Antibody response in sheep experimentally infected with different small ruminant lentivirus genotypes

Two groups of sheep were experimentally infected by intratracheal route with two small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) isolates belonging to different genotypes (It-561 genotype A3 and It-Pi1 genotype B2). Seroconversion was evaluated using recombinant homologous and heterologous matrix protein/capsid antigen fusion protein. Results clearly indicate that seroconversion against homologous antigen was detected well in advance as regards heterologous antigen in both groups, although the advantage of using homologous antigen was less evident in detecting seroconversion against the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV)-like strain, compared with the maedi-visna virus (MVV)-like infection. Commercially available ELISAs detect CAEV-like seroconversion earlier than MVV-like infection suggesting a closer relationship between CAEV-like isolate and the antigen used in the latter ELISA tests. Seven recombinant subunits developed from matrix protein and capsid antigen of strain K1514 (prototype A1) were used to better define the antibody response in sheep infected with It-561 isolate. Two animals clearly reacted against type specific epitopes in the early stage of infection. This study highlights the relative insensitivity of gag encoded cross-reacting epitopes during the early stage of infection and suggests the development of novel diagnostic tests based on both genotype specific antigens.