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Genomic variations among wildtype and mutant strains of pseudorabies virus

N A Zeenathul1, M L Mohd-Azmi, A S Ali

  • 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. zeenatnba@hotmail.com

Insights

This study compared drug-resistant pseudorabies virus (PrV) mutants to wild-type strains using DNA restriction fragment patterns. Bromodeoxyuridine-resistant mutants showed significant DNA differences, while iododeoxyuridine-resistant mutants did not, despite varying cytopathic effects.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Pseudorabies virus (PrV) is an important pathogen in swine.
  • Understanding PrV genetic diversity is crucial for disease control.
  • Drug-resistant mutants offer insights into viral genome stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the genetic differences between wild-type and drug-resistant PrV strains.
  • To investigate the impact of drug resistance mutations on viral DNA.
  • To compare the utility of restriction fragment patterns (RFP) for differentiating PrV strains.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and propagation of six drug-resistant PrV mutants (3 BUdR, 3 IUdR) in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells.
  • Analysis of PrV DNA using restriction fragment pattern (RFP) analysis with Bam HI, Kpn I, Hind III, and Bgl II restriction enzymes.
  • Comparison of RFPs between wild-type PrV strains (PrV-VBA1, PrV-VBA2, PrV-VBA3) and mutant strains (PrVmAIP).

Main Results:

  • Mutations were identified within restriction enzyme sites in the PrVmAIP strain compared to wild-type PrVs.
  • PrV-VBA1 and PrV-VBA2 showed relatedness, distinct from PrV-VBA3 based on RFP.
  • Significant DNA fragment variations were observed in BUdR-resistant strains, but not in IUdR-resistant strains despite differing cytopathic effects.
  • All studied PrVs exhibited substantial differences from the reference PrV (PrV-CD).

Conclusions:

  • Restriction fragment pattern analysis is effective in detecting genetic variations in PrV.
  • BUdR resistance is associated with detectable genomic alterations, unlike IUdR resistance.
  • PrV strains display significant genetic diversity, impacting their molecular profiles.

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