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Kalogianni AI, Bouzalas I, Marka S, Zografaki ME, Mavrikou S, Gelasakis AI. Genetic Characterization of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses Isolated from Dairy Sheep in Greece. Viruses 2024; 16:547. [PMID: 38675890 PMCID: PMC11053789 DOI: 10.3390/v16040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The high genetic heterogeneity of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) renders the genetic characterization of the circulating strains crucial for the epidemiological investigation and the designation of effective diagnostic tools. In Greece, research data regarding the genetic diversity of the circulating SRLV strains is scarce, hindering the implementation of efficient surveillance and control programs. The objective of the study was to genetically characterize SRLV strains isolated from intensive dairy sheep farms in Greece and evaluate the variability of the immunodominant regions of the capsid protein. For this reason, a total of 12 SRLV-infected animals from four intensive dairy sheep farms with purebred Chios and Lacaune ewes were used for the amplification and sequencing of an 800 bp gag-pol fragment. The phylogenetic analyses revealed a breed-related circulation of strains; Chios ewes were infected with strains belonging exclusively to a separate group of genotype A, whereas strains belonging to subtype B2 were isolated from Lacaune ewes. Immunodominant epitopes of capsid protein were quite conserved among the strains of the same genotype, except for the Major Homology Region which showed some unique mutations with potential effects on viral evolution. The present study contributes to the extension of the current knowledge regarding the genetic diversity of SRLV strains circulating in sheep in Greece. However, broader genetic characterization studies are warranted for the exploration of possible recombinant events and the more comprehensive classification of the circulating strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrodite I. Kalogianni
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ilias Bouzalas
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DEMETER, Campus of Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Sofia Marka
- Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), EU-CONEXUS European University, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (M.-E.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria-Eleftheria Zografaki
- Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), EU-CONEXUS European University, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (M.-E.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Sofia Mavrikou
- Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), EU-CONEXUS European University, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (M.-E.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Athanasios I. Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece;
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Olech M, Kuźmak J. Genetic Diversity of the LTR Region of Polish SRLVs and Its Impact on the Transcriptional Activity of Viral Promoters. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020302. [PMID: 36851518 PMCID: PMC9967159 DOI: 10.3390/v15020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A long terminal repeat (LTR) plays an indispensable role in small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) gene expression. In this study, we present the LTR sequence of Polish SRLVs representing different subtypes, and analyzed their impact on SRLV promoter activity, as measured in transient transfection assays. Although certain nucleotide motifs (AML(vis), TATA box and the polyadenylation site (AATAAA)) were conserved across sequences, numerous mutations within the LTR sequences have been identified. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in both regulatory (AP-1, AP-4, Stat and Gas) and non-regulatory sequences, and subtype-specific genetic diversity in the LTR region of Polish SRLVs was observed. In vitro assays demonstrated subtype-specific functional differences between the LTR regions of distinct SRLV subtypes. Our results revealed that the promoter activity of Polish strains was lower (1.64-10.8-fold) than that noted for the K1514 reference strain; however, the differences in most cases were not statistically significant. The lowest promoter activity was observed for strains representing subtype A5 (mean 69.067) while the highest promoter activity was observed for strain K1514 representing subtype A1 (mean 373.48). The mean LTR activities of strains representing subtypes A12, A17, A23, A18 and A24 were 91.22, 137.21, 178.41, 187.05 and 236.836, respectively. The results of the inter-subtype difference analysis showed that the promoter activity of strains belonging to subtype A5 was significantly lower than that for subtype A12 strains (1.32-fold; p < 0.00). The promoter activities of the A5 strain were 1.98-fold and 2.58-fold less active than that of the A17 and A23 strains, and the promoter activities of A12 strains were 1.955 and 1.5 times lower than the promoter activity of A23 and A17 strains, respectively. Furthermore, the promoter activity of A17 strains was 1.3 lower than the promoter activity of A23 strains. Our findings suggest that subtype-specific genetic diversity, mainly in the transcription factor's binding sites, has an impact on their transcriptional activity, producing a distinct activity pattern for the subtypes. This study provides new information that is important for better understanding the function of the SRLV LTR. However, further research including more strains and subtypes as well as other cell lines is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Olech
- Department of Pathology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Jacek Kuźmak
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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Cecco BS, Henker LC, Lorenzett MP, Molossi FA, Schwertz CI, Baumbach LF, Weber MN, Canal CW, Driemeier D, Pavarini SP, Langohr IM, Carossino M, Balasuriya UBR, Sonne L. An outbreak of visna-maedi in a flock of sheep in Southern Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1723-1730. [PMID: 35478313 PMCID: PMC9433499 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Visna-maedi is a multisystemic and progressive inflammatory disease caused by a non-oncogenic retrovirus (Visna-maedi virus, VMV). An outbreak of visna-maedi occurred in Southern Brazil in sheep with clinical signs of blindness and stumbling gait. At post-mortem examination, all animals had similar lesions, including heavy non-collapsed lungs and multifocal yellow areas in the cerebral white matter, affecting mainly the periventricular region. These lesions corresponded histologically to lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia and histiocytic periventricular encephalitis surrounding areas of necrosis, in addition to significant demyelination in the brain. Serology was performed in all the sheep from the flock and 14% were seropositive for VMV. The presence of VMV was confirmed through PCR and partial sequencing of the 5'LTR. Sequencing demonstrated that the virus had 89.7 to 90.0% of nucleotide identity with VMV strains reported in the USA. This is the first description of clinical disease related to VMV in Brazil leading to economic losses. This study calls for the need to implement control measures to prevent the spread of small ruminant lentiviruses in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca S Cecco
