Related Experiment Videos

Molecular characterization of newly recognized rodent parvoviruses

D G Besselsen1, D J Pintel, G A Purdy

  • 1Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.

Insights

New rodent parvoviruses, mouse parvovirus (MPV) and hamster parvovirus (HaPV), represent distinct serotypes. Minute virus of mice variant MVM(c) is closely related to existing strains, expanding parvovirus diversity.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Autonomous rodent parvoviruses are a diverse group.
  • New isolates, including mouse parvovirus (MPV), hamster parvovirus (HaPV), and minute virus of mice variant MVM(c), have emerged.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the genetic and antigenic properties of novel rodent parvovirus isolates.
  • To compare these isolates with known rodent parvoviruses and autonomous parvoviruses.

Main Methods:

  • DNA sequencing of viral genomes and prediction of protein sequences.
  • Comparative sequence analysis.
  • Haemagglutination inhibition assays for serotyping.

Main Results:

  • MPV isolates were nearly identical; HaPV was highly similar to MPV; MVM(c) was most similar to MVM(i) and MVM(p).
  • MPV and HaPV represent two new serotypes, distinct from known rodent parvoviruses.
  • MVM(c) belongs to the MVM serotype.
  • All new isolates encode characteristic parvovirus nonstructural (NS1, NS2) and structural (VP1, VP2) proteins and encapsidate a 5 kb DNA genome.

Conclusions:

  • MPV and HaPV are autonomous parvoviruses, distinct from previously identified types.
  • MVM(c) is a variant strain of MVM, closely related to existing immunosuppressive and prototypic strains.

Related Concept Videos