Fatal Nonneurological EHV-1 Infection in a Yearling Filly

Abstract

A case of fatal nonneurological equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) infection in a yearling filly is described. Gross lesions included extensive pulmonary edema, prominent laryngeal lymphoid follicles, and congestion and edema of the dorsal third ventricle choroid plexus. Histologically, there was vasculitis, hemorrhage, and edema in the lungs and dorsal third ventricle choroid plexus as well as mild intestinal crypt necrosis with occasional intranuclear inclusion bodies. The perivascular and vascular inflammatory infiltrates were comprised mainly of T lymphocytes and macrophages. EHV-1 antigen was identified within the nucleus and cytoplasm of endothelial cells, dendritic-like cells of the pharyngeal lymphoid follicles, pharyngeal glandular epithelium, crypt enterocytes, and monocytes. Attempted virus isolation was negative. Weak seroconversion for EHV-1 was observed. Herpesvirus-like particles were identified within pharyngeal endothelial cells by transmission electron microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction amplified 369 and 188 base-pair fragments specific for EHV-1. The scarcity of pathognomonic viral inclusions and lesions in this case suggests that this disease may not be recognized, particularly in situations when ancillary laboratory procedures are limited.