Emergence of fatal European genotype CyHV-3/KHV in mainland China

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), also known as koi herpesvirus (KHV), is a highly infectious causative agent to common carp and koi worldwide. The virus is mainly consisted of European and Asian genotype isolates. To date, no European genotype CyHV-3 has been found emerging in the East and Southeast Asian regions. In late March 2011, an outbreak of CyHV-3 disease occurred in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, resulting in the deaths of approximately 200 large-sized adult koi within four weeks. One moribund koi was sampled for CyHV-3 isolation. Thus, a CyHV-3 was isolated in KCF-1 cells and designated as KHV-GZ11. Abundant mature or immature virions in infected KCF-1 cells were observed under a transmission electron micrograph. In addition, intra-nuclear inclusion body-like structures with masses of virions were also observed. Based on the TK and ORF136H genes, the sequence analyses revealed that KHV-GZ11 is a distinct European genotype of CyHV-3. Moreover, the infectivity experiment showed that KHV-GZ11 was highly virulent to koi. In summary, we are the first to confirm the emergence of fatal European genotype CyHV-3/KHV in East and Southeast Asia. Our study will provide new insight to explore the virus origin and epidemiology, as well as its pathogenicity.     

Generation of monoclonal antibodies specific for ORF68 of koi herpesvirus

Outbreaks of koi herpesvirus (KHV) infection in carp are still a serious problem worldwide. KHV is closely related to other two cyprinid herpesviruses, pox herpesvirus (CHV) and haematopoietic necrosis herpesvirus (CyHV-2) in goldfish. In this study, two major KHV antigenic proteins (ORF62 and ORF68) were identified by immunoscreening using a KHV-specific polyclonal antibody, and then monoclonal antibodies were generated for immunodiagnostic studies. After screening hybridoma cells, one mAb against ORF68 (mAb-7C6) was obtained but no mAbs against ORF62. mAb-7C6 specifically reacted with a lysate of KHV-infected koi fin cells (KF-1 cells) but not with lysates of CHV- or CyHV-2-infected KF-1 cells in an immuno-blotting analysis. Similar results were shown in the following tests: (1) a indirect fluorescent antibody test using infected KF-1 cells and (2) an immunohistochemical investigation by fast red stain (infected liver) or FITC detection (infected spleen). These results suggested that mAb-7C6 specifically reacts with KHV ORF68 protein.     

Genome sequence of an Australian strain of canid alphaherpesvirus 1

Objective

Characterisation of a complete genome sequence of an Australian strain of canid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CHV‐1) and its phylogenetic relationship with other varicellovirus species.

Methods

Standard pathology and PCR methods were used to initially detect herpesvirus in hepatic tissue from an infected 4‐week‐old Labrador Retriever puppy. The complete CHV‐1 genome was sequenced using next‐generation sequencing technology followed by de novo and reference assembly, and genome annotation.

Results

The CHV‐1 genome was 125 kbp in length and contained 74 predicted open reading frames encoding functional proteins, all of which have counterparts in other alphaherpesviruses. Phylogenetic analysis using the DNA polymerase gene revealed that the newly sequenced CHV‐1 clustered with canid alphaherpesvirus isolated from the UK and shared a 99% overall nucleotide sequence similarity.

Conclusion

This is the first complete genome of an Australian strain of CHV‐1, which will contribute to our understanding of the genetics and evolution of herpesvirus.     

Establishment of QuantStudioTM 3D Digital PCR Method for Detection of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1

The purpose of this study was to establish a highly sensitive 3D digital PCR (3D-dPCR) method for the detection of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1),which could accurately and quantitatively detect the samples with low EHV-1 content and realize the early diagnosis and prevention of equine rhinopneumonia.According to the conserved region of EHV-1 glycoprotein B gene,we designed specific primers and probes,optimized the concentration and annealing temperature of primers in the 3D-dPCR reaction system,analyzed the sensitivity,specificity and repeatability of this method,and established the 3D-dPCR method of EHV-1.In this study,the best concentration of primer and probe of 3D-dPCR was 0.4 and 0.4 μmol/L respectively,the best annealing temperature was 60 ℃,R² of the absolute quantitative curve of the method was 0.998,the linear relationship was good,the sensitivity was about 10 times higher than that of Real-time PCR,and the minimum detection limit was 5.83 copies/μL.There was no cross reaction with EHV-4,Theileria equi and the nucleic acid of equine arteritis.The results showed that the positive rate of 3D-dPCR was 66.7%,which was higher than that of Real-time PCR for EHV-1 in OIE (64.2%).The results of 3D-dPCR were consistent with those of Real-time PCR,and the sensitivity of 3D-dPCR to the samples with low virus content was higher,which could effectively detect suspicious samples.The results showed that the established 3D-dPCR method was more sensitive,specific and reproducible for the detection of clinical samples with low copy number,and could be used for the accurate and quantitative detection of EHV-1.     

