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Isolation and characterization of a subtype C avian metapneumovirus circulating in Muscovy ducks in China
Abstract:
Subtype C avian metapneumovirus (aMPV-C), is an important pathogen that can cause egg-drop and acute respiratory diseases in poultry. To date, aMPV-C infection has not been documented in Muscovy ducks in China. Here, we isolated and characterized an aMPV-C, designated S-01, which has caused severe respiratory disease and noticeable egg drop in Muscovy duck flocks in south China since 2010. Electron microscopy showed that the isolate was an enveloped virus exhibiting multiple morphologies with a diameter of 20-500 nm. The S-01 strain was able to produce a typical cytopathic effect (CPE) on Vero cells and cause death in 10- to 11-day-old Muscovy duck embryos. In vivo infection of layer Muscovy ducks with the isolate resulted in typical clinical signs and pathological lesions similar to those seen in the original infected cases. We report the first complete genomic sequence of aMPV-C from Muscovy ducks. A phylogenetic analysis strongly suggested that the S-01 virus belongs to the aMPV-C family, sharing 92.3%-94.3% of nucleotide identity with that of aMPV-C, and was most closely related to the aMPV-C strains isolated from Muscovy ducks in France. The deduced eight main proteins (N, P, M, F, M2, SH, G and L) of the novel isolate shared higher identity with hMPV than with other aMPV (subtypes A, B and D). S-01 could bind a monoclonal antibody against the F protein of hMPV. Together, our results indicate that subtype-C aMPV has been circulating in Muscovy duck flocks in South China, and it is urgent for companies to develop new vaccines to control the spread of the virus in China.
Insights
Subtype C avian metapneumovirus (aMPV-C) has been identified in Muscovy ducks in China, causing respiratory illness and egg loss. This discovery highlights the urgent need for new vaccines to prevent further spread of this poultry pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Poultry Pathology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Subtype C avian metapneumovirus (aMPV-C) is a significant poultry pathogen.
- Previous documentation of aMPV-C infection in Muscovy ducks was lacking in China.
- Since 2010, Muscovy duck flocks in South China have experienced severe respiratory disease and egg production decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel aMPV-C strain from affected Muscovy ducks in China.
- To determine the complete genomic sequence of the identified aMPV-C isolate.
- To conduct phylogenetic analysis to understand the virus's origin and relationship to other strains.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation and characterization using electron microscopy and cell culture (Vero cells).
- Inoculation of Muscovy duck embryos and live Muscovy ducks to assess pathogenicity.
- Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis using established bioinformatics tools.
- Antigenic characterization using monoclonal antibodies against hMPV F protein.
Main Results:
- An aMPV-C strain, designated S-01, was isolated from Muscovy ducks exhibiting respiratory disease and egg drop.
- Electron microscopy confirmed the viral nature, with diameters ranging from 20-500 nm.
- The S-01 strain induced cytopathic effects in Vero cells, mortality in duck embryos, and typical clinical signs and lesions in infected ducks.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed S-01 within the aMPV-C group, closely related to French Muscovy duck isolates, with high nucleotide identity (92.3%-94.3%) to other aMPV-C strains.
- The deduced proteins showed higher identity to human metapneumovirus (hMPV) than other aMPV subtypes, and S-01 bound to an anti-hMPV F protein antibody.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first complete genome sequence of aMPV-C from Muscovy ducks in China.
- The findings confirm the circulation of aMPV-C in Muscovy duck populations in South China.
- Urgent development of effective vaccines is recommended to control the spread and impact of this virus in China.
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