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Luan C Henker
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina P Lorenzett
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciéli A Molossi
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claiton I Schwertz
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Letícia F Baumbach
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus N Weber
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cláudio W Canal
- Laboratório de Virologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo P Pavarini
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ingeborg M Langohr
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Udeni B R Balasuriya
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Luciana Sonne
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Olech M, Kycko A, Kuźmak J. Molecular Characterization of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses Isolated from Polish Goats with Arthritis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040735. [PMID: 35458465 PMCID: PMC9032046 DOI: 10.3390/v14040735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies revealed that the small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) population in Poland is highly heterogeneous. All SRLVs detected from Polish sheep and goats so far have belonged to subtypes B1, B2, A1, A5, A12, A13, A16, A17, A18, A23 and A24. However, all characterized strains originated from asymptomatic animals. This is the first study that characterizes the molecular properties of SRLVs isolated from different organs of six arthritic goats. Segments from three genomic regions (gag, LTR and env) were analyzed. In addition, we quantified the SRLV proviral load in the blood and different organs and examined its association with different degrees of histopathological lesions. All sequences obtained from the goats involved in this study were homogeneous, showing an average degree of variability of 4.8%, 3.7% and 8.8% for gag, LTR and env, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences from the analyzed goats were clustered within SRLVs group A and formed a new subtype within this group, tentatively named A27. The histopathological examination of the lung, mammary gland, synovial membranes of joints and brain of the analyzed goats revealed evidence of inflammatory processes associated with SRLV infection, which was confirmed by positive immunohistochemistry assays. No significant correlation was observed between histological features and alterations in the sequences from different tissues. No tissue-specific signature pattern was identified. It was shown that animals with a higher proviral load showed more lesion severity in various SRLV-affected tissues, indicating a positive association between these two parameters. Our results also revealed differences in the SRLV load between animals even though the sequences derived from all of the goats were closely related, suggesting that host factors may restrict and control viral replication. This study provides new information about SRLV variants isolated from arthritic goats; however, more studies, including the isolation and characterization of biological properties of these viruses, should be performed to evaluate their pathogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Olech
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-889-300
| | - Anna Kycko
- Department of Pathology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland;
| | - Jacek Kuźmak
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland;
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Olech M, Kuźmak J. Molecular Characterization of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses in Polish Mixed Flocks Supports Evidence of Cross Species Transmission, Dual Infection, a Recombination Event, and Reveals the Existence of New Subtypes within Group A. Viruses 2021; 13:2529. [PMID: 34960798 PMCID: PMC8708130 DOI: 10.3390/v13122529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are a group of highly divergent viruses responsible for global infection in sheep and goats. In a previous study we showed that SRLV strains found in mixed flocks in Poland belonged to subtype A13 and A18, but this study was restricted only to the few flocks from Małopolska region. The present work aimed at extending earlier findings with the analysis of SRLVs in mixed flocks including larger numbers of animals and flocks from different part of Poland. On the basis of gag and env sequences, Polish SRLVs were assigned to the subtypes B2, A5, A12, and A17. Furthermore, the existence of a new subtypes, tentatively designed as A23 and A24, were described for the first time. Subtypes A5 and A17 were only found in goats, subtype A24 has been detected only in sheep while subtypes A12, A23, and B2 have been found in both sheep and goats. Co-infection with strains belonging to different subtypes was evidenced in three sheep and two goats originating from two flocks. Furthermore, three putative recombination events were identified within gag and env SRLVs sequences derived from three sheep. Amino acid (aa) sequences of immunodominant epitopes in CA protein were well conserved while Major Homology Region (MHR) had more alteration showing unique mutations in sequences of subtypes A5 and A17. In contrast, aa sequences of surface glycoprotein exhibited higher variability confirming type-specific variation in the SU5 epitope. The number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGS) ranged from 3 to 6 in respective sequences and were located in different positions. The analysis of LTR sequences revealed that sequences corresponding to the TATA box, AP-4, AML-vis, and polyadenylation signal (poly A) were quite conserved, while considerable alteration was observed in AP-1 sites. Interestingly, our results revealed that all sequences belonging to subtype A17 had unique substitution T to A in the fifth position of TATA box and did not have a 11 nt deletion in the R region which was noted in other sequences from Poland. These data revealed a complex picture of SRLVs population with ovine and caprine strains belonging to group A and B. We present strong and multiple evidence of dually infected sheep and goats in mixed flocks and present evidence that these viruses can recombine in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Olech
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland;
| | - Jacek Kuźmak
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland;
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6
