Download Clinical and Pathological Finding of a Newly Recognized Disease of

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.