含EGFP基因的马疱疹病毒1型新疆株gE基因缺失株的构建

为筛选马鼻肺炎（equine rhinopneumonitis,ER）基因缺失减毒活疫苗的候选毒株,本研究参考GenBank中EHV-1（登录号：KF644579.1）目的基因序列设计同源臂引物,以本地区流行株XJ2015株DNA为模板PCR扩增gE基因同源臂gEH1、gEH1,以EGFP表达盒（CMV+EGFP+polyA）为标记基因,酶切后依次连接至载体pUC-19,成功构建重组质粒pUC-gEH1H2-EGFP。将XJ2015基因组与质粒pUC-gEH1H2-EGFP共转染至RK-13细胞进行同源重组,以EGFP为标记进行gE基因缺失毒株的筛选及纯化,并测定重组毒株效价。结果显示：经5轮荧光噬斑纯化、PCR及测序鉴定,成功获取一株携带EGFP基因的重组毒株XJ2015-△gE-EGFP,且重组毒株效价（10^7.1TCID₅₀/0.1 mL）较原毒株（10^8.8TCID₅₀/0.1 mL）下降约10^1.7TCID₅₀/0.1 mL。采用同源重组技术成功构建了1株马疱疹病毒1型流行株gE基因缺失突变株,为未来筛选马鼻肺炎基因缺失弱毒疫苗奠定了基础。     

Isolation of bovine herpesvirus type 5 from the semen of a healthy bull in Australia

Artificial insemination is widely used in the cattle industry and a major challenge is to ensure that semen is free of infectious agents. A healthy donor bull was tested for freedom from infectious agents. A bovine herpesvirus was isolated in testis cells and identified as bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) by polymerase chain reaction and by direct amplicon sequencing. The amplicon sequence shared 100% similarity with the published sequence of BoHV-5. This is the first report in Australia of BoHV-5 in semen. The implications of this finding are discussed.     

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).     

Concurrent T cell leukaemia and equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis in a Hanoverian Warmblood mare

Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF) and primary leukaemia are uncommon diseases in horses. This case report describes a horse with both diseases which might be linked via the equine γ‐herpesvirus EHV‐5. In man Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), also a γ‐herpesvirus, is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as is EHV‐5 with EMPF. Furthermore, EBV is also associated with lymphoproliferative disease. Similarly in horses, primary leukaemia might be associated with EHV‐5. This is the first report associating EHV‐5 with primary leukaemia in horses.     

Biological and environmental factors associated with the detection of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection is one of the most common diseases in young elephants, causing severe fatal hemorrhagic disease. Subclinical infection was previously described; however, information about the factors associated with virus shedding and reactivation were scarce. To identify the biological and environmental factors related with EEHV detection, blood and oral swab samples were collected from nine captive Asian elephants in Thailand for one year and tested for EEHV presence using real-time PCR. Data including hematological values, management, environmental temperature, and serum cortisol levels were also recorded and analyzed. Results showed that the viral detection frequency ranged from 0–25%. The highest detection frequency was found in the two youngest elephants, aged less than 15 years. Three types of viruses, EEHV1, EEHV4, and EEHV5, were found in this study, which also detected mixed infection in five elephants. Additionally, the study found that sample type, changes in hematological values, management and health issues, and serum cortisol levels were not associated with herpesvirus detection in the elephants. However, EEHV detection percentage was significantly increased in the summer (mid-Feb to mid-May), possibly due to body fitness reduction from food source limitation and low nutrient content. To obtain a broad aspect of EEHV management, long-term EEHV monitoring is highly recommended in every captive elephant herd.     

北京地区1株鸽圆环病毒全基因组测定及遗传进化分析

[目的] 了解北京地区流行的鸽圆环病毒（Pigeon circovirus,PiCV）的基因组特征及变异规律。[方法] 以3只发病鸽的肝脏和脾脏组织为模板,采用PCR技术检测病原。以检测阳性的肝脏组织DNA为模板,应用PCR技术分段扩增PiCV的全基因序列。应用DNAStar和Mega 7.0软件对扩增得到的全序列进行拼接和核苷酸序列比对,并构建系统进化树,对病毒基因组的2个开放阅读框分别进行核苷酸和氨基酸序列比对,并构建系统进化树。[结果] 经PCR检测,3只病鸽中有1只病鸽的组织中检测到PiCV阳性,并未检出其他病毒。采用PCR分段扩增成功获得了1株PiCV的全基因组序列,命名为PiCV BJ,该病毒基因组大小为2 034 bp,包含有2个主要的开放阅读框（ORFs）,ORF-V1编码Rep蛋白,ORF-C1编码Cap蛋白。相似性比对结果显示,PiCV BJ株基因组序列与GenBank上登录的其他参考序列的核苷酸相似性在86.0%~97.0%之间,与2011年分离自波兰的PL53相似性为97.0%。遗传进化结果显示,PiCV BJ株与2014年分离自波兰的PL124在同一分支,亲缘关系较近;与其他禽源圆环病毒不在同一分支,亲缘关系较远。PiCV BJ株Cap基因的起始密码子为ATG,与2011年分离自比利时的11-08304株核苷酸、氨基酸序列相似性高达95.8%和85.2%;Rep基因与2011年分离自波兰的PL53相似性最高,核苷酸和氨基酸相似性分别高达94.6%和96.2%;Cap和Rep基因的进化树分析结果也显示,PiCV BJ株均与PL53和11-08304株在同一分支,亲缘关系较近,这与相似性分析的结果一致。[结论] PiCV BJ株来自国外,可能由赛鸽引种传入中国,提示在外部引种时要做好病毒监测。本研究丰富了PiCV的遗传学研究资料,为进一步探究PiCV的遗传变异及传播机制提供了参考依据,也为PiCV的防控提供了重要的理论基础。     

