Rhinopneumonitis
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Rhinopneumonitis
Classification
Virus; Incertae sedis; Incertae sedis; Herpesvirales; Herpesviridae ; Varicellovirus; Equine Herpesvirus
Description and significance
Describe the disease caused by this organism if it is a pathogen, or the natural macroscopic "field guide" appearance and habitat of your organism if it is not. What is or has been the impact your organism on human history or our environment?. How does it do this? How have we harnessed this power, or tried to prevent it? In other words, how do you know it if you see it, and how does its presence influence humans in the present, and historically?
Rhinopneumonitis, also called rhino, is an inflammation of the mucosa of the nasal cavities and lungs in horses. It is caused by the equine herpes virus and only affects horses. Almost all adult horses are infected due to natural exposure after birth. After infection, the virus hibernates in the lymph nodes of the respiratory system and the horse is infected for the rest of its life. Whether or not the horse exhibits symptoms of the disease depends on the strength of the immune system. The immune system keeps the virus in check and if it is busy with other diseases or problems affecting the horse, the virus can escape its confinement. Rhino is similar to the human herpes virus in this way because of its capability of latency and relapse. Symptoms of the repiratory disease caused by the virus include: fever, hacking cough, nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and stocking up and heat in the lower legs. Respiratory disease is the most common illness caused by the virus, but the virus can also cause abortion in brood mares.
Vaccinations against herpes viruses are not very effective because the virus lives in the horse and affects its immune system. However, vaccinations are most important for brood mares to protect them against viral abortion. Minimal protection is vaccinating once a year. To prevent respiratory disease in young horses requires administration every 2-3 months and to prevent abortion, mares should be vaccinated three times during gestation.
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes and plasmids? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
Cell structure, metabolism & life cycle
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Ecology (including pathogenesis)
Describe its habitat, symbiosis, and contributions to environment. If it is a pathogen, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Describe virulence factors and patient symptoms.
Interesting feature
Describe in detail one particularly interesting aspect of your organism or it's affect on humans or the environment.
