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Characterization of pseudorabies viruses recently isolated in Japan by restriction endonuclease assay
S Yamada1, T Nishimori, M Shimizu
1Second Research Division, National Institute of Animal Health, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract:
A total of 148 Japanese isolates of pseudorabies virus (PrV) collected in 1987 to 1990 were examined for the cleavage patterns of their genomes by a restriction endonuclease (RE) assay using BamHI and KpnI. Basically, there was no large difference in the cleavage patterns of viruses recently isolated in Japan. All of them were considered as belonging to BamHI cleavage pattern type II as well as strain Yamagata-S81 that is the first isolate of PrV in Japan, suggesting that no remarkable variations occurred in PrVs spreading in Japan since the first outbreak in 1981. However, considerable variations that are probably due to the gain and/or loss of cleavage sites, and to the addition and/or deletion of nucleotide sequences were detected in the repeat, conjunction and left end regions of genome. Some of those variations were similar to one another among the viruses isolated in the same geographical areas or farms at the same times, and from the epidemiologically related outbreaks, indicating that the RE assay on PrV genome is one of useful tools for the epidemiological studies on Aujeszky's disease.
Insights
Pseudorabies virus (PrV) genomes from 148 Japanese isolates showed minimal variation in restriction endonuclease cleavage patterns. However, genomic variations were detected, useful for epidemiological studies of Aujeszky's disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pseudorabies virus (PrV) causes Aujeszky's disease, a significant concern in swine production.
- Understanding PrV genetic diversity is crucial for effective disease control and epidemiological tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genomic cleavage patterns of Japanese PrV isolates using restriction endonuclease (RE) assays.
- To assess genetic variations and their epidemiological implications in PrV strains circulating in Japan.
Main Methods:
- Restriction endonuclease (RE) assay using BamHI and KpnI enzymes.
- Analysis of cleavage patterns of 148 Japanese PrV isolates collected between 1987 and 1990.
- Comparison of genomic patterns with the reference strain Yamagata-S81.
Main Results:
- Most Japanese PrV isolates exhibited similar BamHI cleavage patterns (Type II), consistent with the earliest isolate (Yamagata-S81).
- Significant variations were identified in repeat, conjunction, and left-end genomic regions, likely due to nucleotide sequence gains/losses.
- Some variations correlated with geographical origin, farm location, isolation time, and epidemiological links between outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- The RE assay is a valuable tool for epidemiological surveillance of Aujeszky's disease.
- Despite overall genomic similarity, localized variations in PrV genomes provide insights into viral evolution and transmission patterns.
- Genomic analysis aids in understanding the spread and relatedness of PrV strains within Japan.