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Olech M, Kuźmak J. Molecular Characterization of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses of Subtype A5 Detected in Naturally Infected but Clinically Healthy Goats of Carpathian Breed. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9120992. [PMID: 33256245 PMCID: PMC7761454 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9120992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are widespread in sheep and goats in Poland, and several subtypes were identified and molecularly characterized up to date. This is the first study that characterizes the molecular properties of A5 strains of SRLV detected in naturally infected, but clinically healthy, Carpathian goats. Segments from three genomic regions (gag, env, and LTR) were analyzed. Genetic distance, pairwise comparison, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that Polish SRLV A5 sequences are closely related to the Swiss and German A5 sequences suggesting a common origin. The epidemiological linkage was identified particularly between the small ruminants of Germany and Poland. Amino acid sequences of immunodominant regions in CA protein were well-conserved within analyzed strains; however, they showed some remarkable changes like substitution (D) to (E), at position 90 in Major Homology Region (MHR) and (T) to (S), at position 141 in epitope 3. In contrast, aa sequences of surface glycoprotein exhibited the highest variability confirming type-specific variation in SU5 epitope. Two deletions in the U3 region of A5 strains were noted: One (8 nt) located near the 5′ end of the U3 region and the other (29 nt) located in the central region of U3. Additionally, all A5 strains had specific deletion (10 nt) in the R region. Furthermore, we did not find a correlation between copies of the CAAAT motif and clinical manifestation in infected animals. These data showed some remarkable features in the viral genome of A5 strains, which may be related to the attenuated phenotype in vivo, characterized by the lack of any clinical signs in infected goats. Certainly, more studies are required to support the hypothesis that these A5 viruses are of low pathogenicity for goats. We want to focus our future studies on the analysis of the whole genomes of these isolates and their biological properties, as well as on clinicopathological studies of goats infected by A5 SRLV, aiming to clarify the pathogenic potential of these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Olech
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(48)-8188-9300; Fax: +(48)-8188-62595
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Chassalevris T, Chaintoutis SC, Apostolidi ED, Giadinis ND, Vlemmas I, Brellou GD, Dovas CI. A highly sensitive semi-nested real-time PCR utilizing oligospermine-conjugated degenerate primers for the detection of diverse strains of small ruminant lentiviruses. Mol Cell Probes 2020; 51:101528. [PMID: 32004592 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2020.101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are highly diverse retroviruses infecting sheep and goats. Although PCR-based testing is being utilized for diagnostics, its application is hampered by various factors. These include, among others, the exceptionally high genetic variability of SRLVs, as well as the low number of infected blood monocytes. For this reason, a highly sensitive and specific semi-nested real-time PCR for proviral DNA detection and quantification was developed. The method is innovative in that a) its design is based on selecting the preferred codon usage in the targeted conserved genomic regions and b) oligospermine-conjugated degenerate primers with increased Tm were utilized. Modifications permitted primer/template duplex formation in the cases of mismatches due to sporadic nucleotide polymorphisms in a number of variant SRLV strains and consequently, the detection of highly diverse SRLV strains. The potential loss of analytical sensitivity and specificity was counterbalanced by including a semi-nested step in combination with LNA probes. An in silico procedure for the evaluation of hybridization efficiency of the designed oligonucleotides to all known targeted variants was also implemented. The method presents a linear range of quantification over a 3-log10 range and a limit of detection of 3.9 proviral dsDNA copies per reaction. Its diagnostic performance was evaluated by testing field samples from seropositive and seronegative animals, followed by phylogenetic analysis of the strains detected. To further increase the diagnostic sensitivity, a DNA extraction protocol for blood leukocytes was developed and evaluated. A minimum of 500 ng input DNA is recommended for PCR-based detection of SRLV proviral DNA, given the low numbers of infected blood monocytes. The developed methodology may serve as a useful tool, which can be adjusted for the quantitative detection of viruses exhibiting high genetic variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taxiarchis Chassalevris
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Serafeim C Chaintoutis
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia D Apostolidi
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nektarios D Giadinis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vlemmas
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia D Brellou
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I Dovas
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Genotyping Based on the LTR Region of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses from Naturally Infected Sheep and Goats from Mexico. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4279573. [PMID: 31214614 PMCID: PMC6535881 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4279573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) belong to the genus Lentivirus in the Retroviridae family. There are five genotypes (A, B, C, D, and E), where genotypes A and B have a global distribution and genotypes C, D, and E are limited to Europe. The presence of SRLV has been confirmed in Mexico, with genotype B detected in the central region of the country. We examined the presence of SRLVs and genotype prevalence in 1014 sheep and 1383 goats from 12 Mexican states. Using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA) test, we detected SRLV antibodies in 107 sheep (10.55%) and 466 goats (33.69%). We used an endpoint PCR to amplify the LTR region on seropositive animals. A total of 50 sheep and 75 goats tested positive via PCR. Positive amplicons from 11 sheep and 17 goats from ten Mexican States were cloned and sequenced. With the LTR sequence data obtained in this study, a phylogenetic analysis was performed; we also constructed a phylogenetic tree using the obtained sequences and GenBank's available sequences. All studied sequences were associated with genotype B, specifically with the FESC-752 isolate previously identified in Mexico. Highly conserved transcription factor binding sites were observed in analyzed alignments, such as AML (vis), AP-4, and TATA box. However, we identified nucleotide differences at site AP-1 that suggest function loss. Our study found that ovine and caprine genotype B SRLVs are widely distributed in Mexico; a highly conserved LTR region among the sequences evaluated in this study was also found.