Detection of Human Herpesviruses (HHVs) in Semen of Human Male Infertile Patients

Recently we demonstrated an ectopic expression of the human herpesvirus 1 thymidine kinase (HHV1-TK) gene by functioning of an intrinsic endogenous promoter in the transgenic rat (TG-rat), suggesting that HHV1 infection in humans induces expression of the TK gene with the ectopic promoter in the testis and results in accumulation of HHV1-TK protein, triggering male infertility similar to that in the TG-rat. Hence, in this study, we started to investigate a relationship between infection of herpesvirus and human male infertility. Semen was donated by Chinese male infertile patients (153 men, aged 21–49 years) with informed consent, followed by DNA preparation and analysis by PCR and DNA sequencing. Semen volume, sperm number and density, and sperm motility were examined. DNAs of HHV1, HHV4, HHV5 and HHV6 were confirmed by PCR, electrophoresis and DNA sequencing. Finally, virus DNA was identified in 59 patients (39%). The number of carriers was 39 (25%) for HHV1, 6 (4%) for HHV4, 33 (22%) for HHV5 and 3 (2%) for HHV6, respectively. Moreover, double-infection was found in 22 out of 59 specimens (37%), most of which were double-infection of HHV1 and HHV5 (15 out of 22 carriers). Though slight severity was present in some of the carriers, the relationship between virus infection and sperm impairment was not conclusive. Accordingly, it is essential to examine whether the viral HHV1-TK gene is expressed in the testis of the infertile human HHV carrier.     

Point mutations in BHV-1 Us3 gene abolish its ability to induce cytoskeletal changes in various cell types

The Us3 gene is conserved among alphaherpesviruses and codes for a protein kinase, a multifunctional protein involved in many phases of virus infection, like nuclear egress, modulation of apoptosis and modification of the cellular cytoskeleton. Bovine herpesvirus (BHV-1), a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae, contains an open reading frame homologous to Us3 of other herpesviruses, which has been identified as a serine/threonine kinase (Takashima, Y., Tamura, H., Xuan, X., Otsuka, H., 1999. Identification of the Us3 gene product of BHV-1 as a protein kinase and characterization of BHV-1 mutants of the Us3 gene. Virus Res. 59, 23–34). To study the activity of BHV-1 Us3, we have cloned its sequence under control of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) promoter/enhancer and introduced it into a recombinant baculovirus (Bac Us3). Confocal microscopy analysis showed profound cytoskeletal modifications in various BHV-1-permissive and non-permissive cells transduced with BacUs3. We observed that Us3 expression changed cellular shape and induced formation of long microtubule-containing cell projections, a phenomenon which had also been observed in cells expressing pseudorabies virus Us3. The intracellular localization of Us3 was mostly nuclear but when the protein accumulated it could be detected in the cytoplasm, cell membranes and projections. Mutated forms of BHV-1 Us3 with point mutations near or within the kinase catalytic domain did not affect cell morphology indicating that kinase activity of BHV-1 Us3 is required for its cytoskeleton remodelling function.     

Malignant catarrhal fever: a review

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a fatal lymphoproliferative disease of cattle and other ungulates caused by the ruminant γ-herpesviruses alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) and ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2). These viruses cause inapparent infection in their reservoir hosts (wildebeest for AlHV-1 and sheep for OvHV-2), but fatal lymphoproliferative disease when they infect MCF-susceptible hosts, including cattle, deer, bison, water buffalo and pigs. MCF is an important disease wherever reservoir and MCF-susceptible species mix and currently is a particular problem in Bali cattle in Indonesia, bison in the USA and in pastoralist cattle herds in Eastern and Southern Africa.MCF is characterised by the accumulation of lymphocytes (predominantly CD8⁺ T lymphocytes) in a variety of organs, often associated with tissue necrosis. Only a small proportion of these lymphocytes appear to contain virus, although recent results with virus gene-specific probes indicate that more infected cells may be present than previously thought. The tissue damage in MCF is hypothesised to be caused by the indiscriminate activity of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic T/natural killer cells. The pathogenesis of MCF and the virus life cycle are poorly understood and, currently, there is no effective disease control.Recent sequencing of the OvHV-2 genome and construction of an AlHV-1 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) are facilitating studies to understand the pathogenesis of this extraordinary disease. Furthermore, new and improved methods of disease diagnosis have been developed and promising vaccine strategies are being tested. The next few years are likely to be exciting and productive for MCF research.     

