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Inter- and intra-strain genomic variation in equine herpesvirus type 1 isolates
W A Bonass1, W A Hudson, D M Elton
1Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds, U.K.
Archives of Virology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) DNA analysis revealed genetic variations within and between strains. A specific mutation affecting ribonucleotide reductase was commonly observed, potentially influenced by cell passage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen in equine populations.
- Understanding EHV-1 genetic diversity is crucial for disease control and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic variation among different EHV-1 isolates.
- To identify specific genetic alterations and their potential implications.
Main Methods:
- Restriction enzyme digestion of EHV-1 DNA from 22 isolates.
- Hybridization analysis using cloned DNA fragments covering the viral genome.
- Identification of variations in restriction endonuclease sites within viral DNA.
Main Results:
- Observed both inter-strain (between different strains) and intra-strain (within the same strain) genetic variation.
- Heterogeneity within strains was attributed to the loss of specific restriction sites in a proportion of viral particles.
- Fifteen strains showed a common variation: loss of the BamHI L-M site.
- This site was located within the coding sequence for the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase.
Conclusions:
- EHV-1 exhibits significant genetic heterogeneity, impacting its molecular profile.
- The common loss of the BamHI L-M site, affecting ribonucleotide reductase, may be a selectable mutation.
- Passage in RK13 cells could be a factor influencing the selection of this specific mutation.