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Mendiola WPS, Tórtora JL, Martínez HA, García MM, Cuevas-Romero S, Cerriteño JL, Ramírez H. Genotyping Based on the LTR Region of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses from Naturally Infected Sheep and Goats from Mexico. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4279573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) belong to the genusLentivirusin the Retroviridae family. There are five genotypes (A, B, C, D, and E), where genotypes A and B have a global distribution and genotypes C, D, and E are limited to Europe. The presence of SRLV has been confirmed in Mexico, with genotype B detected in the central region of the country. We examined the presence of SRLVs and genotype prevalence in 1014 sheep and 1383 goats from 12 Mexican states. Using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA) test, we detected SRLV antibodies in 107 sheep (10.55%) and 466 goats (33.69%). We used an endpoint PCR to amplify the LTR region on seropositive animals. A total of 50 sheep and 75 goats tested positive via PCR. Positive amplicons from 11 sheep and 17 goats from ten Mexican States were cloned and sequenced. With the LTR sequence data obtained in this study, a phylogenetic analysis was performed; we also constructed a phylogenetic tree using the obtained sequences and GenBank’s available sequences. All studied sequences were associated with genotype B, specifically with the FESC-752 isolate previously identified in Mexico. Highly conserved transcription factor binding sites were observed in analyzed alignments, such as AML (vis), AP-4, and TATA box. However, we identified nucleotide differences at site AP-1 that suggest function loss. Our study found that ovine and caprine genotype B SRLVs are widely distributed in Mexico; a highly conserved LTR region among the sequences evaluated in this study was also found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfang P. S. Mendiola
- Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Higher Education, Cuautitlan, Veterinary Medicine, Campus 4, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan San Sebastián Xhala, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX, C.P. 54714, Mexico
| | - Jorge L. Tórtora
- Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Higher Education, Cuautitlan, Veterinary Medicine, Campus 4, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan San Sebastián Xhala, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX, C.P. 54714, Mexico
| | - Humberto A. Martínez
- Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Higher Education, Cuautitlan, Veterinary Medicine, Campus 4, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan San Sebastián Xhala, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX, C.P. 54714, Mexico
| | - María M. García
- Laboratory of Immunovirology, Medical Research in Immunology Unit, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center XXI Century, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico
| | - Sandra Cuevas-Romero
- National Research Center of Animal Microbiology Disciplines, National Research Institute of Forestry and Agriculture, INIFAP, C.P. 05110, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José L. Cerriteño
- National Research Center of Animal Microbiology Disciplines, National Research Institute of Forestry and Agriculture, INIFAP, C.P. 05110, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hugo Ramírez
- Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Higher Education, Cuautitlan, Veterinary Medicine, Campus 4, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan San Sebastián Xhala, Cuautitlán Izcalli, MEX, C.P. 54714, Mexico
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Gayo E, Cuteri V, Polledo L, Rossi G, García Marín JF, Preziuso S. Genetic Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses Detected in Spanish Assaf Sheep with Different Mammary Lesions. Viruses 2018; 10:v10060315. [PMID: 29890760 PMCID: PMC6024768 DOI: 10.3390/v10060315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLVs) are widespread in many countries and cause economically relevant, slow, and persistent diseases in sheep and goats. Monitoring the genetic diversity of SRLVs is useful to improve the diagnostic tools used in the eradication programs. In this study, SRLVs detected in Spanish Assaf sheep with different grades of lymphoproliferative mastitis were sequenced. Genetic characterization showed that most samples belonged to type A and were closer to Spanish SRLV isolates previously classified as A2/A3. Four samples belonged to subtype B2 and showed higher homology with Italian B2 strains than with Spanish B2 isolates. Amino acid sequences of immuno-dominant epitopes in the gag region were very conserved while more alterations were found in the LTR sequences. No significant correlations were found between grades of mastitis and alterations in the sequences although samples with similar histological features were phylogenetically closer to each other. Broader genetic characterization surveys in samples with different grades of SRLV-lesions are required for evaluating potential correlations between SRLV sequences and the severity of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gayo
- Pathological Anatomy Section, Animal Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leon, via Profesor Pedro Carmenes s/n Campus de Vegazana, 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Vincenzo Cuteri
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica (MC), Italy.
| | - Laura Polledo
- Micros Veterinaria, INDEGSAL, via Profesor Pedro Carmenes s/n Campus de Vegazana, 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Giacomo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica (MC), Italy.
| | - Juan F García Marín
- Pathological Anatomy Section, Animal Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leon, via Profesor Pedro Carmenes s/n Campus de Vegazana, 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Silvia Preziuso
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica (MC), Italy.
