Encephalomyocarditis virus
Encyclopedia
Encephalomyocarditis virus is a member of the Picornaviridae family. Infection with the virus causes encephalomyocarditis and reproductive disease in pigs
. Although a variety of mammals may host the virus, pigs are classed as the domestic host as they are most easily infected. It is thought to be spread by rodents.
The disease can be found worldwide but is of greatest economic importance in tropical areas. It is not thought to be zoonotic.
, myocarditis
and sudden death. Mortality rates can be high. If a sow
is infected whilst pregnant she may present with a variety of reproductive signs including infertility
, mummification, abortion
, still birth and the birth of weak piglets. A variety of gastrointestinal, respiratory and systemic signs may also be seen as the virus infects multiple body systems.
A presumptive diagnosis can be made based on the history and clinical signs. Virus isolation is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Postmortem examination
of piglets may or may not reveal cardiac pathology but histopathology
should show cardiac and brain abnormalities. Signs in aborted fetuses are highly variable.
PIGS
PIGS is a four letter acronym that can stand for:* PIGS , Phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis, class S, a human gene* PIGS , the economies of Portugal, Italy , Greece and Spain...
. Although a variety of mammals may host the virus, pigs are classed as the domestic host as they are most easily infected. It is thought to be spread by rodents.
The disease can be found worldwide but is of greatest economic importance in tropical areas. It is not thought to be zoonotic.
Clinical Signs & Diagnosis
Piglets that are infected present with encephalitisEncephalitis
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis with meningitis is known as meningoencephalitis. Symptoms include headache, fever, confusion, drowsiness, and fatigue...
, myocarditis
Myocarditis
Myocarditis is inflammation of heart muscle . It resembles a heart attack but coronary arteries are not blocked.Myocarditis is most often due to infection by common viruses, such as parvovirus B19, less commonly non-viral pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi or Trypanosoma cruzi, or as a...
and sudden death. Mortality rates can be high. If a sow
Sow
Sow may refer to:* Sowing seed* Female animals: badger, bear, pig family* Shape in which metal is cast* Type of siege engine* River Sow, England* "Sow", a poem by Sylvia Plath* Sow , the band/spoken word project comprising Anna Wildsmith-People:...
is infected whilst pregnant she may present with a variety of reproductive signs including infertility
Infertility
Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception. Infertility may also refer to the state of a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term...
, mummification, abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
, still birth and the birth of weak piglets. A variety of gastrointestinal, respiratory and systemic signs may also be seen as the virus infects multiple body systems.
A presumptive diagnosis can be made based on the history and clinical signs. Virus isolation is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Postmortem examination
Autopsy
An autopsy—also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy , autopsia cadaverum, or obduction—is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present...
of piglets may or may not reveal cardiac pathology but histopathology
Histopathology
Histopathology refers to the microscopic examination of tissue in order to study the manifestations of disease...
should show cardiac and brain abnormalities. Signs in aborted fetuses are highly variable.