Suid alphaherpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1) (SuHV-1)

Suid alphaherpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1), commonly known as Pseudorabies virus (PRV), is a linear double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily of the Herpesviridae family [1, 3, 5]. It is the etiological agent of Aujeszky's disease, a highly contagious infection that primarily affects swine, leading to significant economic losses due to reproductive failure in sows, respiratory distress, and fatal neurological symptoms in piglets [1, 14]. Although pigs are the only natural reservoir, the virus exhibits a broad host range, infecting various mammals including cattle, sheep, dogs, and cats, where it typically causes a fatal "mad itch" (pruritus) and encephalitis [3, 14]. Recent reports have also highlighted its zoonotic potential, with cases of human encephalitis and endophthalmitis linked to PRV infection [4, 14]. PRV is characterized by its ability to establish lifelong latent infections in the peripheral nervous system, from which it can reactivate under stress [1, 12]. While there are no widely approved specific antiviral drugs for PRV in veterinary medicine, research has explored the use of DNA polymerase inhibitors like acyclovir and natural compounds such as germacrone and kaempferol to restrict viral replication [5, 6, 13].

Other names

Pseudorabies virusPRVAujeszky's disease virusADVSuid herpesvirus 1

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase; Inhibition of immediate-early gene expression; Inhibition of viral attachment and entry; Modulation of host-virus interaction pathways (e.g., ANXA2 and Src kinase pathways)