Equine herpesvirus-1 abortion: atypical cases with lesions largely or wholly restricted to the placenta

摘要: Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) abortion is diagnosed by detailed examination of the aborted fetus, using a combination gross findings, histopathology, virus isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunostaining. Conventionally, these tests are applied to selected target organs, particularly liver, lung, thymus spleen (review; Allen et al. 1999). The macroscopic microscopic lesions in fetus well described (Westerfield Dimock 1946). A feature spontaneous EHV-1 abortions mares often sudden explosive nature event, being expelled without warning still enveloped within fetal membranes. Experimental studies carried out ponies early 1990s (Smith 1992, 1993) gave opportunity investigate histological events taking place uterus aborting following infection. number recently infected virologically negative fetuses, it was possible confirm that were associated with virus-related thromboses endometrial infarction, which had apparently precipitated cascade leading wholesale premature placental separation from endometrium expulsion placenta. These findings initiated concerns as whether, some abortions, similar might occur, giving rise false diagnoses if only tissues screened for virus. This paper, based upon experiences diagnostic pathology, describes data provide strong support this hypothesis.