Phylogenetic correlation of Greek and Italian orf virus isolates based on VIR gene

Thirteen orf virus isolates obtained during the time period between 1995 and 2004 from crusted scab lesions of nine sheep and four goats from different geographical areas of Greece and Italy with suspected contagious ecthyma infection were analyzed. DNA of all isolates was successfully amplified by PCR with the primers 045F-045R and identified them as parapox virus. Partial DNA sequence of orf virus interferon resistant (VIR) gene, phylogenetic analysis of the available isolates and amino acid comparison of the interferon resistance protein encoded by this genomic region was carried out. According to the results of the present report a precise characterisation of the genomic region studied might provide evidence for the genetic variation and movement of the circulating orf virus strains.     

Molecular characterization of Brazilian isolates of orf virus

Outbreaks of an epidermic disease suggesting parapox virus infections have been observed in all major herds of sheep and goats from different geographical areas of Brazil. Clinical samples (dried scabs) were collected and orf virus was isolated and characterized by electron microscopy in previous work. In order to characterize these viruses at the molecular level, a modified methodology for genomic DNA extraction directly from scabs was used and such DNA was used to derive the restriction enzyme digestion patterns for clinical samples from three distinct geographic origins. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used to separate restriction enzyme DNA fragments and heterogeneity among isolates from different geographic areas could be observed on stained gels. The HindIII-G DNA fragment from orf-A virus genome was cloned and hybridized to DNA of other orf virus isolates. Further heterogeneity was confirmed by these hybridizations.     

Comparative sequence analysis of major envelope protein gene (B2L) of Indian orf viruses isolated from sheep and goats

Orf virus (ORFV), the type species of Parapoxvirus, is responsible for contagious ecthyma in sheep and goats. In the present report, sequence analysis of major envelope gene (B2L) of four Indian orf virus isolates originating two each from sheep and goats was carried out. These recent isolates belonged to different outbreaks that occurred in Kumaon hills and adjoining plains during 2004-2005. Preliminary screening of the scab samples was carried out by diagnostic PCR. Full-length B2L gene encoding for immunogenic major envelope protein from all the four ORFV isolates was amplified by PCR and the amplicons (1206 bp) were cloned and sequenced. Comparative sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1137 nucleotides (nt) encoding a polypeptide of 378 amino acids (aa). Indian isolates were highly related amongst themselves with sequence identity of over 97% at the nt and aa level. Further, they showed 97-98% sequence identity with sequences of other ORFV isolates from around the world; while 94-95 and 82.7-83.8% sequence identity was observed, respectively, with pseudocowpox and bovine papular stomatitis viruses--the other members of the genus. Phylogenetic analysis also showed that these Parapoxviruses from sheep and goats are closely related to other orf viruses reported worldwide.     

羊传染性脓疱病毒PCR检测方法的建立及应用

根据NC-005336 ORFV全基因中gORF011设计合成一对引物。建立用于检测羊传染性脓疱病毒的PCR方法。此方法检测羊传染性脓疱病毒结果与病毒分离培养，电镜检查结果一致。经过对扩增产物进行序列分析，与NC-005336 ORFV的核苷酸序列同源性高达97.48％。通过特异性，敏感性及临床应用实验证明，此方法可以检测10^4ICID50浓度病毒；临床应用检出率为94．7％，显著高于病毒分离培养36．8％的检出率；并能与羊痘病毒，口蹄疫病毒鉴别；此方法用于检测羊传染性脓疱病毒是特异的、敏感的、可行的。     

Detection of contagious ovine ecthyma (orf) and risk factors for infection in small ruminants in Iran

The primary cause of contagious ecthyma is the orf virus, the parapoxvirus prototype. It is a viral problem observed in goat and sheep flocks in Iran, causing economic loss. Orf is a zoonosis with little epidemiological investigation present in Iran. The current research aims at determining the status of this virus, and a PCR was used as a confirmatory instrument. We sampled 668 goats and sheep and various breeding systems. Besides, the orf prevalence was studied, and vaccination efficacy was determined. Moreover, the potential risk factors surveyed for infection with ecthyma were identified. Samples were taken from goat and sheep flocks in the present cross-sectional research, and PCR was used for testing orf DNA. A checklist including animals’ general information was completed. Data were analyzed using univariate tests (chi-square and t-tests) and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Three hundred one (45%) goats and sheep detected orf DNA. The age of 70% of positive cases was below one month. Ecthyma infection was significantly higher in imported breeds (87.3%) than indigenous (39.3%). Ninety-six percent of infected goats and sheep in the present work were not vaccinated against ecthyma. The high prevalence of the orf virus was confirmed among goat and sheep flocks in Iran. It is necessary to train ranchers regarding sanitary actions, quarantine, and application of orf vaccination plans.     