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Blatti-Cardinaux L, Sanjosé L, Zahno ML, Zanoni R, Reina R, Bertoni G. Detailed analysis of the promoter activity of an attenuated lentivirus. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:1699-1708. [PMID: 27114068 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of an eradication campaign that eliminated clinical cases of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus-induced arthritis in the Swiss goat population, seroconversions are still observed. In the affected flocks, viruses belonging mainly to the small ruminant lentivirus A4 subtype are regularly isolated. These viruses are considered attenuated, except in the mammary gland, where high viral loads and histopathological lesions have been observed. We previously characterized and sequenced such field isolates, detecting several potentially attenuating mutations in their LTR. Here we present a detailed analysis of the promoter activity of these genetic elements, which was comparable to those of virulent isolates. An AP-1 binding site was shown to be crucial for promoter activity in reporter gene assays and also in the context of a replicating molecular clone. Other sites, such as AML(vis) and a conserved E-box, appeared to be less crucial. Analysis of a unique AP-4 site showed a clear discrepancy between results obtained with reporter gene assays and those with mutated viruses. Within the limits of this in vitro study, we did not find evidence pointing to the LTR as the genetic correlate of attenuation for these viruses. Finally, the limited replication of SRLV A4 in mammary cell culture could not explain the suggested mammary tropism. In contrast, and in view of the abundance of macrophages in the mammary gland, it is the striking replication capacity of SRLV A4 in these cells, unaffected by all LTR mutations tested, which may explain the apparent mammary tropism of these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Blatti-Cardinaux
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leticia Sanjosé
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (CSIC-Universidad Pública de Navarra-Gobierno de Navarra) Avda, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marie-Luise Zahno
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Zanoni
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ramses Reina
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (CSIC-Universidad Pública de Navarra-Gobierno de Navarra) Avda, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Bertoni
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Blatti-Cardinaux L, Pisoni G, Stoffel MH, Zanoni R, Zahno ML, Bertoni G. Generation of a molecular clone of an attenuated lentivirus, a first step in understanding cytopathogenicity and virulence. Virology 2015; 487:50-8. [PMID: 26517396 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses infect goats and sheep, inducing clinical disease in a minority of infected animals. Following an eradication campaign, clinical cases may disappear in a population. The complete elimination of these lentiviruses is however difficult to achieve and the spreading of less virulent strains often parallels the elimination of their virulent counterparts. Here, we characterized three such strains isolated from a flock in the post-eradication phase. We completely sequenced their genomes, showing that one of the isolates was most probably the product of a recombination event between the other two viruses. By comparing the sequences of these isolates with those of virulent strains, we found evidence that particular LTR mutations may explain their attenuated phenotype. Finally, we constructed an infectious molecular clone representative of these viruses, analyzing its replication characteristics in different target cells. This clone will permit us to explore the molecular correlates of cytopathogenicity and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Blatti-Cardinaux
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giuliano Pisoni
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Michael H Stoffel
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Zanoni
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Luise Zahno
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Bertoni
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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13
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Stonos N, Wootton SK, Karrow N. Immunogenetics of small ruminant lentiviral infections. Viruses 2014; 6:3311-33. [PMID: 25153344 PMCID: PMC4147697 DOI: 10.3390/v6083311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) include the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) and the Maedi-Visna virus (MVV). Both of these viruses limit production and can be a major source of economic loss to producers. Little is known about how the immune system recognizes and responds to SRLVs, but due to similarities with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV research can shed light on the possible immune mechanisms that control or lead to disease progression. This review will focus on the host immune response to HIV-1 and SRLV, and will discuss the possibility of breeding for enhanced SRLV disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Stonos
- Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Sarah K Wootton
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Niel Karrow
- Centre for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Deubelbeiss M, Blatti-Cardinaux L, Zahno ML, Zanoni R, Vogt HR, Posthaus H, Bertoni G. Characterization of small ruminant lentivirus A4 subtype isolates and assessment of their pathogenic potential in naturally infected goats. Virol J 2014; 11:65. [PMID: 24708706 PMCID: PMC3995504 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small ruminant lentiviruses escaping efficient serological detection are still circulating in Swiss goats in spite of a long eradication campaign that essentially eliminated clinical cases of caprine arthritis encephalitis in the country. This strongly suggests that the circulating viruses are avirulent for goats. To test this hypothesis, we isolated circulating viruses from naturally infected animals and tested the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of these field isolates. Methods Viruses were isolated from primary macrophage cultures. The presence of lentiviruses in the culture supernatants was monitored by reverse transcriptase assay. Isolates were passaged in different cells and their cytopathogenic effects monitored by microscopy. Proviral load was quantified by real-time PCR using customized primer and probes. Statistical analysis comprised Analysis of Variance and Bonferroni Multiple Comparison Test. Results The isolated viruses belonged to the small ruminant lentiviruses A4 subtype that appears to be prominent in Switzerland. The 4 isolates replicated very efficiently in macrophages, displaying heterogeneous phenotypes, with two isolates showing a pronounced cytopathogenicity for these cells. By contrast, all 4 isolates had a poor replication capacity in goat and sheep fibroblasts. The proviral loads in the peripheral blood and, in particular, in the mammary gland were surprisingly high compared to previous observations. Nevertheless, these viruses appear to be of low virulence for goats except for the mammary gland were histopathological changes were observed. Conclusions Small ruminant lentiviruses continue to circulate in Switzerland despite a long and expensive caprine arthritis encephalitis virus eradication campaign. We isolated 4 of these lentiviruses and confirmed their phylogenetic association with the prominent A4 subtype. The pathological and histopathological analysis of the infected animals supported the hypothesis that these A4 viruses are of low pathogenicity for goats, with, however, a caveat about the potentially detrimental effects on the mammary gland. Moreover, the high proviral load detected indicates that the immune system of the animals cannot control the infection and this, combined with the phenotypic plasticity observed in vitro, strongly argues in favour of a continuous and precise monitoring of these SRLV to avoid the risk of jeopardizing a long eradication campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Bertoni
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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15
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Larruskain A, Jugo BM. Retroviral infections in sheep and goats: small ruminant lentiviruses and host interaction. Viruses 2013; 5:2043-61. [PMID: 23965529 PMCID: PMC3761241 DOI: 10.3390/v5082043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are members of the Retrovirus family comprising the closely related Visna/Maedi Virus (VMV) and the Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis Virus (CAEV), which infect sheep and goats. Both infect cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and cause lifelong infections. Infection by VMV and CAEV can lead to Visna/Maedi (VM) and Caprine Arthritis-Encephalitis (CAE) respectively, slow progressive inflammatory diseases primarily affecting the lungs, nervous system, joints and mammary glands. VM and CAE are distributed worldwide and develop over a period of months or years, always leading to the death of the host, with the consequent economic and welfare implications. Currently, the control of VM and CAE relies on the control of transmission and culling of infected animals. However, there is evidence that host genetics play an important role in determining Susceptibility/Resistance to SRLV infection and disease progression, but little work has been performed in small ruminants. More research is necessary to understand the host-SRLV interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Larruskain
- Genomics and Health Group, Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao 48080, Spain.
