Molecular characterization of an Akabane virus isolate from West Java, Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Arthropod-borne Viruses
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Akabane virus (AKAV) is an arbovirus known to cause congenital abnormalities in livestock.
• Surveillance for AKAV in Southeast Asia is crucial for understanding its geographical distribution and impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first isolation and characterization of Akabane virus from cattle in Indonesia.
• To determine the genetic lineage of the isolated Indonesian AKAV strain.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of arbovirus from bovine plasma samples.
• Identification of the virus using Akabane virus-specific RT-PCR.
• Viral RNA extraction, sequencing of the S segment, and phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

• An Akabane virus isolate (WJ-1SA/P/2014) was successfully obtained from asymptomatic cattle in West Java, Indonesia.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed the Indonesian isolate within AKAV genogroup Ib.
• The isolate showed close genetic relatedness to strains from Israel and Turkey.

Conclusions:

• This marks the first documented isolation of Akabane virus in Indonesia.
• The findings suggest the circulation of AKAV genogroup Ib in Indonesian cattle.
• Further surveillance is warranted to assess the prevalence and economic impact of AKAV in Indonesia.