Sero-surveillance of Getah Virus among Thoroughbred Horses in Korea

Getah virus (GETV), which is transmitted by mosquitoes, causes lower limb edema and stiffness in horses. In this study, we investigated the sero-surveillance of GETV among Thoroughbred racehorses in Korea during 2013 and 2014. A total of 1,182 equine serum samples collected from Thoroughbred racehorses in four provinces (Gyeongnam, Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk and Jeju provinces) were analyzed using virus neutralization (VN) tests. An antibody titer of > or = 1:2 was considered positive. Overall, the seropositivity rate for GETV was found to be 12.4% (146/1,182) among the racehorses; the annual seropositivity rates were 12.4% and 12.2% in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The seropositivity rates in April and September in 2013 turned out to be 8.6% and 15.2%, respectively. The regional distribution of seropositivity ranged from 5.0% to 22.3% in 2013 and from 0.0% to 15.0% in 2014, respectively. Gyeongnam province had the highest seropositivity rate than other provinces. By analyzing the distribution of VN titers according to horse age, we found that the highest GETV seropositivity rate was in horses over 6 years of age (22.4% and 28.1%, 2013 and 2014, respectively), and that the incidence of GETV was higher in geldings (17.6% and 18.6%, 2013 and 2014, respectively) than in males and females. These results indicate that Thoroughbred horses raised in Korea were bitten by mosquitoes harboring GETV.

Serosurveillance for Japanese encephalitis, Akabane, and Aino viruses for Thoroughbred horses in Korea

Recent global warming trends may have a significant impact on vector-borne viral diseases, possibly affecting vector population dynamics and disease transmission. This study measured levels of hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibodies against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and neutralizing antibodies against Akabane virus (AKAV) and Aino virus (AINV) for Thoroughbred horses in Korea. Blood samples were collected from 989 racehorses in several provinces, between October 2005 and March 2007. Sera were tested using either an HI assay or a virus neutralization test. Approximately half (49.7%; 492/989) of the horses tested were antibody-positive for JEV. The HI titer against JEV was significantly correlated with racehorse age (p < 0.05). Horses with an HI antibody titer of 1: 160 or higher accounted for 3.9% of the animals tested, indicating that vectors transmitting arthropod- borne viruses bit relatively few horses. In contrast, 3.8% (19/497) and 19.5% (97/497) of horse sera collected in March 2007 were positive against AKAV and AINV, respectively. The presence of antibodies against AKAV and AINV may indicate the multiplication of AKAV and AINV in these horses.

Statistical Study on Congenital Anomalies

PURPOSE: Congenital anomalies are known as a major cause of neonatal death with prematurity and birth injuries. We surveyed the incidence of congenital anomalies among livebirths and stillbirths delivered at our hospital, and detected in neonatal and postneonatal period. METHODS: The statistical study was done about congenital anomalies among 9,569 deliveries (9,438 livebirths and 131 stillbirths) at Ulsan University Hospital during the periods of 5 years from Jan 1992 to Dec 1996. We reviewed delivery and newborn record, OPD chart, admission chart retrospectively. We investigated the incidence of congenital anomaly according to each year, period, outcome of delivery, sex, birth weight, gestational age, maternal age, Apgar score, multiple pregnancy, and each system. RESULTS: 1) The overall incidence of congenital anomalies was 5.0% (481 cases) among 9,569 deliveries. The annual incidence was 4.5% in 1992, 5.1% in 1993, 5.2% in 1994, 5.8% in 1995, 4.7% in 1996. 2) The incidence of congenital anomalies detected in neonatal period was 3.5% (333 cases) and 1.5% (148 cases) in postneonatal periods. 3) The incidence of congenital anomalies was 4.9% among live births and 9.2% among stillbirths. 4) The incidence of congenital anomalies was 5.3% in male and 4.7% in female. 5) The incidence of congenital anomalies among the babies, below 2,500g of birth weight was 7.7%, between 2,500g and 3,999g was 4.7%, and over 4,000g was 6.8N. 6) The incidence of congenital anomalies among the babies, below 32 weeks of gestational age was 12.9%, between 32 weeks and 36 weeks was 7.4%, between 37 weeks and 41 weeks was 4.7%, and over 42 weeks was 5.1%. 7) The babies born to mothers younger than 20 years of age have anomalies in 7.1%, mother between 20 years of age and 35 years of age in 5.0%, and older than 35 years of age in 6.5%. 8) The incidence of congenital anomalies according to Apgar score among live births between 0 and 3 was 9.8%, between 4 and 6 was 6.0%, and between 7 and 10 was 5.0%. 9) The incidence of congenital anomalies according to multiple pregnancy was 8.6%. 10)The systems of congenital anomalies in order of incidence were as follows; The digestive system (25.6%), the cardiovascular system (22.1%), the genitourinary system (18.9%), the musculoskeletal system (15.5%), the skin and soft tissue (11.7%), the central nervous system (1.6%), the respiratory system (l%), the others (3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Regular examination and screening on congenital anomaly is required from newborn period to infant and childhood. In view of these considerations, the incidence of congenital anomaly may be increased more than the past reports because of development of recent diagnostic techniques.