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Mahar JE, Wille M, Harvey E, Moritz CC, Holmes EC. The diverse liver viromes of Australian geckos and skinks are dominated by hepaciviruses and picornaviruses and reflect host taxonomy and habitat. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae044. [PMID: 38854849 PMCID: PMC11160328 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Lizards have diverse ecologies and evolutionary histories, and represent a promising group to explore how hosts shape virome structure and virus evolution. Yet, little is known about the viromes of these animals. In Australia, squamates (lizards and snakes) comprise the most diverse order of vertebrates, and Australia hosts the highest diversity of lizards globally, with the greatest breadth of habitat use. We used meta-transcriptomic sequencing to determine the virome of nine co-distributed, tropical lizard species from three taxonomic families in Australia and analyzed these data to identify host traits associated with viral abundance and diversity. We show that lizards carry a large diversity of viruses, identifying more than thirty novel, highly divergent vertebrate-associated viruses. These viruses were from nine viral families, including several that contain well known pathogens, such as the Flaviviridae, Picornaviridae, Bornaviridae, Iridoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae. Members of the Flaviviridae were particularly abundant across species sampled here, largely belonging to the genus Hepacivirus: fourteen novel hepaciviruses were identified, broadening the known diversity of this group and better defining its evolution by uncovering new reptilian clades. The evolutionary histories of the viruses studied here frequently aligned with the biogeographic and phylogenetic histories of the hosts, indicating that exogenous viruses may help infer host evolutionary history if sampling is strategic and sampling density high enough. Notably, analysis of alpha and beta diversity revealed that virome composition and richness in the animals sampled here was shaped by host taxonomy and habitat. In sum, we identified a diverse range of reptile viruses that broadly contributes to our understanding of virus-host ecology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie E Mahar
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle Wille
- Centre for Pathogen Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Erin Harvey
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Craig C Moritz
- Research School of Biology & Centre for Biodiversity Analysis, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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2
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Broughton C, Webb KL. Diagnostic Clinical Pathology of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2022; 25:713-734. [PMID: 36122948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.06.002] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), an omnivorous Agamid lizard native to inland Australia, is one of the most popular reptile pets due to their sociable behavior, tame demeanor, low-maintenance care, and relative ease of breeding. Because they are generally stoic animals, thorough physical examination in conjunction with routine clinicopathologic data can prove invaluable in identifying disease and implementing appropriate therapy in a timely manner. The goal of this article is to assist the practicing clinician, based on literature review, on how to approach the diagnostic challenge encountered in everyday practice when working up various conditions in bearded dragons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clark Broughton
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 660 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA.
| | - Kyle Lauren Webb
- Antech Diagnostics, 7415 Emerald Dunes Dr, Suite 1500, Orlando, FL 32822 USA
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3
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Russo AG, Harding EF, Yan GJH, Selechnik D, Ducatez S, DeVore JL, Zhou J, Sarma RR, Lee YP, Richardson MF, Shine R, Rollins LA, White PA. Discovery of Novel Viruses Associated With the Invasive Cane Toad ( Rhinella marina) in Its Native and Introduced Ranges. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:733631. [PMID: 34552575 PMCID: PMC8450580 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.733631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cane toads (Rhinella marina) are notoriously successful invaders: from 101 individuals brought to Australia in 1935, poisonous toads now cover an area >1.2 million km2 with adverse effects on native fauna. Despite extensive research on the role of macroparasites in cane toad invasion, viral research is lagging. We compared viral prevalence and diversity between toads in their native range (French Guiana, n=25) and two introduced ranges: Australia (n=151) and Hawai'i (n=10) with a metatranscriptomic and metagenomic approach combined with PCR screening. Australian toads almost exclusively harbor one of seven viruses detected globally. Rhimavirus-A (Picornaviridae) exhibited low genetic diversity and likely actively infected 9% of sampled Australian toads extending across ~2,000km of Northern Australia and up to the current invasion front. In native range cane toads, we identified multiple phylogenetically distinct viruses (Iridoviridae, Picornaviridae, Papillomaviridae, and Nackedna-like virus). None of the same viruses was detected in both ranges, suggesting that Australian cane toads have largely escaped the viral infection experienced by their native range counterparts. The novel native range viruses described here are potential biocontrol agents, as Australian toads likely lack prior immunological exposure to these viruses. Overall, our evidence suggests that there may be differences between viruses infecting cane toads in their native vs. introduced ranges, which lays the groundwork for further studies on how these viruses have influenced the toads' invasion history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice G Russo
