FATAL HERPESVIRUS HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE IN WILD AND ORPHAN ASIAN ELEPHANTS IN SOUTHERN INDIA

摘要: Up to 65% of deaths young Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) between 3 mo and 15 yr age in Europe North America over the past 20 have been attributed hemorrhagic disease associated with a novel DNA virus called elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). To evaluate potential role EEHV suspected cases similar lethal acute occurring southern India, we studied pathologic tissue samples collected from field necropsies. Nine among both orphaned camp wild were identified by diagnostic PCR. These subjected detailed gene subtype sequencing at multiple PCR loci, which revealed seven distinct strains EEHV1A one EEHV1B. Two orphan calves that died within days another same training had identical sequences, indicating common epidemiologic source. However, high level EEHV1 genetic diversity found other Indian matches 30 evaluated America. results argue against previous suggestions this is just captive has crossed recently African (Loxodonta africana) hosts elephants. Instead, are evidently widespread Asia and, despite severity, appear be ancient endogenous