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Published on: January 19, 2014
Potential Novel Genotype of "Bopivirus B" from Sheep in Türkiye: Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization
Feray Alkan1,2, İlke Karayel-Hacıoğlu1,2, Selda Duran-Yelken3
1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06070, Türkiye.
Abstract:
Various microbial agents have been found in the feces of both humans and animals, especially in newborns. While some of these agents are recognized as causing diarrhea, the role of others, specifically bopiviruses of the family Picornaviridae, in diarrhea remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted an analysis of 214 fecal samples from cattle (n = 114), sheep (n = 82), and goats (n = 18) with diarrhea, collected from farms across 17 different provinces in Türkiye. All samples were tested using RT-PCR targeting the 3D(RdRp) region of bopiviruses, and two samples from sheep (2.4%) tested positive. The 7303 nt-long complete coding sequence of Bopivirus/Sheep/KS-1M/2024/TUR and partial 3D(RdRp), VP3, and 2A-2C sequences of Bopivirus/Sheep/ANK-K30/2017/TUR were determined by additional RT-PCR, 3'RACE-PCR reactions and Sanger sequencing. Both strains show close sequence and phylogenetic relationship to members of species "Bopivirus B" of genus Bopivirus. Bopivirus/Sheep/KS-1M/2024/TUR is most closely related to a sheep Bopivirus B strain (sheep/14-73/2018/ITA) from Italy, but the phylogenetic separation, the low sequence identities and high p-distance values in VP1 to existing genotypes of "B1" and "B2" suggest that both strains could belong to novel genotypes ("B3" and "B4") in species "Bopivirus B", although additional closely related sequences are necessary for proper typing.
Insights
Bopiviruses, a type of picornavirus, were investigated in diarrheal fecal samples from livestock in Türkiye. Two sheep samples tested positive for bopiviruses, potentially representing novel genotypes within the Bopivirus B species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Bopiviruses (family Picornaviridae) are detected in animal feces, but their role in causing diarrhea is not well understood.
- Diarrhea is a common issue in livestock, impacting animal health and farm economics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of bopiviruses in diarrheal fecal samples from cattle, sheep, and goats in Türkiye.
- To determine if bopiviruses contribute to diarrhea in these livestock species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 214 fecal samples from diarrheal cattle, sheep, and goats across 17 provinces in Türkiye.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the bopivirus 3D(RdRp) region.
- Next-generation sequencing, including 3'RACE-PCR and Sanger sequencing, for full and partial genome determination.
Main Results:
- Two sheep fecal samples (2.4%) tested positive for bopiviruses.
- Complete coding sequences for two bopivirus strains were determined: Bopivirus/Sheep/KS-1M/2024/TUR and Bopivirus/Sheep/ANK-K30/2017/TUR.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated these strains are closely related to "Bopivirus B" but may represent novel genotypes (B3 and B4) within this species.
Conclusions:
- Bopiviruses are present in diarrheal sheep in Türkiye.
- The identified bopivirus strains exhibit genetic divergence, suggesting the potential existence of new genotypes.
- Further research with additional sequences is needed for definitive genotyping and understanding the pathogenicity of these bopiviruses.
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