Cetacean morbilliviruses are phylogenetically divergent

Area of Science:

• * Virology
• * Marine Mammal Health
• * Molecular Evolution

Background:

• * Morbilliviruses are known pathogens affecting various mammalian species.
• * Cetacean morbilliviruses (CeMV) have been identified in both dolphins and porpoises.
• * Previous classifications suggested a single species, cetacean morbillivirus.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To conduct a phylogenetic comparison of porpoise morbillivirus (PMV) and dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) isolates.
• * To evaluate the current species classification of CeMV based on molecular data.
• * To apply established phylogenetic criteria used for measles virus classification.

Main Methods:

• * Phylogenetic analysis of PMV and DMV isolates.
• * Comparison with established measles virus phylogenetic criteria.
• * Molecular sequencing and analysis of viral genomes.

Main Results:

• * PMV and DMV isolates exhibited significant genetic divergence.
• * The observed divergence exceeded that found between the most distinct measles virus strains.
• * This high level of genetic difference was consistent across multiple phylogenetic analyses.

Conclusions:

• * The distinct genetic lineages of PMV and DMV challenge their classification as strains of a single species.
• * Re-evaluation of the taxonomy of cetacean morbilliviruses may be warranted.
• * Further research into CeMV diversity and host specificity is recommended.