Molecular characterization of sheeppox virus from outbreaks in Karnataka, India
K Sumana1,2, Yogisharadhya Revanaiah1, R Apsana1
1Indian Council of Agricultural Research Institute-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Karnataka, India.
Aim:
This study aimed to characterize sheeppox virus (SPPV) using the P32 gene of the Capripoxvirus (CaPVs).
Materials And Methods:
Clinical samples of skin, scabs, and nasal swab from suspected outbreaks Horalagallu (n=13) and Gerahalli (n=11) at Ramanagara district in Karnataka were collected. All the samples were initially subjected to genus-specific diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The pooled clinical samples from each outbreak were also subjected to virus isolation. The isolates were confirmed by CaPVs genotyping PCR targeting the full-length P32 gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
Results:
The clinical signs and lesions varied from mild to severe degree with no specificity between age and sex. Specific cytopathic changes in cell morphology were observed in infected Vero cells from both outbreaks, which were confirmed by PCR. The complete P32 gene from two outbreaks was successfully amplified with the expected amplicon size of 1006bp. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both the outbreaks were due to SPPV and shared high similarity with published SPPVs from Karnataka and other parts of India.
Conclusion:
The current study showed that complete P32 gene-based genotypic PCR assay can be used for genetic characterization and molecular epidemiology of both sheeppox and goatpox diseases and also to differentiate the causative agents. The sequence analysis revealed 100% similarity among the two outbreak isolates suggesting the same strain of the virus and common source of infection for the outbreaks.
Insights
Sheeppox virus (SPPV) outbreaks in Karnataka were characterized using the P32 gene. The study confirmed SPPV as the causative agent, highlighting the P32 gene
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Sheeppox virus (SPPV) causes significant economic losses in livestock.
- Accurate identification and characterization of SPPV are crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize sheeppox virus (SPPV) from outbreaks in Karnataka using the P32 gene of Capripoxvirus (CaPVs).
- To evaluate the utility of the P32 gene for molecular epidemiology and differentiation of SPPV and goatpox virus.
Main Methods:
- Collection of clinical samples (skin, scabs, nasal swabs) from suspected SPPV outbreaks.
- Genus-specific diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation.
- Capripoxvirus (CaPVs) genotyping PCR targeting the full-length P32 gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs varied, with cytopathic changes observed in Vero cells and confirmed by PCR.
- The complete P32 gene (1006bp) was successfully amplified from both outbreaks.
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed both outbreaks were caused by SPPV, showing high similarity to Indian isolates.
Conclusions:
- The P32 gene-based genotypic PCR assay is effective for genetic characterization and molecular epidemiology of sheeppox and goatpox.
- Sequence analysis indicated 100% similarity between outbreak isolates, suggesting a common source and strain.
- This method aids in differentiating causative agents of capripox diseases.
