Toroviruses

Also known as: Torovirus Infections — Berne Virus — BEV — Breda Virus — BRV — Bovine Torovirus — BoTV — Equine Torovirus — ETV — Prototype Berne Virus — Porcine Torovirus.

Toroviruses
Kingdom	Virus
Order	Nidovirales
Family	Coronaviridae
Genus	Torovirus
Species	Toroviruses

Introduction

Electron Micrograph of Torovirus particles

Toroviruses are relatively new viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae. They are enveloped positive sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses that are pleomorphic, 120-140 nm in diameter and are relatively stable in acid or alkaline environment between pH 2.5-10. Toroviruses have been isolated from horses (Equine torovirus, ETV, prototype Berne virus) and calves with diarrhoea (bovine torovirus, BoTV, prototype Breda virus).

Signalment

Hosts include cattle, zebu, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, lagomorphs, rodents, domestic cats and humans.

Clinical Signs

The disease causes diarrhoea, pyrexia, dehydration, lethargy and depression in all ages of cattle. In calves it causes anorexia, mucoid faeces and the following neurological signs; generalised weakness, paralysis, inability to stand, trembling and sudden death. It can also cause respiratory problems such as laryngitis, tracheitis and pneumonia. Young, colostrum-deprived calves are particularly at risk.

In cats, diarrhoea and protruding nictitating membranes have been associated with feline torovirus infections.

Pigs can shed the torovirus without showing any symptoms of disease .

Epidemiology

Toroviruses are found in many species but little is known about the transmission or interspecies transmission of the virus. It is presumed that they are spread via the faecal-oral route and through subclinical or chronically infected cattle .

The Berne virus (BEV) has been found in horses; whereas the Breda virus (BRV) is found in cattle of which there are two serotypes; BRV 1 and 2. Breda virus in cattle can be detected in the dome epithelium and enterocytes of the intestines and differentiate within the epithelial cells of the villi; interrupting the animal's absorptive capacity, although not as dramatically as the rotavirus.

Distribution

Worldwide in cattle and horses.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic methods include a combination of electron microscopy, immuno-electron microscopy (IEM), haemagglutination inhibition or ELISA. Toroviruses can be differentiated from coronaviruses by using IEM .

Villus fusion and atrophy and thinning of intestinal wall can be seen on post-mortem.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment. Animals can be supported with fluids to prevent dehydration as a result of the episodes of diarrhoea. Secondary bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Culture and sensitivity is recommended.

Control

Isolation of infected animals and good hygiene and sanitary measures may help reduce the spread of the disease.

Toroviruses Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Toroviruses Flashcards

References

This article was originally sourced from The Animal Health & Production Compendium (AHPC) published online by CABI during the OVAL Project. The datasheet was accessed on 19 June 2011.

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