Cervid alphaherpesvirus 2
Cervid alphaherpesvirus 2 (CvHV-2) is a species of virus in the genus Varicellovirus, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, family Herpesviridae. It primarily infects members of the family Cervidae, which includes deer, elk, and reindeer. CvHV-2 is closely related to other alphaherpesviruses that infect domestic and wild animals.
Virology[edit | edit source]
CvHV-2 is an enveloped virus with a double-stranded DNA genome. Like other alphaherpesviruses, it has a relatively short replication cycle and can establish latent infections in the host. The virus is capable of reactivation, especially under stress or immunosuppression, leading to recurrent infections.
Genome[edit | edit source]
The genome of CvHV-2 is linear and approximately 150 kilobases in length. It encodes a variety of proteins involved in viral replication, immune evasion, and host cell manipulation. The genome organization is similar to that of other alphaherpesviruses, with conserved gene blocks interspersed with unique regions.
Pathogenesis[edit | edit source]
CvHV-2 primarily affects the respiratory and reproductive systems of cervids. Infected animals may exhibit symptoms such as nasal discharge, coughing, and in severe cases, pneumonia. The virus can also cause reproductive issues, including abortion in pregnant females. Latent infections can persist in the trigeminal ganglia and other neural tissues.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
CvHV-2 is widespread in cervid populations across the Northern Hemisphere. It is transmitted through direct contact between animals, particularly during the rutting season when close physical interactions are common. The virus can also be spread via contaminated fomites and possibly through aerosolized droplets.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of CvHV-2 infection is typically achieved through serological tests, PCR assays, and virus isolation from clinical samples. Serological tests can detect antibodies against the virus, indicating exposure, while PCR can identify viral DNA in tissues or secretions.
Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]
Currently, there are no vaccines specifically for CvHV-2. Management practices focus on reducing stress and minimizing contact between infected and susceptible animals. In captive populations, biosecurity measures are essential to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus.
Impact on Wildlife[edit | edit source]
CvHV-2 can have significant impacts on wild cervid populations, particularly in areas where the virus is endemic. It can affect population dynamics by reducing reproductive success and increasing mortality rates during outbreaks. Monitoring and research are ongoing to better understand the virus's ecology and develop effective management strategies.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Template loop detected: Template:Herpesviridae
| Herpesviridae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Herpesviridae virion | |
| Taxonomy | |
| Kingdom | Virus |
| Order | Herpesvirales |
| Family | Herpesviridae |
| Genera | |
| Notable Species | |
| |
| Related Topics | |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
