Molecular Identification and Characterization of a Novel Gammaherpesvirus in Wild Rabbits

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Herpetology
• Genomics

Background:

• Five herpesviruses (LeHV-1 to LeHV-5) are known in Leporidae.
• Limited molecular data exists for most leporid herpesviruses, hindering research.
• European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are susceptible to LeHV-2 (gammaherpesvirus) and LeHV-4 (alphaherpesvirus).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of novel herpesviruses in wild rabbit populations.
• To characterize the genetic makeup of newly identified leporid herpesviruses.
• To determine the phylogenetic relationship of novel herpesviruses to known leporid and other mammalian herpesviruses.

Main Methods:

• Screening of wild rabbit samples using pan-herpesvirus nested PCR targeting the DNA polymerase gene.
• Sequencing of DNA polymerase, glycoprotein B, and terminase genes from positive samples.
• Phylogenetic analysis of obtained sequences and comparison with public databases using Blastn.

Main Results:

• Herpesviral DNA was detected in 41.17% (14/34) of wild rabbit samples.
• Sequence analysis indicated the presence of a gammaherpesvirus.
• Phylogenetic analyses consistently placed the novel virus, LeHV-6, near LeHV-5 within the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily, clustering with rodent herpesviruses.

Conclusions:

• A new rabbit gammaherpesvirus, designated LeHV-6, has been identified.
• LeHV-6 forms a distinct clade with LeHV-5, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship.
• This discovery expands the known diversity of leporid herpesviruses and provides crucial molecular data for future studies.