Medycyna Wet. 65 (11), 747-751, 2009
| Markowska-Daniel I., Kowalczyk A., Pomorska-Mól M. |
| Current state of knowledge concerning infections caused by encephalomyocarditis virus |
| Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is widespread. It can infect human and over 30 animal species. Among domestic animals pigs are the most susceptible to infection. The biggest number of EMC outbreaks in Europe were evidenced in Belgium, Italy, Greece and Cyprus. Indeed infections caused by EMCV are common but clinical course of disease is infrequent because outbreaks are often clustered in so-called endemic areas. Two philogenetically distinct types of EMCV are known: A - responsible for reproductive disorders and B - causing myocarditis. Some strains are responsible for both type of disorders. In natural conditions pigs are infected with feed or water contaminated by infected rodents’ faeces. Macrophages play an important role in virus replication and shedding. The tonsils are the gate for the virus entrance. The heart is the target organ for the virus. EMCV causes transplacental infections of embryos and foetuses, resulting in malformations, abortions, mummifications or delivery of dead or weak piglets. Neonatal piglets infected by EMCV died without any typical prodromal symptoms, sometimes the disorders of central nervous system are evidenced. In piglets and weaners myocarditis is usually noted. Older pigs usually do not demonstrate the symptoms of the disease. In general EMC is limited to individual farms and single buildings within the farm. In laboratory diagnosis immunohistochemistry, isolation and identification of the virus or its genetic material and serological examinations are in use. No specific treatment of EMC is available. In the USA there is commercial vaccine against EMC but in Europe it is not registered. Because of the role of rodents in epidemiology of infection deratisation and desinfection of the farm is very important. |
| Keywords: EMCV, swine, reservoirs, pathogenesis, diagnosis, eradication |