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Bovine leukaemia-virus infection in Costa Rica
C Jiménez1, J A Bonilla, G Dolz
1Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (PIET), Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.
Summary
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is widespread in Costa Rica, primarily impacting dairy cattle in highland regions. BLV isolates show similarities to U.S. strains, but protein recognition patterns vary in infected cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is a significant disease in cattle worldwide.
- Bovine leukemia-virus (BLV) is the causative agent of EBL.
- Understanding BLV distribution is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the geographical distribution of BLV-infected herds in Costa Rica.
- To isolate BLV from cattle with EBL.
- To characterize local BLV isolates and compare them to international strains.
Main Methods:
- Herd surveys for BLV infection across Costa Rica.
- BLV isolation from tumorous tissues of affected cattle.
- Physical, serological, and biological characterization of BLV isolates.
- Western-blotting analysis for BLV-protein p24 recognition.
Main Results:
- BLV infection is prevalent throughout Costa Rica.
- Dairy cattle (Bos taurus) in highlands are more affected than beef cattle (Bos indicus) in lowlands.
- One Costa Rican BLV isolate exhibited characteristics similar to a U.S. reference strain.
- Varied recognition patterns of BLV-protein p24 were observed in naturally infected cattle.
Conclusions:
- BLV poses a significant disease burden across Costa Rica, with distinct host and geographic predispositions.
- Local BLV strains share characteristics with international counterparts, suggesting potential common origins or evolution.
- Differences in protein recognition highlight the complexity of host-virus interactions and potential for diagnostic variations.