Phocine herpesvirus 1 (PhHV-1) in harbor seals from Svalbard, Norway

Vet Microbiol. 2013 Jun 28;164(3-4):286-92. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.008. Epub 2013 Mar 21.

Abstract

Phocine herpesvirus 1 (PhHV-1) infections in seals are associated with disease and sometimes high mortality, primarily in young animals. PhHV-1 has been detected in seals from European waters as well as in waters on both coasts of North America. Serological surveys of various pinniped species have indicated a wide geographical distribution of PhHV-1. A quantitative and sensitive real-time PCR assay targeting the gene encoding glycoprotein B of PhHV-1 was developed for detection of PhHV-1 in ocular and nasal swab samples from wild harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from Svalbard (Norway). PhHV-1 DNA was detected in samples from 6 (8%) seals collected in 2009 and 2 (3%) in 2010; all had herpesvirus DNA in the ocular swab sample, whereas only one of these animals also had herpesvirus DNA in the nasal swab sample. Four PCR positive animals were approximately 1 year of age and four were pups of the year. Serum samples obtained in 1998 (n=59), 1999 (n=74), 2000 (n=81), 2009 (n=69) and 2010 (n=83) were tested for anti-PhHV-1 antibodies in an indirect ELISA. The PhHV-1 seroprevalence in the population remained high throughout this period, varying from 77 to 100% between years. No eye disease was observed in this harbor seal population, but the ELISA and PCR findings reported here suggest that PhHV-1 is endemic in this globally northernmost harbor seal colony, and that the virus is shed on the mucosa of the eye and nose.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Eye / virology
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae / genetics
  • Herpesviridae / physiology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Nasal Mucosa / virology
  • Norway
  • Phoca / virology*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Svalbard
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • glycoprotein B, phocid herpesvirus 1