Aujeszky's Disease Virus (ADV)
ADV, also known as pseudorabies virus (PrV, porcine herpesvirus 1), belongs to the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae.
Herpesvirus virions are enveloped, about 150 nm in diameter, and contain an icosahedral nucleocapsid about 100 nm in diameter, composed of 162 capsomers. The genome is linear dsDNA, 125-235 kbp in size. Replication occurs in the nucleus with sequential transcription of immediate early (
), early (ß) and late (
) genes producing , ß, and proteins respectively; the earlier genes and their products regulate the transcription of later genes. DNA replication and encapsidation occur in the nucleus; the envelope is acquired by budding through the inner layer of the nuclear envelope.
The virus infects the central nervous system and other organs, such as the respiratory tract, in virtually all mammals except humans and the tailless apes. Aujeszky's disease (AD) is primarily a disease of swine, which serve as a reservoir and the principal source of natural infection for a diverse range of secondary hosts, including cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, and many feral species. Humans are refractory.
ADV is endemic in swine world-wide except Australia. At present AD is economically important viral diseases of swine, causing multimillion dollar losses each year in countries where it is found.
The incubation period is about 30 hours. In younger pigs the course is typically about 8 days but may be as short as 4 days. By the sixth day they become moribund and die within 12 hours. In mature swine the mortality rate is low, usually less than 2%, but there may be significant weight loss and poor growth rates after recovery. Like other herpesviruses, ADV frequently goes into latency. The latently infected animals do no show symptoms and may not shed virus for long time. However, the virus infection can be re-activated from latency, causing the re-shedding of virus and new outbreaks. AD is classified as
an OIE List B disease.
More information about ADV can be obtained:
[ CSFV |
ASFV |
PRRSV |
ADV |
PPV |
SVDV |
FMDV |
VSV ]
