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Characterization of morbilliviruses isolated from dolphins and porpoises in Europe
I K Visser1, M F Van Bressem, R L de Swart
1Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Pieterburen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
A previously unidentified morbillivirus was isolated from two harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) that had died in the Dutch Waddensea (North Sea) in 1990. This porpoise morbillivirus (PMV) and a dolphin morbillivirus (DMV), which had recently caused a heavy mortality in Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), were compared antigenically with other members of the genus Morbillivirus, including the newly recognized phocine distemper virus type 1. DMV and PMV proved to be similar but distinct morbillivurses, closely related to rinderpest virus and peste-des-petitsruminants virus. Cell cultures of cetacean, pinniped, ruminant and canine origin showed a different pattern of susceptibility to DMV and PMV infection. Ruminants and dogs proved to be susceptible to experimental infection with DMV and PMV, which both caused a transient leukopenia most pronounced in the ruminants. Pre-exposure of dogs to DMV and PMV protected them from developing CDV viraemia and clinical signs upon challenge infection with virulent CDV. A serological survey among stranded animals of different cetacean species in Europe indicated that infections with DMV- and PMV-like morbilliviruses are not uncommon among these aquatic mammals.
Insights
A novel porpoise morbillivirus (PMV) and dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) were identified. These viruses are closely related, infect various animal species, and offer protection against canine distemper virus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Marine Mammal Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Morbilliviruses cause significant mortality in marine mammals.
- Previously unidentified morbilliviruses were isolated from deceased harbour porpoises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a new porpoise morbillivirus (PMV) and compare it with dolphin morbillivirus (DMV).
- To investigate the antigenic relationship and host susceptibility of PMV and DMV.
- To assess the potential of PMV and DMV as vaccine candidates against canine distemper virus (CDV).
Main Methods:
- Isolation and antigenic comparison of PMV and DMV with other morbilliviruses.
- Infection studies in cell cultures of various origins (cetacean, pinniped, ruminant, canine).
- Experimental infection of ruminants and dogs with PMV and DMV.
- Serological survey of European cetacean populations.
Main Results:
- PMV and DMV are distinct but antigenically similar morbilliviruses, related to rinderpest virus.
- PMV and DMV exhibit differential susceptibility in cell cultures and experimental infections.
- Infection with PMV and DMV caused transient leukopenia in ruminants and dogs.
- Pre-exposure to PMV and DMV conferred protection against virulent CDV challenge in dogs.
- A serological survey indicated widespread prevalence of PMV- and DMV-like infections in European cetaceans.
Conclusions:
- PMV and DMV represent significant morbillivirus threats to marine mammals.
- These viruses have a broad host range, including terrestrial animals.
- PMV and DMV show promise as potential vaccine candidates against CDV.