Genetic characterization and phylogeny of pigeon paramyxovirus isolate (PPMV-1) from Pakistan
Sameera Akhtar1, Muhammad Akram Muneer1, Khushi Muhammad1
1Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54600 Pakistan.
Background:
Knowing the genome characteristics of circulating Newcastle disease viruses [avian paramyxoviruses (APMV-1) and pigeon paramyxoviruses (PPMV-1)] is important to devise appropriate diagnostics and control strategies. APMVs originating from chicken and wildlife in Pakistan are well-elucidated; nevertheless, molecular characterization for the circulating PPMV-1 is largely unknown.
Findings:
Here, we have performed fusion (F) and hemagglutinin (HN) gene based characterization of PPMV-1 isolated from an outbreak in a pigeon flock. With F0 proteolytic cleavage site (112RRQKR↓F117), characteristic of velogenic/mesogenic serotype, the complete F and HN gene based sequence analysis of the isolate revealed evolutionary relationship to genotype VI. Further analysis of hyper-variable region of F-gene demonstrated clustering of the study isolate with genotype VIb. The deduced residue analysis for both F and HN protein showed a number of substitution mutations in the functional domains distinct from representative strains of each genotype including the vaccine strains; some of them were found exclusive to the study isolate.
Conclusions:
Though limited and preliminary data, the findings enhance our knowledge towards circulating strains of PPMVs in Pakistan. Further studies are needed to ascertain its potential for transmission in the wild birds, commercial and backyard poultry and its subsequent shedding into the environment.
Insights
Molecular characterization of pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV-1) in Pakistan reveals a novel genotype VIb strain. This finding is crucial for developing effective diagnostics and control strategies against Newcastle disease virus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Understanding Newcastle disease virus (avian paramyxoviruses [APMV-1] and pigeon paramyxoviruses [PPMV-1]) genomes is vital for disease control.
- While APMV-1 in Pakistan is well-studied, PPMV-1 molecular data remains scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform molecular characterization of PPMV-1.
- To analyze the fusion (F) and hemagglutinin (HN) genes of an isolated PPMV-1 strain.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequencing of PPMV-1 from a pigeon flock outbreak.
- Phylogenetic analysis of F and HN genes.
- Analysis of deduced amino acid residues in functional domains.
Main Results:
- The isolate's F0 cleavage site (112RRQKR↓F117) indicates a velogenic/mesogenic serotype.
- Sequence analysis placed the isolate within genotype VI, specifically clustering with genotype VIb.
- Distinct mutations were identified in the F and HN protein functional domains compared to other genotypes and vaccine strains.
Conclusions:
- The study provides preliminary insights into circulating PPMV-1 strains in Pakistan.
- Further research is necessary to assess transmission potential in various avian populations and environmental shedding.