贵州地区羊口疮病毒B2L基因克隆及原核表达载体构建

用H2L基因特异性引物对羊口疮临床疑似病料进行鉴定,采用PCR扩增出阳性样品羊口疮病毒结构蛋白B2L基因,回收纯化PCR产物,克隆至pMD18-T,测序结果表明插入的片段为目的基因,全长1137 bp。将目的基因定向克隆至pET-32a构建了B2L基因原核表达载体pET-32a-B2L,经PCR鉴定、酶切及进一步测序证明表达载体构建成功,为下一步的表达及基因工程疫苗的研究奠定了良好基础。     

Parapoxvirus papillomatosis in the muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus): genetical differences between the virus causing new outbreak in a vaccinated herd, the vaccine virus and a local orf virus

Since 1981 a domesticated muskoxen herd had been successfully vaccinated against papillomatosis with homogenated, glutaraldehyde inactivated papilloma tissue. In the fall of 1985 a new clinical outbreak of disease occurred, affecting previously infected as well as vaccinated animals. The purification of parapox virions directly from papilloma tissue and orf scabs collected in a local sheep farm was followed by restriction endonuclease analysis of viral DNA. The morphological identity of purified virus was controlled by electron microscopy. Comparison of restriction endonuclease digests (10 different enzymes) by gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the muskoxen parapoxvirus from the new outbreak 1985 differed considerably from the 2 other isolates (muskoxen 1981 and local orf). The latter viruses demonstrated a high degree of homology, but differences were evident after digestion with the enzyme EcoRI. During metrizamide gradient purification minor bands containing morphologically intact virions were isolated in addition to the major fractions. The restriction enzyme digests indicated that the virions of the minor bands differed from those in the major bands.     

Differentiation of parapoxviruses by application of orf virus-specific monoclonal antibodies against cell surface proteins.

Monoclonal antibodies were produced against orf virus-specified cell surface proteins in an attempt to develop reagents capable of differentiating between members of the Parapoxviridae. Two immunization protocols were used to induce an anti-orf response in BALB/c mice, one of which resulted in virus replication in the recipient. The monoclonal antibodies produced were tested for crossreactivity with bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPS) and milker's node virus (MNV) by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and immunoblotting. The results indicate that significant antigenic overlap exists between isolates of orf, MNV and BPS, even at the level of specificity provided by monoclonal antibodies. One monoclonal antibody reacted strongly in IFA with orf virus isolates, very weakly with MNV, and not at all with BPS. On immunoblots this same antibody recognized a 40-43 kDa protein in orf virus-infected cells, and also a 45-48 kDa protein in cells infected with MNV or BPS virus. The data suggest that it may be possible to define parapoxvirus strains on the basis of small variations in specific virus-directed cell surface proteins.     

Severe persistent orf in young goats.

Orf (contagious ecthyma) is a viral disease of small and wild ruminants, humans, and less frequently other species. In sheep and goats, the disease is characterized by the formation of vesiculo-proliferative lesions in the skin of lips and nostril. Here, a form of generalized orf in 16 goat kids from 2 different locations in west Texas is described. The disease was characterized by multifocal, severe, proliferative dermatitis that persisted from about 2 months of age until the goat kids were euthanized 3 months later. All affected goats were Boer or Boer crosses under 1 year of age. The mean immunoglobulin concentration in sera of affected goats was elevated compared with healthy control goats. Severe to moderate lymphadenomegaly of the nodes draining the areas of the skin affected with orf lesions was present in all 16 goat kids. Suppurative arthritis, chronic fibrinous pneumonia, and premature thymic involution were found in 3, 5, and 7 of the goat kids, respectively. The skin lesions of 3 goat kids were infested with larvae of the opportunistic black garbage fly (Ophira sp.). The orf virus was identified in skin lesions by isolation in Marbin-Darby ovine kidney cells, electron microscopy, and amplification of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction. The orf virus was not detected in peripheral blood or lymph node mononuclear cells of any of the goats. Cross-neutralization experiments showed that an ovine orf virus antiserum raised in sheep was more effective in neutralizing a sheep orf virus isolate than a caprine orf virus isolate. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of these orf cases may be the result of susceptibility factors within some individuals of the Boer breed of goats.     

