Molecular data of UL24 homolog gene (ORF37) from Brazilian isolates of equine herpesvirus type 1

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is associated with abortions, respiratory distress, and neurological disturbances in horses. The ORF37 of EHV-1 encodes a protein homolog to UL24 gene product of human herpesvirus that has been associated with neurovirulence. In the present work, ORF37 PCR fragments derived from two Brazilian EHV-1 isolates, a German isolate and an American reference strain were sequenced and characterized by molecular phylogenetic analysis. This genomic region is highly conserved an allowed to infer genetic distances between EHV-1 strains and other animal herpesvirus.