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma F Harding
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Grace J H Yan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Selechnik
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Ducatez
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jayna L DeVore
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jia Zhou
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Roshmi R Sarma
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yin Peng Lee
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark F Richardson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter A White
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Sutherland M, Baron H, Llinas J. Recommended Health Care and Disease-Prevention Programs for Herds/Flocks of Exotic Animals. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2021; 24:697-737. [PMID: 34366015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Preventative health care is an essential part of the ownership and veterinary management of exotic animals. This article provides an overview of the current recommendations for health care and disease-prevention programs for herds or flocks of exotic animals, specifically companion and aviary birds, backyard poultry; snakes, lizards, chelonians, and amphibians; rabbits, ferrets, and common exotic small mammals. Husbandry practices, disease screening suggestions and techniques, and vaccination strategies, where appropriate, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamish Baron
- The Unusual Pet Vets, 210 Karingal Drive, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
| | - Joshua Llinas
- The Unusual Pet Vets, 62 Looranah Street, Jindalee, QLD 4074, Australia
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5
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Crouch EEV, McAloose D, McEntire MS, Morrisey JK, Miller AD. Pathology of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps): a Retrospective Analysis of 36 Cases. J Comp Pathol 2021; 186:51-61. [PMID: 34340804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a common species in the pet reptile trade and in zoological collections. Despite this, only a few reviews detailing common causes of mortality have been published. The goal of this retrospective study was to compile information related to the presence and prevalence of various diseases in bearded dragons in several private and one zoological collection. Findings from 36 animals, necropsied over a 20-year period were categorized on the basis of the cause of death or euthanasia and the organ system affected. Multiple contributors to death were identified in a subset of animals (n = 12; 33.33%) and were counted in more than one category. The most common contributors to death by category were inflammatory (infectious or non-infectious) diseases (n = 25; 69.44%), followed by chronic/degenerative diseases (n = 17; 47.22%). Diseases or conditions that were systemic, or affected the hepatobiliary system, were the most commonly implicated in death. The most frequent histological findings included hepatic fatty change, renal tubular epithelial pigmentation and the presence of faveolar hyaline-like material. Although Chi square testing did not reveal an association between these common findings and comorbidities, a statistically significant association was found between chronic/degenerative causes of death and renal tubular epithelial pigment. Chi square testing of categorical variables, including contributors to death, primary organ(s) affected, sex, age class and institution, identified statistically significant associations between males and chronic/degenerative disease (P = 0.043) and inflammatory contributors to death and private collection animals (P = 0.039). Death due to inflammatory contributors was significantly higher in the 1-5-year-old and >5-year-old age classes (P = 0.02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther E V Crouch
- Charles River Laboratories, Pathology, Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomic Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA; Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Health Program, Bronx Zoo, New York, USA
| | - Denise McAloose
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Health Program, Bronx Zoo, New York, USA
| | - Michael S McEntire
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Zoological Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - James K Morrisey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Zoological Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomic Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA.
