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Effective removal of equine arteritis virus from stallion semen
Author(s) -
Morrell J. M.,
Geraghty R. M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516406776866444
Subject(s) - semen , sperm , biology , artificial insemination , insemination , virus , virology , sperm washing , andrology , medicine , anatomy , pregnancy , genetics
Summary Reasons for performing study : A method of removing equine a rte ritis virus (EAV) from equine semen used for artificial insemination is urgently needed. Recent medical studies suggest that a double semen processing technique of density gradient centrifugation followed by a ‘swim‐up’ can provide virus ‐ free sperm preparations for assisted reproduction. Objectives : To investigate the use of the double semen processing technique to obtain virus‐free sperm preparations from stallion semen containing EAV. Methods : Aliquots of an ejaculate from an uninfected stallion were spiked with virus and processed by the double processing technique. The sperm preparations were tested by PCR for the presence of EAV. The procedure was repeated using an ejaculate from a known shedding stallion, testing processed and unprocessed aliquots by PCR and virus isolation. Results : Virus‐free sperm preparations were obtained using the double sperm processing technique. The ‘swim‐up’ step is apparently required to ensure complete virus removal. Conclusions : The double semen processing technique is potentially a useful and simple tool for the removal of EAV from the semen of shedding stallions. Potential relevance : The inclusion of density gradient centrifugation and ‘swim‐up’ in protocols for the processing of semen for artificial insemination could help prevent the transmission of viral diseases carried in semen, such as E AV.