Sequence variation of the gC gene among pseudorabies virus strains

We have determined the nucleotide sequences of the major glycoprotein C (gC) gene of 3 pseudorabies virus (PRV) strains isolated in Japan, the USA, and Northern Ireland after gene amplification mediated by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence homologies among the strains were > 98% and > 97%, respectively. The restriction patterns of the amplified DNA fragments generated by restriction endonucleases SalI and SmaI revealed three genomic variations among the 15 PRV strains. The Japanese PRV isolates have identical restriction fragment patterns and differ from those of the non-Japanese isolates examined. Among 3 PRV strains with distinctive genotype each other, there is no significant difference in pathogenicity for the ddY mouse.