Patho-Molecular Studies on the Occurrence of Bovine Herpes Virus Type 1 in the Genitalia of She Camels

The aim of this work was to study the occurrence of BHV-1 as a serious viral pathogen in the genitalia of she camels. Out of 120 female genitalia (vulva-vagina-cervix and uterus), 13 (10.83%) samples contained suspected viral agents which induced cytophathic effects on MDBK cell line. Five out of 13 suspected viral isolates could be completely neutralized using virus neutralization test (VNT). Seven out of 13 CPE positive viral agents were confirmed to be BHV-1 by PCR assay. IFAT revealed the presence of BHV-1in the epithelial lining of the vulva and vagina of BHV-1 positive tissue specimens. The percentage of positive serum reactors was 17 (14.16%). Gross examination of BHV-1 positive samples showed swollen endometrium and congested vulva with apparent laceration and papules. The vagina showed congested mucosa with multiple vesicles. Histopathlogical examination of the genitalia of the affected she camels revealed vulvitis, vaginitis, cervicitis and endometritis. In conclusion, the occurrence of the genital form of BHV-1 (infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, IPV) in she camels was declared. Accordingly, the role played by BHV-1 in causation of infertility and abortion in she camels should be investigated. Also, attention must be paid toward the possibility of infected she camels to transmit such virus infection to farm animals in contact.