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6
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Howard JG, Jaensch S. Haematology and plasma biochemistry reference intervals in wild bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Aust Vet J 2021; 99:236-241. [PMID: 33569763 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to provide haematology and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for wild free-roaming central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). These data will aid the veterinarian in determining the health and husbandry status of the pet bearded dragon. The study group consisted of 130 wild central bearded dragons. The data were assigned into two groups: Breeding Season (BS) from September to November and Non-Breeding Season (NBS) from December to March. These groups were further divided into sex and reproduction status with females determined to either be gravid or non-gravid. The 83 male and 47 female dragons were captured in north western New South Wales, Australia, centred around the towns of Bourke, Wanaaring and Tibooburra. Haematological and plasma biochemistry parameters were measured using standard methods. Data were analysed for the effects of sex, season and gravid status. There were significant differences between sexes in PCV, basophils, albumin, globulin, amylase, calcium, phosphate and triglycerides. There were seasonal differences in PCV, basophils, uric acid, glucose, globulin, calcium, phosphate, cholesterol and triglycerides. There were significant differences in phosphate and cholesterol between gravid and non-gravid dragons within the breeding season. There were variations in haematology and biochemistry parameters depending on sex, season and reproductive status of females. These reference intervals differed from previous studies of captive central bearded dragons and can provide some insight into captive conditions compared to wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Howard
- Exovet Pty Ltd, East Maitland, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Jaensch
- Vetnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Chang WS, Li CX, Hall J, Eden JS, Hyndman TH, Holmes EC, Rose K. Meta-Transcriptomic Discovery of a Divergent Circovirus and a Chaphamaparvovirus in Captive Reptiles with Proliferative Respiratory Syndrome. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101073. [PMID: 32992674 PMCID: PMC7600432 DOI: 10.3390/v12101073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral pathogens are being increasingly described in association with mass morbidity and mortality events in reptiles. However, our knowledge of reptile viruses remains limited. Herein, we describe the meta-transcriptomic investigation of a mass morbidity and mortality event in a colony of central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in 2014. Severe, extensive proliferation of the respiratory epithelium was consistently found in affected dragons. Similar proliferative lung lesions were identified in bearded dragons from the same colony in 2020 in association with increased intermittent mortality. Total RNA sequencing identified two divergent DNA viruses: a reptile-infecting circovirus, denoted bearded dragon circovirus (BDCV), and the first exogeneous reptilian chaphamaparvovirus—bearded dragon chaphamaparvovirus (BDchPV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BDCV was most closely related to bat-associated circoviruses, exhibiting 70% amino acid sequence identity in the Replicase (Rep) protein. In contrast, in the nonstructural (NS) protein, the newly discovered BDchPV showed approximately 31%–35% identity to parvoviruses obtained from tilapia fish and crocodiles in China. Subsequent specific PCR assays revealed BDCV and BDchPV in both diseased and apparently normal captive reptiles, although only BDCV was found in those animals with proliferative pulmonary lesions and respiratory disease. This study expands our understanding of viral diversity in captive reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Shan Chang
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (W.-S.C.); (C.-X.L.); (J.-S.E.)
| | - Ci-Xiu Li
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (W.-S.C.); (C.-X.L.); (J.-S.E.)
| | - Jane Hall
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia;
| | - John-Sebastian Eden
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (W.-S.C.); (C.-X.L.); (J.-S.E.)
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Centre for Virus Research, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Timothy H. Hyndman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Edward C. Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (W.-S.C.); (C.-X.L.); (J.-S.E.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.H.); (K.R.)
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia;
- Correspondence: (E.C.H.); (K.R.)
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Maclaine A, Forzán MJ, Mashkour N, Scott J, Ariel E. Pathogenesis of Bohle Iridovirus (Genus Ranavirus) in Experimentally Infected Juvenile Eastern Water Dragons ( Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii). Vet Pathol 2019; 56:465-475. [PMID: 30686212 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818823666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile eastern water dragons ( Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii) are highly susceptible to infection with Bohle iridovirus (BIV), a species of ranavirus first isolated from ornate burrowing frogs in Townsville, Australia. To investigate the progression of BIV infection in eastern water dragons, 11 captive-bred juveniles were orally inoculated with a dose of 104.33 TCID50 and euthanized at 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days postinfection (dpi). Viral DNA was detected via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the liver, kidney, and cloacal swabs at 3 dpi. Mild lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submucosa and mucosa of the tongue and liver at 3 dpi. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) first identified viral antigen in foci of splenic necrosis and in hepatocytes with intracytoplasmic inclusion or rare single-cell necrosis at 6 dpi. By 14 dpi, positive IHC labeling was found in association with lesions in multiple tissues. Selected tissues from an individual euthanized at 14 dpi were probed using in situ hybridization (ISH). The ISH labeling matched the location and pattern detected by IHC. The progression of BIV infection in eastern water dragons, based on lesion severity and virus detection, appears to start in the spleen, followed by the liver, then other organs such as the kidney, pancreas, oral mucosa, and skin. The early detection of ranaviral DNA in cloacal swabs and liver and kidney tissue samples suggests these to be a reliable source of diagnostic samples in the early stage of disease before the appearance of clinical signs, as well as throughout the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Maclaine
