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Published on: January 24, 2025
Characterization of pigeon-origin Newcastle disease virus isolated in China
Hualei Liu1, Zhiliang Wang, Cuiping Son
1National Reference Laboratory for Newcastle Disease, Animal Quarantine Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Qingdao, China 260032.
Abstract:
Fourteen pigeon-origin Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates were obtained from sick pigeons in China between 1996 and 2005. The mean death time (MDT) of embryonated eggs and the intracerebral pathogenicity indices (ICPI) were tested to determine the virulence of the field isolates. The result indicated that most isolates were proved to be mesogenic (MDT 60-90 hr and ICPI > 1.2). The main function regions of F protein gene of the isolates were amplified and sequenced for phylogenetic and residue substitutive analysis. The fusion protein cleavage site sequences of most isolates had multiple basic amino acids R/KRQKRF at positions 112-116 and a phenyl alanine at position 117, characteristic of velogenic isolates. In the phylogenetic tree, the majority of the isolates were clustered into a single genetic lineage, termed genotype VIb, and were typical pigeon paramyxovirus type 1, whereas a small number of recent isolates (three strains) were grouped into genotype VIId, a predominant genotype responsible for most Newcastle disease outbreaks in chickens and geese since the end of last century. One isolate, PK9901, was proved to be a lentogenic strain, of genotype II NDV, to which the vaccine strain La Sota belongs.
Insights
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in pigeons can be mesogenic or velogenic, with some recent strains belonging to genotype VIId. One isolate was identified as a lentogenic NDV strain, genotype II.
Area of Science:
- Avian Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Pathogen Characterization
Background:
- Newcastle disease virus (NDV) poses a significant threat to poultry globally.
- Pigeon-origin NDV strains are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on avian health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the virulence and genetic diversity of NDV isolates from pigeons in China.
- To identify the phylogenetic relationships and potential evolutionary trajectory of these pigeon NDV strains.
Main Methods:
- Virulence assessment using mean death time (MDT) in embryonated eggs and intracerebral pathogenicity indices (ICPI).
- Amplification and sequencing of the F protein gene for phylogenetic analysis.
- Residue substitutive analysis of the fusion protein cleavage site.
Main Results:
- Most pigeon NDV isolates exhibited mesogenic properties (MDT 60-90 hr, ICPI > 1.2).
- Fusion protein cleavage site analysis revealed characteristics of velogenic strains in several isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed most isolates into genotype VIb (pigeon paramyxovirus type 1), with some recent strains in genotype VIId.
- One isolate (PK9901) was identified as a lentogenic NDV strain (genotype II), related to the La Sota vaccine.
Conclusions:
- Pigeon NDV populations in China display significant genetic diversity, including mesogenic, velogenic, and lentogenic strains.
- The emergence of genotype VIId strains in pigeons highlights potential cross-species transmission and evolving NDV epidemiology.
- Understanding the genetic makeup and virulence of pigeon NDV is crucial for disease control and vaccine development.
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