Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Polyomavirus-associated nephritis in 2 horses.
- Journal:
- Veterinary pathology
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Jennings, S H et al.
- Affiliation:
- North Carolina State University · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This report discusses two Standardbred horses that developed kidney problems due to an infection with equine polyomavirus, which is a type of virus that can sometimes cause serious issues in certain animals. Both horses showed signs of kidney damage, specifically tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis (inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding tissue). This situation is similar to what can happen in humans with weakened immune systems who get infected with a related virus. The outcome for these horses is not specified, but the report highlights the potential seriousness of this viral infection in horses.
Abstract
Polyomaviruses produce latent and asymptomatic infections in many species, but productive and lytic infections are rare. In immunocompromised humans, polyomaviruses can cause tubulointerstitial nephritis, demyelination, or meningoencephalitis in the central nervous system and interstitial pneumonia. This report describes 2 Standardbred horses with tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with productive equine polyomavirus infection that resembles BK polyomavirus nephropathy in immunocompromised humans.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23381926/