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Bovine virus diarrhoea virus: an introduction
1Department of Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Veterinary Faculty, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Pestiviruses, now classified under Flaviviridae, exhibit high variability due to mutations and recombination. Bovine virus diarrhoea virus can shift biotypes, leading to severe mucosal disease, offering insights into viral pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Pestiviruses were previously classified under the Togavirus family.
- Recent genome organization studies necessitate reclassification.
- Understanding pestivirus variability is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the taxonomic classification of pestiviruses based on genome organization.
- To explore the genetic variability and pathogenetic mechanisms of pestiviruses, particularly bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV).
- To investigate the unique phenomenon of biotype switching in BVDV and its role in mucosal disease.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic analysis of pestiviruses.
- Identification and characterization of genetic variations (point mutations, recombination).
- In vivo studies to observe biotype switching and disease progression.
Main Results:
- Pestiviruses should be reclassified as a new genus within the Flaviviridae family, not Togaviridae.
- Pestiviruses display significant genetic variability, influenced by mutations and recombination.
- Bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) exhibits a switch from non-cytopathogenic to cytopathogenic biotypes, a key factor in mucosal disease development.
Conclusions:
- The classification of pestiviruses needs revision, placing them within the Flaviviridae family.
- Genetic variability and biotype switching are critical aspects of pestivirus pathogenesis.
- Studying the mechanism of BVDV-induced mucosal disease may elucidate the pathogenesis of other viral diseases.