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Geographic structuring of global EIAV isolates: a single origin for New World strains?
Stefano Capomaccio1, Katia Cappelli, R Frank Cook
1Centro di Studio del Cavallo Sportivo, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy. capemaster@gmail.com
Virus Research
|November 29, 2011
Summary
Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) strains in the Americas form a distinct genetic group. This suggests a single introduction event when horses were reintroduced to the New World.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV), a lentivirus, exhibits significant antigenic variation.
- Understanding EIAV evolution and geographic distribution is crucial for equine health and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships and geographic origins of Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) strains.
- To explore the evolutionary history of EIAV in relation to horse migration.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an extensive Bayesian phylogenetic analysis.
- Incorporated substantial new EIAV gag sequence data.
Main Results:
- Revealed strong geographic compartmentalization of EIAV strains.
- Identified New World EIAV strains as a distinct genetic group with a potentially common origin.
- Demonstrated a clear link between viral phylogeography and the historical movements of horses.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a single founder event for EIAV in the Americas, likely linked to European horse reintroduction in the 15th century.
- This has significant implications for evolutionary and ecological studies of viral diseases in horses.
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