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Matrix protein gene nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence demonstrate that the first US avian pneumovirus

B S Seal1

  • 1Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Athens, GA 30605, USA. bseal@asrr.arsusda.gov

Virus Research
|January 8, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Avian pneumovirus (APV) caused turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) outbreaks in the US. Genetic analysis reveals the US APV/CO isolate is distinct from European strains, impacting diagnostic capabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Avian Pathology

Background:

  • Avian pneumovirus (APV) is the causative agent of turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT).
  • TRT outbreaks occurred in the US from 1996-1997, involving virus types previously considered exotic.
  • The genetic distinctiveness of US APV isolates was unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genetically characterize the US APV/CO isolate.
  • To compare the US isolate with European APV strains.
  • To understand the implications for serological detection.

Main Methods:

  • Replication of APV/CO in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF).
  • Purification of poly-A RNA and cDNA synthesis.
  • Amplification of the matrix (M) protein gene using degenerate oligonucleotide primers.
  • Sequence analysis and phylogenetic comparison of M protein genes and predicted amino acid sequences.

Main Results:

  • The US APV/CO M protein gene shows 60% identity with European APV types A and B (75% identity between European types).
  • Predicted M protein sequences show 78-77% identity with European APV types A and B (89% identity between European types).
  • Phylogenetic analysis confirms APV/CO as a unique lineage separate from European strains.

Conclusions:

  • The US APV/CO isolate is genetically distinct from European APV types A and B.
  • This genetic divergence explains the failure of serological diagnostics based on European viruses to detect the US isolate.
  • Further research is needed to develop specific diagnostics for US APV strains.

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