Aktualne dane na temat zakazen wywolywanych przez wirus zapalenia mozgu i miesnia sercowego

The encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is widespread. It can infect humans and over 30 animal species. Among domestic animals pigs are the most susceptible to infection. The greatest number of EMC outbreaks in Europe were evidenced in Belgium, Italy, Greece and Cyprus. Indeed infections caused by EMCV are common but the clinical course of the disease is infrequent because outbreaks are often clustered in so-called endemic areas. Two philogenetically distinct types of EMCV are known: A - responsible for reproductive disorders and B - causing myocarditis. Some strains are responsible for both types of disorders. In natural conditions pigs are infected with feed or water contaminated by infected rodents' feces. Macrophages play an important role in virus replication and shedding. The tonsils are the gate for the virus entrance. The heart is the target organ for the virus. EMCV causes transplacental infections of embryos and fetuses, resulting either in malformations, abortions and mummifications or the delivery of dead or weak piglets. Neonatal piglets infected by EMCV die without any typical prodromal symptoms; sometimes disorders of the central nervous system are evidenced. In piglets and weaners myocarditis is usually noted. Older pigs usually do not demonstrate the symptoms of the disease. In general EMC is limited to individual farms and single buildings within the farm. In laboratory diagnosis immunohistochemistry, isolation and identification of the virus or its genetic material and serological examinations are used. No specific treatment of EMC is available. In the USA there is a commercial vaccine against EMC but in Europe it is not registered. Because of the role of rodents in the epidemiology of infections the deratization and disinfection of farms is very important.