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Genetic analysis of feline panleukopenia viruses from cats with gastroenteritis
N Decaro1, C Desario1, A Miccolupo2
1Department of Public Health and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Strada per Casamassima km 3, 70010 Valenzano (BA), Italy.
Abstract:
Thirty-nine parvovirus strains contained in faecal samples collected in Italy (n=34) and UK (n=5) from cats with feline panleukopenia were characterized at the molecular level. All viruses were proven to be true feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) strains by a minor groove binder probe assay, which is able to discriminate between FPLV and the closely related canine parvovirus type 2. By using sequence analysis of the VP2 gene, it was found that the FPLV strains detected in Italy and UK were highly related to each other, with a nucleotide identity of 99.1-100 and 99.4-99.8% among Italian and British strains, respectively, whereas the similarities between all the sequences analysed were 98.6-100%. Eighty-eight variable positions were detected in the VP2 gene of the field and reference FPLV strains, most of which were singletons. Synonymous substitutions (n=57) predominated over non-synonymous substitutions (n=31), and the ratio between synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) was 0.10, thus confirming that evolution of FPLV is driven by random genetic drift rather than by positive selection pressure. Some amino acid mutations in the VP2 protein affected sites that are thought to be responsible for antigenic and biological properties of the virus, but no clear patterns of segregation and genetic markers, were identified, confirming that FPLV is in evolutionary stasis.
Insights
Molecular characterization of feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) from Italy and UK revealed high genetic similarity. FPLV evolution appears driven by genetic drift, indicating the virus is in evolutionary stasis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) is a significant pathogen causing severe illness in cats.
- Understanding FPLV genetic diversity is crucial for disease control and vaccine development.
- Previous studies have indicated potential genetic variation within FPLV populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To molecularly characterize FPLV strains from feline panleukopenia cases in Italy and the UK.
- To analyze the genetic relatedness and evolutionary patterns of FPLV VP2 gene sequences.
- To investigate potential drivers of FPLV evolution, such as selection pressure.
Main Methods:
- Collection and molecular characterization of 39 FPLV strains from fecal samples.
- Confirmation of FPLV identity using a minor groove binder probe assay.
- Sequence analysis of the VP2 gene to assess nucleotide and amino acid variations.
Main Results:
- All characterized viruses were confirmed as FPLV, distinct from canine parvovirus type 2.
- High nucleotide identity (98.6-100%) was observed among FPLV strains from Italy and the UK.
- VP2 gene analysis revealed predominantly synonymous substitutions, with a low dN/dS ratio (0.10), suggesting evolution by random genetic drift.
- Identified amino acid mutations did not show clear segregation patterns, supporting evolutionary stasis.
Conclusions:
- FPLV strains circulating in Italy and the UK are highly genetically conserved.
- The evolution of FPLV is primarily driven by random genetic drift, not positive selection.
- FPLV appears to be in a state of evolutionary stasis, with limited genetic markers for tracking.
