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Molecular characterization of feline panleukopenia virus isolated from mink and its pathogenesis in mink
Diao Fei-Fei1, Zhao Yong-Feng1, Wang Jian-Li1
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, China.
Abstract:
Six feline panleukopenia viruses (FPV) were detected in the intestinal samples from the 176 mink collected in China during 2015 to 2016, named MEV-SD1, MEV-SD2, MEV-SD3, MEV-SD4, MEV-SD5 and MEV-SD6. The VP2 genes of the isolates shared 98.9%-100% identity with the reference sequences. The substitution of residue V300A in VP2 protein differentiates the isolates from the reference MEVs, and A300 is a characteristic of FPV. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of VP2 genes indicated that the six isolates were clustered into the same branch of all the reference FPVs. The NS1 genes of the isolates shared 98.2%-100% identity with the reference sequences. The NS1 genes of the six isolates and the three reference FPVs formed one unique evolutionary branch. To clarify the pathogenicity of the isolates, animal experiments were performed on healthy mink, using MEV-SD1. As a result, the morbidity of the inoculated animals was 100% and the mortality was as high as 38.9%. It was implied that the FPV infection caused a high morbidity and mortality in mink and the inoculation dose had an effect on pathogenicity of MEV-SD1 in mink.
Insights
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) was identified in mink in China. This highly contagious virus caused significant morbidity and mortality in experimentally infected mink, highlighting a potential threat to mink populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Health
Background:
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a highly contagious pathogen primarily affecting cats.
- Mink are susceptible to various parvoviruses, and the presence of FPV in mink populations poses a potential disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize FPV isolates from mink in China.
- To investigate the pathogenicity of FPV in experimentally infected mink.
Main Methods:
- Detection and genetic analysis (VP2 and NS1 genes) of FPV from mink intestinal samples.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine the evolutionary relationship of FPV isolates.
- Experimental inoculation of healthy mink with a characterized FPV isolate (MEV-SD1) to assess pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- Six FPV isolates (MEV-SD1 to MEV-SD6) were detected in mink samples collected in China (2015-2016).
- VP2 gene analysis revealed high identity (98.9%-100%) with reference FPVs, with a characteristic V300A substitution. Phylogenetic analysis clustered these isolates with FPVs.
- NS1 gene analysis showed high identity (98.2%-100%) and formed a unique evolutionary branch with reference FPVs.
- Experimental infection with MEV-SD1 resulted in 100% morbidity and 38.9% mortality in mink, indicating significant pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- FPV circulates in mink populations in China, as evidenced by the detection of six distinct isolates.
- FPV infection can cause high morbidity and mortality in mink, posing a significant threat to animal health.
- The pathogenicity of FPV in mink is influenced by the inoculation dose, suggesting a dose-dependent effect on disease severity.