- 1 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - María J Forzán
- 2 Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, Department of Population Medicine, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Narges Mashkour
- 1 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer Scott
- 1 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Ellen Ariel
- 1 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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9
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Marschang RE. Virology. MADER'S REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN MEDICINE AND SURGERY 2019. [PMCID: PMC7173601 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-48253-0.00030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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10
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Purcell MK, Pearman-Gillman S, Thompson RL, Gregg JL, Hart LM, Winton JR, Emmenegger EJ, Hershberger PK. Identification of the major capsid protein of erythrocytic necrosis virus (ENV) and development of quantitative real-time PCR assays for quantification of ENV DNA. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 28:382-91. [PMID: 27154315 DOI: 10.1177/1040638716646411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN) is a disease of marine and anadromous fish that is caused by the erythrocytic necrosis virus (ENV), which was recently identified as a novel member of family Iridoviridae by next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the ENV DNA polymerase grouped ENV with other erythrocytic iridoviruses from snakes and lizards. In the present study, we identified the gene encoding the ENV major capsid protein (MCP) and developed a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting this gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the MCP gene sequence supported the conclusion that ENV does not group with any of the currently described iridovirus genera. Because there is no information regarding genetic variation of the MCP gene across the reported host and geographic range for ENV, we also developed a second qPCR assay for a more conserved ATPase-like gene region. The MCP and ATPase qPCR assays demonstrated good analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity based on samples from laboratory challenges of Pacific herring Clupea pallasii The qPCR assays had similar diagnostic sensitivity and specificity as light microscopy of stained blood smears for the presence of intraerythrocytic inclusion bodies. However, the qPCR assays may detect viral DNA early in infection prior to the formation of inclusion bodies. Both qPCR assays appear suitable for viral surveillance or as a confirmatory test for ENV in Pacific herring from the Salish Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen K Purcell
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
| | - Schuyler Pearman-Gillman
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
| | - Rachel L Thompson
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
| | - Jacob L Gregg
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
| | - Lucas M Hart
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
| | - James R Winton
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
| | - Eveline J Emmenegger
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
| | - Paul K Hershberger
- U.S. Geological Survey-Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA (Purcell, Pearman-Gillman, Thompson, Winton, Emmenegger)School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Thompson)U.S. Geological Survey-Marrowstone Marine Field Station, Nordland, WA (Gregg, Hart, Hershberger)
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11
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Emmenegger EJ, Glenn JA, Winton JR, Batts WN, Gregg JL, Hershberger PK. Molecular identification of erythrocytic necrosis virus (ENV) from the blood of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii). Vet Microbiol 2014; 174:16-26. [PMID: 25263493 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Viral erythrocytic necrosis (VEN) is a condition affecting the red blood cells of more than 20 species of marine and anadromous fishes in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Among populations of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) on the west coast of North America the disease causes anemia and elevated mortality in periodic epizootics. Presently, VEN is diagnosed by observation of typical cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in stained blood smears from infected fish. The causative agent, erythrocytic necrosis virus (ENV), is unculturable and a presumed iridovirus by electron microscopy. In vivo amplification of the virus in pathogen-free laboratory stocks of Pacific herring with subsequent virus concentration, purification, DNA extraction, and high-throughput sequencing were used to obtain genomic ENV sequences. Fragments with the highest sequence identity to the family Iridoviridae were used to design four sets of ENV-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. Testing of blood and tissue samples from experimentally and wild infected Pacific herring as well as DNA extracted from other amphibian and piscine iridoviruses verified the assays were specific to ENV with a limit of detection of 0.0003 ng. Preliminary phylogenetic analyses of a 1448 bp fragment of the putative DNA polymerase gene supported inclusion of ENV in a proposed sixth genus of the family Iridoviridae that contains other erythrocytic viruses from ectothermic hosts. This study provides the first molecular evidence of ENV's inclusion within the Iridoviridae family and offers conventional PCR assays as a means of rapidly surveying the ENV-status of wild and propagated Pacific herring stocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline J Emmenegger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), 6505 NE 65th St., Seattle, WA 98115, USA.
| | - Jolene A Glenn
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), 6505 NE 65th St., Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - James R Winton
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), 6505 NE 65th St., Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - William N Batts
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), 6505 NE 65th St., Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Jacob L Gregg
- U.S. Geological Survey, WFRC, Marrowstone Marine Field Station, 616 Marrowstone Point Road, Nordland, WA 98358, USA
| | - Paul K Hershberger
- U.S. Geological Survey, WFRC, Marrowstone Marine Field Station, 616 Marrowstone Point Road, Nordland, WA 98358, USA
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