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Expanding possibilities for intervention against small ruminant lentiviruses through genetic marker-assisted selective breeding. Viruses 2013; 5:1466-99. [PMID: 23771240 PMCID: PMC3717717 DOI: 10.3390/v5061466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses include members that infect sheep (ovine lentivirus [OvLV]; also known as ovine progressive pneumonia virus/maedi-visna virus) and goats (caprine arthritis encephalitis virus [CAEV]). Breed differences in seroprevalence and proviral concentration of OvLV had suggested a strong genetic component in susceptibility to infection by OvLV in sheep. A genetic marker test for susceptibility to OvLV has been developed recently based on the TMEM154 gene with validation data from over 2,800 sheep representing nine cohorts. While no single genotype has been shown to have complete resistance to OvLV, consistent association in thousands of sheep from multiple breeds and management conditions highlight a new strategy for intervention by selective breeding. This genetic marker-assisted selection (MAS) has the potential to be a useful addition to existing viral control measures. Further, the discovery of multiple additional genomic regions associated with susceptibility to or control of OvLV suggests that additional genetic marker tests may be developed to extend the reach of MAS in the future. This review will cover the strengths and limitations of existing data from host genetics as an intervention and outline additional questions for future genetic research in sheep, goats, small ruminant lentiviruses, and their host-pathogen interactions.
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Gomez-Lucia E, Rowe J, Collar C, Murphy B. Diversity of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus promoters isolated from goat milk and passaged in vitro. Vet J 2012. [PMID: 23183018 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation in retroviruses resides in the U3 region of the proviral long terminal repeat (LTR). Transcription binding sites (TBS) in the U3 region of proviral sequences derived from the milk of 17 goats infected with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) were analysed by nested PCR and sequencing. U3 sequences shared a high degree of homology (86-99%) and were closely related to isolates previously ascribed to small ruminant lentivirus subtype B1. Multiple putative AP-1, AP-4, Ets-1, Stat-1 and TATA binding protein (TBP) sites were highly conserved (>85% of isolates), as were single AML(vis), GAS, IRF-1, NFAT and TAS sites. A 10 nucleotide insertion of undetermined relevance was identified in the U3 region of two isolates. To study the stability of TBS within the CAEV U3 region through in vitro passage, milk-derived isolates of CAEV from three infected dams were cultured in goat synovial membrane (GSM) cells; in one isolate the viral U3 region was completely stable during in vitro passage, in a second isolate the viral U3 region accumulated multiple deletions, single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions, while a third isolate had an intermediate degree of promoter stability. Promoter mutations arising during in vitro passage did not affect most of the conserved putative TBS identified in CAEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Gomez-Lucia
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 4206 Vet Med 3A, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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18
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First molecular characterization of visna/maedi viruses from naturally infected sheep in Turkey. Arch Virol 2012; 158:559-70. [PMID: 23124887 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-012-1518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent worldwide serological and genetic studies of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) have led to the description of new genotypes and the development of new diagnostic tests. This study investigated the detection and molecular characterization of visna/maedi virus (VMV) infection in serum and blood samples from pure and mixed sheep breeds acquired from different regions in Turkey using ELISA and PCR techniques. The prevalence of VMV was 67.8 % by ELISA and/or LTR-PCR with both assays showing a medium level of agreement (kappa: 0.26; ± 0.038 CI). Positivity of VMV in sheep increased according to the age of the animal, although PCR positivity was higher than ELISA in young individuals. Phylogenetic analysis of 33 LTR sequences identified two distinct clades that were closely related to American and Greek LTR sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of 10 partial gag gene sequences identified A2, A3, A5, A9, A11 subtypes of genotype A SRLVs. In vitro culture of all isolates in fetal sheep lung cells (FSLC) showed a slow/low phenotype causing less or no lytic infection compared with infection with the WLC-1 American strain characterized by a rapid/highly lytic phenotype. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Turkish VMV sequences preceded the establishment of American or Greek strains that were associated with the migration of sheep from the Middle East to Western Europe several centuries ago. This is the first study that describes Turkish VMV sequences with the molecular characterization of LTR and gag genes, and it strongly suggests that SRLV-genotype A originated in Turkey.