山羊痘病毒和羊口疮病毒双重PCR检测方法的建立与初步应用

根据GenBank发表的山羊痘病毒（goatpox virus,GPV）和羊口疮病毒（orf virus,ORFV）基因序列,分别合成针对GPV ITR和ORFV H2L基因片段的2对引物,以GPV和ORFV的核酸混合物作为模板,经优化反应条件,成功建立了快速鉴别检测GPV、ORFV的双重PCR方法。特异性试验结果显示,该方法对GPV与ORFV核酸的扩增能获得289和507 bp的特异性目的片段,而对FMDV、FPV、BTV、健康山羊皮肤的核酸扩增均为阴性;敏感性试验结果显示,该方法对GPV核酸的最小检出量为4 pg,对ORFV核酸为0.4 pg;对临床采集的12份病料进行双重PCR扩增,GPV检出率为25%（3/12）,ORFV的检出率为75%（9/12）。结果表明,建立的双重PCR方法具有特异性强、敏感性高、快速简便等特点,可用于GPV或/和ORFV临床感染病例的联合检测与鉴别诊断。     

Recurrent localised cutaneous parapoxvirus infection in three cats

CASE HISTORY: Three cats were presented with single proliferative lesions affecting one foot, which failed to heal after medical treatment, and recurred despite surgical resection. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Histologically, the lesions were proliferative and papillary. There was marked acanthosis, rete peg formation, and compact orthokeratosis, with large numbers of bacteria in the orthokeratotic scale. Some biopsies had multifocal keratinocyte swelling of the stratum granulosum, and amphophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions were present in some of the swollen cells. The dermis consisted of a light fibrous stroma with marked capillary proliferation. Parapoxviruses were detected in the lesions of all cats by electron microscopic examination. PCR analysis detected orf virus (contagious ecthyma virus) in two cats, and orf virus was cultured from one cat. DIAGNOSIS: Parapoxvirus infection in cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Parapoxvirus infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis when dealing with proliferative, non-healing lesions on the feet of cats, especially cats in rural areas. The recovery of orf virus from a cat with typical poxvirus lesions extends the range of species affected by this virus.     

羊口疮病毒内蒙古株的分离与初步鉴定

[目的] 确定内蒙古地区规模化养殖场发生的疑似羊口疮的病原。[方法] 无菌采集疑似羊口疮病料7份,经剪碎、研磨、离心等处理后接种山羊皮肤成纤维细胞（goat skin fibroblasts,GSFs）培养;对分离到的病毒毒株进行电镜观察;利用B2L基因引物进行特异性PCR鉴定,对获得的B2L基因序列测序,构建系统发育树,并进行同源性分析。[结果] 3份病料经GSFs培养48 h后出现明显病变,分离的病毒经负染后在电镜下观察呈卵圆形,病毒粒子长220~250 nm,宽125~200 nm,符合羊口疮病毒（orf virus,ORFV）粒子的形态特征,并将其命名为NM-ORFV-1株、NM-ORFV-2株、NM-ORFV-3株。分离株经B2L基因PCR鉴定获得1 137 bp的扩增产物,与预期一致;系统发育树及同源性分析显示,NM-ORFV-2株与NM-ORFV-3株遗传关系密切,处于同一分支,且与ORFV KP336704（中国）分离株的亲缘关系最近,同源性达到99.4%;NM-ORFV-1株与NM-ORFV-2株及NM-ORFV-3株处于不同分支,NM-ORFV-1株与NM-ORFV-2株的同源性为99.1%,与NM-ORFV-3株的同源性为99.0%,且与ORFV JQ904789（中国）疫苗株亲缘关系最近,同源性为99.6%。[结论] 内蒙古地区规模化养殖场疑似羊口疮病例的病原是ORFV。     

