Equine Flash Notes - West Nile Virus Flashcards
what is the classic case presentation of west nile virus in a horse?
summer time - horse with a fever, muscle fasciculations that are generalized, listlessness, hyperactivity, weakness, & acute onset of hind limb ataxia
what is the test of choice for west nile virus in mammals?
CSF - mononuclear pleocytosis & elevated proteins, serology - IgM capture ELISA
what is the gold standard diagnostic done for west nile virus in all species?
RT-PCR on CNS tissue
T/F: west nile virus is a reportable & zoonotic disease
TRUE
what is the treatment of choice for west nile virus?
supportive care
how is west nile virus prevented?
mosquito protection/control & vaccination in endemic areas
T/F: multiple cases of acute death in birds can herald an outbreak of west nile virus in other hosts
TRUE
what animal is the reservoir host for west nile virus? what are the incidental hosts?
reservoir - birds, incidental - people & horses
what is the etiology of west nile virus?
flavivirus
what percentage of horses with west nile virus are likely to make a full recovery within 6 months?
about 60% survive but only 30% recover
what are three factors that improve the prognosis of a horse with west nile virus?
if they are older than 5 years old, can stand with little weakness, & history of prior vaccination
what animals are often used as sentinels to detect the presence of west nile virus? why?
chickens - they can be infected naturally & develop antibodies but won’t show clinical signs
what is the vector of west nile virus?
mosquitoes especially culex species but also isolated from ticks