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Glaria I, Reina R, Ramírez H, de Andrés X, Crespo H, Jauregui P, Salazar E, Luján L, Pérez MM, Benavides J, Pérez V, Polledo L, García-Marín JF, Riezu JI, Borrás F, Amorena B, de Andrés D. Visna/Maedi virus genetic characterization and serological diagnosis of infection in sheep from a neurological outbreak. Vet Microbiol 2012; 155:137-46. [PMID: 21940116 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Revised: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
An extensive outbreak characterized by the appearance of neurological symptoms in small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infected sheep has been identified in Spain, but the genetic characteristics of the strain involved and differential diagnostic tools for this outbreak remain unexplored. In this work, 23 Visna-affected naturally infected animals from the outbreak, 11 arthritic animals (both groups presenting anti-Visna/Maedi virus serum antibodies), and 100 seronegative animals were used. Eight of the Visna-affected animals were further studied post-mortem by immunohistochemistry. All had lesions in spinal cord, being the most affected part of the central nervous system in six of them. A representative strain of the outbreak was isolated. Together with other proviral sequences from the outbreak the virus was assigned to genotype A2/A3. In vitro culture of the isolate revealed that viral production was slow/low in fibroblast-like cells but it was high in blood monocyte-derived macrophages. The long terminal repeat (LTR) of the viral genome of this isolate lacked an U3-duplication, but its promoter activity in fibroblast-like cells was normal compared to other strains. Thus, viral production could not be inferred from the LTR promoter activity in this isolate. Analysis of the viral immunodominant epitopes among SRLV sequences of the outbreak and other known sequences allowed the design of a synthetic SU peptide ELISA that detected the Visna affected animals, representing a tool of epidemiological interest to control viral spread of this highly pathogenic strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Glaria
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (CSIC-UPNA-Gobierno de Navarra), 31192 Navarra, Spain
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20
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Ramírez H, Reina R, Bertolotti L, Cenoz A, Hernández MM, San Román B, Glaria I, de Andrés X, Crespo H, Jáuregui P, Benavides J, Polledo L, Pérez V, García-Marín JF, Rosati S, Amorena B, de Andrés D. Study of compartmentalization in the visna clinical form of small ruminant lentivirus infection in sheep. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:8. [PMID: 22281181 PMCID: PMC3328241 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A central nervous system (CNS) disease outbreak caused by small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) has triggered interest in Spain due to the rapid onset of clinical signs and relevant production losses. In a previous study on this outbreak, the role of LTR in tropism was unclear and env encoded sequences, likely involved in tropism, were not investigated. This study aimed to analyze heterogeneity of SRLV Env regions - TM amino terminal and SU V4, C4 and V5 segments - in order to assess virus compartmentalization in CNS. Results Eight Visna (neurologically) affected sheep of the outbreak were used. Of the 350 clones obtained after PCR amplification, 142 corresponded to CNS samples (spinal cord and choroid plexus) and the remaining to mammary gland, blood cells, bronchoalveolar lavage cells and/or lung. The diversity of the env sequences from CNS was 11.1-16.1% between animals and 0.35-11.6% within each animal, except in one animal presenting two sequence types (30% diversity) in the CNS (one grouping with those of the outbreak), indicative of CNS virus sequence heterogeneity. Outbreak sequences were of genotype A, clustering per animal and compartmentalizing in the animal tissues. No CNS specific signature patterns were found. Conclusions Bayesian approach inferences suggested that proviruses from broncoalveolar lavage cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells represented the common ancestors (infecting viruses) in the animal and that neuroinvasion in the outbreak involved microevolution after initial infection with an A-type strain. This study demonstrates virus compartmentalization in the CNS and other body tissues in sheep presenting the neurological form of SRLV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Ramírez
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, CSIC-UPNA-Gobierno de Navarra, 31192 Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
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Murphy B, McElliott V, Vapniarsky N, Oliver A, Rowe J. Tissue tropism and promoter sequence variation in caprine arthritis encephalitis virus infected goats. Virus Res 2010; 151:177-84. [PMID: 20466024 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus is a lentivirus that infects goats and is closely related to maedi-visna virus of sheep. Infection with CAEV results in multiple discrete disease manifestations in goats which can include chronic arthritis, mastitis, pneumonia or encephalomyelitis. Presently, no satisfactory mechanistic rationale for viral tropism has been put forward. We propose that specific sequences in the lentiviral promoter (U3 region of the viral long terminal repeat) are associated with viral tissue tropism and subsequent disease expression. A total of 41 distinct CAE viral promoter regions were amplified, sequenced and phylogenetically compared from the tissues of 24 CAEV-infected goats demonstrating a variety of disease manifestations. Phylogenetically, we identified no tendency for clustering of these promoter sequences into tissue-specific groups. These results therefore do not provide evidence for the study hypothesis. However, multiple motifs within the U3 promoter region were highly conserved both within the entire collection of sequences and within tissue-specific groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 USA.
