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Natasha Nielsen Biology 1615 Lab Brandy Conrad Assignment #3 Clinical and Pathological Finding of a Newly Recognized Disease of Elephants Caused by Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses Introduction Endangered Asian and African elephants are being affected by a highly fatal disease known as, Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus. To insure survival of these species; zoo organizations breed these elephants naturally and by artificial insemination to prevent extinction. Sadly, many elephants have and continue to die from the fatal disease. An epidemiological report showed findings of the virus in elephants in North America zoos. “A similar disease attributed to an endotheliotropic herpesvirus has been reported in a young Asian elephant from a circus in Switzerland…was shown to have the same viral sequences as in our cases (Richman et al., 2000).” In the cases across North America, eleven elephants were found to have the polymerase chain reaction (PCR); they were also identified as having the endotheliotropic herpesvirus. With Asian and African elephants displaying the same systems, they are assumed to be closely related but further investigation is needed to clarify. “The purpose of this paper is to report the clinical and pathological findings of this new herpes virus disease of elephants…which is attributed to the endotheliotropism of the virus (Richman et al., 2000).” Furthermore, pathological findings of the herpes virus have led to an early diagnosis method, as well as a possible source of the endotheliotropic disease. The pathological findings and data have proven the herpesvirus to be the cause of the disease. Materials and Methods Clinical samples were obtained from both Asian and African elephants that were known to have the virus. Clinical and pathological assessments were done of more recent cases. Four elephants that were known to have the virus were assessed. Two of the four elephants with the virus were then treated with an anti-herpes drug, famciclovir (Richman et al., 2000). Further studies included reviewing elephant mortality records of all participating zoos across North America. Those studies encompassed pathological records from over twenty elephants, all of which had similarities of those that were known to have the virus. In addition, DNA was collected from elephants number three and four, was then processed with a polymerase chain reaction, as well as testing for antibodies of the herpes virus. Results The clinical data showed that for elephant’s number one and two the onset of the disease was extremely rapid. Elephant number one and elephant number two had died within five days. Elephant number three and elephant number four, which had been treated with an anti-herpes drug, survived. The main premise for the study is to understand why the herpes virus is virtually harmless to the vast majority of elephants but has been fatal for others. Discussion “The acute nature and high fatality rate in clinically affected elephants of this herpesvirus disease is unusual for infections caused by herpesviruses in human and other animals. One of the major factors considered important in the epidemiology of the elephants herpesviruses is the premise of the herpesvirus (Richman et al., 2000).” Evidence indicates probable cross-species transmission. The transmission has not yet been established but findings relate the source of the disease to the African elephant. A substantial amount of epidemiological test will need to be performed before the carrier status of either elephants can be identified. In addition, more work is needed to establish transmission of contact and elephants that have been exposed to the virus. Thus, mingling between African and Asian elephants should be kept to a minimum to decrease transmission of the herpesvirus. Especially, when breeding or when new elephants are introduced into a facility. Works Cited Laura K. Richman, Richard J. Montali, Richard C. Cambre, Dennis Schmitt, Douglas. "Clinical and Pathological Findings of a Newly Recognized Disease of Elephants Caused by Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses." Journal of Wildlife Diseases (2000): 1-12. Article.