Description of an Equine Hepacivirus Cluster in a Horse Stable in Italy

Equine hepacivirus (EqHV), also known as Hepacivirus A, represents the most closely related genetic homologue of human hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although detected worldwide, limited information on clinical features this infection is available and mechanisms by which EqHV transmitted. In study, we describe a spread that occurred in small stable horses southern Italy. The RNA was 6/13 (46.2%) sera introduced into herd, at different times, over period approximately one year. Based sequencing analyses genomic portions located NS5B, 5′UTR, NS3 genes, viruses animals were genetically highly (100% nt identity) to each other. nearly full-length genome identified from two generated. For animal with profile chronic infection, sequence determined 7-month interval, revealing 26nt changes resulting 11 nonsynonymous intrahost nucleotide variations. Overall, based epidemiological information, support hypothesis horizontal transmission herd.