Molecular characterization of peste-des-petits ruminants virus from Nepal, 2005 to 2016

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Animal Health

Background:

• Peste-des-petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants.
• Regular PPR outbreaks have been documented in Nepal since 1994.
• Limited molecular characterization of circulating PPR virus (PPRV) in Nepal hinders effective disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform molecular characterization of PPRV strains circulating in Nepal.
• To understand the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of PPRV in the region.
• To provide molecular data for improved PPR surveillance and control strategies.

Main Methods:

• Nucleoprotein (N) gene sequencing of PPRV from ten samples collected between 2005 and 2016.
• Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method.
• Comparison of obtained sequences with global PPRV isolates.

Main Results:

• A 351 bp segment of the PPRV nucleoprotein gene was successfully amplified and sequenced.
• All analyzed PPRV samples belonged to sub-clade IV of clade I, lineage IV.
• The Nepalese PPRV isolates shared a common origin with other PPRV strains in the region.

Conclusions:

• The study provides crucial molecular data on PPRV strains in Nepal.
• Circulating PPRV in Nepal are genetically related to lineage IV strains found in the region.
• This genetic information is vital for understanding PPRV epidemiology and informing control efforts in Nepal and surrounding areas.