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Characterisation of a pestivirus isolated from persistently infected mousedeer ( Tragulus javanicus)
C Grøndahl1, A Uttenthal, H Houe
1Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Abstract:
Serum samples from the male Mousedeer A and the mother, father and sister of A were tested for bovine virus diarrhoea viruses (BVDV) by isolation, and for BVDV antibodies by blocking ELISA and homologous neutralisation test. Further, RNA was extracted and tested by RT-PCR protocol analysing the 5'-untranslated region and the E2 gene of pestivirus. The RT-PCR products were subsequently sequenced. Mousedeer A was positive in virus isolation on three occasions (days 1, 19 and 40) and by RT-PCR. The sister and mother of Mousedeer A were also found virus positive by isolation and RT-PCR. Mousedeer A, its sister and its mother, all had an antibody neutralisation titer below 10. The father of A was virus negative but was positive in the blocking antibody ELISA and had a high neutralisation antibody titer. The repeated detection of BVDV in Mousedeer A, the high amount of virus in serum, the lack of antibodies and the virus positive family members documented that the mousedeer were persistently infected with a pestivirus. The father of A probably had an acute infection resulting in antibodies to pestivirus and viral clearance. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the mousedeer pestivirus was closely related to BVDV Type 1f. The existences of persistently infected animals in non-domestic species have great implications for BVDV eradication campaigns in cattle.
Insights
Persistent bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection was identified in a mousedeer family. This discovery highlights the risk of non-domestic species reservoirs for BVDV eradication efforts in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) poses a significant threat to cattle health and economies.
- Understanding potential reservoirs of BVDV in non-domesticated species is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of pestivirus infection in a family of mousedeer.
- To determine if mousedeer can act as a reservoir for BVDV, impacting cattle populations.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation and antibody detection (blocking ELISA, neutralisation test) were performed on serum samples.
- RNA extraction followed by RT-PCR targeting the 5'-untranslated region and E2 gene of pestivirus.
- Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of RT-PCR products to identify the pestivirus strain.
Main Results:
- Bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) was detected in three of four mousedeer (Mousedeer A, its mother, and sister) via virus isolation and RT-PCR.
- Persistently infected mousedeer exhibited high virus loads and low antibody titers, while the father showed signs of acute infection and viral clearance.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed the mousedeer pestivirus is closely related to BVDV Type 1f.
Conclusions:
- Mousedeer can be persistently infected with pestiviruses closely related to BVDV Type 1f.
- The presence of persistently infected non-domestic animals presents challenges for BVDV eradication programs in cattle.
- Further research is needed to assess the epidemiological significance of pestivirus infections in wildlife populations.