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22
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Leginagoikoa I, Minguijón E, Berriatua E, Juste R. Improvements in the detection of small ruminant lentivirus infection in the blood of sheep by PCR. J Virol Methods 2009; 156:145-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2008.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2008] [Revised: 11/18/2008] [Accepted: 11/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Angelopoulou K, Poutahidis T, Brellou GD, Greenland T, Vlemmas I. A deletion in the R region of long terminal repeats in small ruminant lentiviruses is associated with decreased pathology in the lung. Vet J 2007; 175:346-55. [PMID: 17498982 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 01/23/2007] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A particular variant of the maedi visna virus (MVV) that although present in blood causes no clinical signs in infected sheep has been described. This variant carries a 13-14 nucleotide deletion in the R region of the proviral long terminal repeats. The hypothesis that this specific deletion may be associated with low pathogenicity has been investigated by comparing the distribution of proviral sequences, the histopathological lesions and the expression of viral proteins in the brain, lungs and udders of sheep naturally infected with viral strains carrying the deletion. Provirus could be demonstrated in most of the tissues examined from sheep infected with either type of virus, and the tissue-derived virus carried the typical deletion in the study flock animals. Histopathological analysis revealed that the lungs were significantly less affected in the animals infected with virus carrying the deletion. Concomitantly, viral expression was significantly reduced in the lungs of these animals. The findings suggest that the reduced pathogenicity of MVV with the specific deletion in the R region is not due to a restriction in the availability of specific tissues to infection, but is associated with a reduced capacity for viral expression in the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Desport M, Stewart ME, Mikosza AS, Sheridan CA, Peterson SE, Chavand O, Hartaningsih N, Wilcox GE. Sequence analysis of Jembrana disease virus strains reveals a genetically stable lentivirus. Virus Res 2007; 126:233-44. [PMID: 17433486 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2007.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Revised: 03/08/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Jembrana disease virus (JDV) is a lentivirus associated with an acute disease syndrome with a 20% case fatality rate in Bos javanicus (Bali cattle) in Indonesia, occurring after a short incubation period and with no recurrence of the disease after recovery. Partial regions of gag and pol and the entire env were examined for sequence variation in DNA samples from cases of Jembrana disease obtained from Bali, Sumatra and South Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo. A high level of nucleotide conservation (97-100%) was observed in gag sequences from samples taken in Bali and Sumatra, indicating that the source of JDV in Sumatra was most likely to have originated from Bali. The pol sequences and, unexpectedly, the env sequences from Bali samples were also well conserved with low nucleotide (96-99%) and amino acid substitutions (95-99%). However, the sample from South Kalimantan (JDV(KAL/01)) contained more divergent sequences, particularly in env (88% identity). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the JDV(KAL/01)env sequences clustered with the sequence from the Pulukan sample (Bali) from 2001. JDV appears to be remarkably stable genetically and has undergone minor genetic changes over a period of nearly 20 years in Bali despite becoming endemic in the cattle population of the island.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases/virology
- DNA Primers/genetics
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- Evolution, Molecular
- Genes, env
- Genes, gag
- Genes, pol
- Genomic Instability
- Indonesia
- Lentivirus Infections/veterinary
- Lentivirus Infections/virology
- Lentiviruses, Bovine/classification
- Lentiviruses, Bovine/genetics
- Lentiviruses, Bovine/isolation & purification
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira Desport
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
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25
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Oskarsson T, Hreggvidsdóttir HS, Agnarsdóttir G, Matthíasdóttir S, Ogmundsdóttir MH, Jónsson SR, Georgsson G, Ingvarsson S, Andrésson OS, Andrésdóttir V. Duplicated sequence motif in the long terminal repeat of maedi-visna virus extends cell tropism and is associated with neurovirulence. J Virol 2007; 81:4052-7. [PMID: 17287273 PMCID: PMC1866131 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02319-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2006] [Accepted: 01/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Maedi-visna virus (MVV) is a lentivirus of sheep causing chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs (maedi) and the nervous system (visna). We have previously shown that a duplicated sequence in the long terminal repeat (LTR) of MVV is a determinant of cell tropism. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of a CAAAT sequence from either one of the repeats resulted in poor virus growth in sheep choroid plexus cells. A duplication in the LTR encompassing the CAAAT sequence was found in four neurological field cases that were sequenced, but no duplication was present in the LTRs from seven maedi cases; one maedi isolate was mixed. These results indicate that the duplication in the LTR is associated with neurovirulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thórdur Oskarsson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur v/Vesturlandsveg, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
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26
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Brellou GD, Angelopoulou K, Poutahidis T, Vlemmas I. Detection of maedi-visna virus in the liver and heart of naturally infected sheep. J Comp Pathol 2007; 136:27-35. [PMID: 17258227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2006.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Maedi-visna virus (MVV) in sheep, which infects mainly cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, produces changes in the lung, mammary gland, brain and joints. In this study, however, the liver and heart of six naturally infected sheep were examined for the presence of the virus. MVV proviral DNA was demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and immunohistochemical examination revealed viral antigens in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and cardiac myocytes. Although histopathological examination showed mild to moderate, chronic lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis and myocarditis and the presence of small lymphoid aggregates, the typical maedi lymphoproliferative lesions (lymphoid follicle-like structures of considerable size with germinal centres) were not seen in the liver and heart. These novel findings suggest that, although the macrophage is the main cell for productive viral replication, the liver and heart represent additional MVV targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Brellou
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
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