羊口疮病毒大足株的分离鉴定

本研究旨在了解重庆地区羊口疮病毒（orf virus，ORFV）流行情况。从重庆大足等地区羊场采集18份临床疑似羊口疮病料，提取病料DNA，经PCR鉴定为ORFV阳性；将阳性病料做常规处理，接种羔羊睾丸细胞（LT），并盲传至5代，观察接毒LT细胞病变，将F5代细胞培养物进行间接免疫荧光试验（IFA）、PCR扩增、测序、同源性比对、遗传进化分析和TCID₅₀测定。结果显示，经PCR检测，18份疑似羊口疮病料ORFV核酸阳性率为61.1%（11/18）；大足株病料接种LT细胞36 h后，长梭型细胞变圆、融合、呈拉网状、皱缩，72 h后大部分细胞脱落；间接免疫荧光试验在显微镜下观察到细胞浆中出现特异性绿色荧光，且荧光绕核分布；F1至F5代细胞培养物经PCR扩增出特异性目的条带，大小为1 137 bp；将测序结果与GenBank中19株ORFV B2L基因进行同源性比对，其核苷酸同源性在97.9%~100%之间，与美国SA00分离株同源性达100%，且遗传进化分析显示处于同一进化分支，亲缘关系较近；测定F5代细胞培养物TCID₅₀值为10^-5.68/0.1 mL，在细胞中能稳定增殖。综上所述，本研究成功分离并获得1株ORFV，为后续ORFV研究提供了生物材料，同时为防控重庆地区的羊口疮奠定基础。     

绵羊痘病毒、山羊痘病毒及羊口疮病毒多重PCR检测方法的建立和应用

为了建立鉴别绵羊痘病毒(SPPV)、山羊痘病毒(GTPV)和羊口疮病毒(ORFV)的多重PCR检测方法,针对GenBank中3种病毒的基因组序列,合成了3对引物,通过优化多重PCR反应条件,建立了鉴别检测3种病毒的多重PCR方法。特异性试验表明,应用该方法可分别扩增出3种病毒对应的目的片段,对大肠埃希菌、沙门菌、猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2)、猪细小病毒(PPV)、Vero细胞、正常羊组织的DNA和灭菌双蒸水均无扩增;敏感性试验表明,该方法最低检测量分别为30.46pg/μL的绵羊痘病毒、28.9pg/μL的山羊痘病毒和26.94pg/μL的羊口疮病毒基因组DNA;应用本方法对85份临床病料进行检测,结果与其他已建立的单项PCR检测方法结果一致,说明该方法可以用于临床上SPPV、GTPV和ORFV的鉴别诊断。     

Identification and isolation of a novel herpesvirus in a captive mob of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)

A novel herpesvirus was detected in a captive mob of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) during diagnostic workup for individuals with ulcerative cloacitis. Virus was initially detected in tissues using a consensus herpesvirus PCR. No viral inclusions or particles had been evident in routine histologic or transmission electron microscopic sections of cloacal lesions. Virus was isolated from samples and transmission electron microscopy of the resulting isolates confirmed that the virus was morphologically consistent with a herpesvirus. Nucleotide sequencing of the PCR product from tissue samples and from the isolates revealed that the virus was in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae and was distinct from other known herpesviruses. The correlation between the lesions and the novel virus remains unknown. Two herpesviruses, both in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, have previously been described in macropods and are known to cause systemic clinical disease. This is the first reported gammaherpesvirus within the order Marsupialia, and may provide valuable information regarding the evolution and phylogeny of this virus family. Based on current herpesvirus nomenclature convention, the authors propose the novel herpesvirus be named Macropodid herpesvirus 3 (MaHV-3).     

Isolation and characterization of orf viruses from Korean black goats

Five cases of orf virus infection in Korean black goats were diagnosed in our laboratory between 2010 and 2011. One orf virus (ORF/2011) was isolated from an ovine testis cell line (OA3.Ts) for use as a vaccine candidate. Sequences of the major envelope protein and orf virus interferon resistance genes were determined and compared with published reference sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that orf viruses from Korean black goats were most closely related to an isolate (ORF/09/Korea) from dairy goats in Korea. This result indicates that the orf viruses might have been introduced from dairy goats into the Korean black goat population.     

Isolation and partial characterization of bovine foamy virus from Polish cattle

The first isolation and partial characterization of bovine foamy virus (BFV), also known as bovine syncytial virus, in Poland is described. This virus was isolated by co-cultivation of peripheral blood leukocytes from infected cattle with permissive Cf2Th cells. The new isolate, called BFV100 was identified using several techniques: electron microscopy, western blotting, PCR and sequencing of a part of the gag and pol/env genes. Based on syncytia induction, antigenic determinants, primer binding sites and sequence analysis, it can be concluded that isolate BFV100 is bovine foamy virus and is related to the known American and German BFV isolates by sequence homology and antigenic relatedness.     

