Evidence for lineage-associated differences in Tembusu virus pathogenicity in avian hosts
Tao Wang1, Yuyan Fan2, Fan Liu2
1Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Immunology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China; Research Center of Avian Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China; Agricultural Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China; Engineering Research Center of Southwest Animal Disease Prevention and Control Technology for Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China.
Tembusu virus (TMUV) pathogenicity varies by evolutionary cluster and host species. Duck-origin Cluster 2.1 strains are most virulent in ducklings, while Cluster 2.2 shows high in vitro replication but low in vivo virulence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pathogen Evolution
- Avian Diseases
Background:
- Tembusu virus (TMUV) is a significant pathogen affecting waterfowl.
- Understanding pathogenic differences among TMUV evolutionary clusters is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically compare the pathogenic potential of TMUV isolates from distinct evolutionary branches.
- To investigate host-specific pathogenicity in ducklings and chicks.
- To elucidate the relationship between TMUV genetic evolution and virulence.
Main Methods:
- In vitro replication kinetics in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs).
- Assessment of clinical disease, mortality, histopathology, viremia, and tissue viral loads in ducklings and chicks.
- Comparison of TMUV isolates from evolutionary Clusters 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.2.
Main Results:
- Host- and strain-specific pathogenicity was observed.
- Duck-origin Cluster 2.1 strains exhibited the highest virulence in ducklings.
- The Cluster 2.2 strain showed high in vitro replication but low in vivo pathogenicity, with all strains being weakly pathogenic in chicks.
- Non-mosquito-borne transmission was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- TMUV pathogenicity is closely associated with its genetic evolution and host factors.
- Distinct TMUV clusters possess varying virulence profiles.
- Insights into TMUV adaptive evolution and control strategies are provided.
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