Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV)

Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a member of the Lentivirus genus within the Retroviridae family and is the causative agent of equine infectious anemia (EIA), a persistent and potentially fatal disease in horses, donkeys, and mules. Often referred to as swamp fever, EIAV is characterized by its ability to integrate into the host genome and undergo rapid mutation, allowing it to evade the host immune system and cause lifelong infection. The virus primarily targets monocytes and macrophages, leading to clinical phases that include acute fever, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, followed by a chronic or asymptomatic carrier state. While there are currently no FDA-approved treatments or vaccines for EIAV, research has demonstrated that several classes of antiretroviral drugs developed for HIV-1, including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), show significant antiviral activity in vitro. Management of the virus is strictly regulated, relying on diagnostic tools like the Coggins test and the mandatory isolation or euthanasia of infected animals to prevent transmission via blood-feeding insects or contaminated equipment.

Other names

Swamp fever virusLentivirus equinfane