Identification of equine herpesvirus 3 (equine coital exanthema virus), equine gammaherpesviruses 2 and 5, equine adenoviruses 1 and 2, equine arteritis virus and equine rhinitis A virus by polymerase chain reaction

OBJECTIVE: To develop rapid (< 8 hour) tests using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV3; equine coital exanthema virus), equine gammaherpesviruses 2 (EHV2) and EHV5, equine adenovirus 1 (EAdV1), EAdV2, equine arteritis virus (EAV), equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV; formerly equine rhinovirus 1) DESIGN: Either single round or second round (seminested) PCRs were developed and validated. METHODS: Oligonucleotide primers were designed that were specific for each virus, PCR conditions were defined and the specificity and sensitivity of the assays were determined. The application of the tests was validated using a number of independent virus isolates for most of the viruses studied. The PCRs were applied directly to clinical samples where samples were available. RESULTS: We developed a single round PCR for the diagnosis of EHV3, a seminested PCR for EHV2 and single round PCRs for EHV5, EAdV1, EAdV2 and RT-PCRs for EAV and ERAV. The PCR primer sets for each virus were designed and shown to be highly specific (did not amplify any recognised non-target template) and sensitive (detection of minimal amounts of virus) and, where multiple virus isolates were available all isolates were detected. CONCLUSION: The development and validation of a comprehensive panel of PCR diagnostic tests, predominantly for viruses causing equine respiratory disease, that can be completed within 8 hours from receipt of clinical samples, provides a major advance in the rapid diagnosis or exclusion diagnosis of these endemic equine virus diseases in Australia.     

Identification of equine herpesviruses 1 and 4 by polymerase chain reaction

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate specific, sensitive and rapid (< 8 hour) diagnostic tests using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of abortion and respiratory disease caused by equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1; equine abortion virus) and EHV4 (equine rhinopneumonitis virus). DESIGN: Primer sets based on nucleotide sequences encoding glycoprotein H (gH) of EHV1 and gB of EHV4 were designed and used in single round and second round (seminested) PCRs, and in a multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of EHV1 and EHV4 infections. METHODS: Oligonucleotide primers were designed for each virus, PCR conditions were defined and the specificity and sensitivity of the assays were determined. The tests were applied to tissue samples from aborted equine foetuses and to nasopharyngeal swabs from horses with acute febrile respiratory disease. RESULTS: Individual single round and a second round (seminested) EHV1 and EHV4 PCRs were specific in that EHV1 primers amplified all (n = 30) EHV1 isolates and did not amplify EHV4. Similarly EHV4 primers amplified all (n = 6) EHV4 isolates and did not amplify EHV1. Both PCRs were sensitive in that the first round EHV1 PCR detected 1220 molecules of EHV1 plasmid DNA and the first round EHV4 PCR detected 7280 molecules of EHV4 plasmid DNA. The EHV1 second round PCR was 100 times more sensitive in that it detected 12 molecules of EHV1 DNA and the EHV4 second round PCR was 1000 times more sensitive in that it detected 8 molecules of EHV4 DNA. There was a high correlation between detection of EHV1 by virus isolation and PCR when tissue samples from 71 aborted foetuses were examined; all samples positive by virus isolation were positive by PCR. Similarly the EHV4 PCR was at least as sensitive as virus isolation when applied to nasaopharyngeal swabs from horses with respiratory disease in that all samples positive by virus isolation were also positive by PCR. CONCLUSION: Individual single round and second round (seminested) PCRs and a seminested multiplex PCR were developed that enabled reliable, rapid detection of EHV1 and EHV4 in aborted foetal tissues and nasopharyngeal swab samples.     

Diagnosis of duck plague in waterfowl by polymerase chain reaction

A recently developed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used for diagnosis of duck plague in waterfowl tissues from past and current cases of waterfowl mortality and to identify duck plague virus in combined cloacal/oral-pharyngeal swab samples from healthy mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) after a disease outbreak. The PCR was able to detect viral DNA from all the individual or pooled tissues assayed from 10 waterfowl, including liver and spleen samples from three Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domesticus) that did not yield virus isolates. The strong staining intensity of the PCR products from the waterfowl tissues indicated that large amounts of virus were present, even when virus was not isolated. Duck plague DNA was also detected in a cloacal swab sample from a wood duck (Aix sponsa) carcass submitted for diagnosis. The PCR assay identified duck plague DNA in 13 swab samples that produced virus isolates from carrier mallards sampled in 1981 after a duck plague die-off. The duck plague PCR clearly demonstrated the ability to quickly diagnose duck plague in suspect mortality cases and to detect virus shed by carrier waterfowl.