses
- •Current evidence suggests these viruses circulate at low prevalence in sampled regions, but geographic surveillance is still limited and ongoing monitoring is warranted
- •No clinical signs or disease outcomes are described in this surveillance study, so clinical significance for practice remains unclear pending further research
Key Findings
- •EqHV detected in 6 of 177 serum samples (3.4%) from Chinese equines
- •EPgV detected in 2 of 177 serum samples (1.1%) from Chinese equines
- •No co-infection with EqHV and EPgV observed in the study population
- •Phylogenetic analysis identified two main clades of EqHV and EPgV circulating in China, with EqHV further subdividing into two subclades