应用鳗鲡肾脏细胞分离疱疹病毒及毒株理化性质试验

为研究鳗鲡疱疹病毒(Anguillid herpesvirus,AnHV)毒株的理化性质,用鳗鲡肾脏细胞(European eel kidney cell,EEK)从福建省某鳗鲡养殖场出现"脱黏败血病"典型症状的欧洲鳗鲡组织中分离得到一株病毒株,采用电镜观察、PCR检测和DNA测序对其进行鉴定,并对分离毒株进行温度和酸...     

马疱疹病毒1型主要毒力基因分析及TK基因缺失载体的构建

为了解新疆马疱疹病毒1型（EHV-1）主要毒力基因遗传进化情况并构建TK基因缺失株，本研究以EHV-1 XJ2015株DNA为模板，对其主要毒力基因TK、gI和gE全长进行克隆、测序及生物信息学分析，并扩增TK基因左右重组臂TKL和TKR，构建质粒pUC-TKLR，将扩增后的增强绿色荧光蛋白（EGFP，含有CMV+polyA）插入pUC-TKLR质粒，构建TK基因缺失打靶质粒。TK、gI和gE基因同源性分析结果显示，XJ2015株与国外EHV-1分离株TK、gI和gE基因同源性均较高，分别为99.8%~100.0%、99.6%~100.0%和99.9%~100.0%；与EHV-3分离株同源性均最低，分别为72.9%、59.4%和62.1%；遗传进化分析显示，3个基因均与国外EHV-1同属于一个遗传进化分支，与EHV-9和EHV-4进化关系较近，但与EHV-3进化关系较远，表明XJ2015毒株与国外EHV-1毒株TK、gI、gE基因核苷酸上差异不明显，没有明显的地域性特征，功能基因保守且进化缓慢，同源基因功能相同或相近；经PCR扩增、酶切、测序及转染鉴定，本试验成功构建了用于TK基因缺失的打靶质粒pUC-TKLR-EGFP。通过对EHV-1主要毒力基因的分析及TK基因缺失打靶载体的构建，为新疆地区马鼻肺炎流行病学调查分析、TK基因缺失株的构建提供理论依据。     

鸭“白点病”（暂定名）病原学研究

对3个“白点病”（暂定名）发病严重的鸭场的病死鸭进行细菌学检查均为阴性，但均分离到病毒。对其中1株病毒进行了鉴定。负染及超薄切征电镜观察，可见呈球形或卵圆形、直径80-230nm、有囊膜的病毒。经理化特性、生物学特性及核酸类型测定，确定该病毒为疱疹病毒科成员。血清中和试验表明，该病毒与鸭瘟病毒、鸭疱疹病毒Ⅱ型无血清学相关性，故暂定名为鸭疱疹病毒Ⅲ型。人工感染试验复制出与自然感染病死鸭相同的病变，初步证明该病毒为鸭“白点病”病原。     

甲型疱疹病毒亚科的疱疹病毒囊膜糖蛋白gC对病毒感染复制的影响

甲型疱疹病毒亚科的疱疹病毒宿主广泛,能感染哺乳类、两栖类和禽类,主要侵害宿主的皮肤、黏膜和神经组织,病毒还会在宿主神经组织潜伏感染,一经感染,难以清除。gC是甲型疱疹病毒亚科的病毒囊膜糖蛋白之一,在病毒感染复制过程中发挥了重要作用。gC与细胞上受体结合帮助病毒吸附至宿主细胞表面、介导低pH条件下病毒入侵上皮细胞、影响病毒基因组的复制。此外,gC帮助病毒逃避补体和抗体的中和,促进病毒的吸附入侵。本文就gC影响病毒感染复制的相关功能进行综述,旨在为研究gC和深入了解甲型疱疹病毒亚科病毒的生命周期,以及gC亚单位疫苗和mRNA疫苗的研究提供参考。     

Pcr studies on the potential sites for latency of BHV-4 in calves

The aim of the study was to examine various tissues of experimentally infected calves for the BHV-4 genome so as to detect in which cells the virus persists during the latent phase of the infection. The presence of the bovine herpesvirus type 4 genome was detected by a nested PCR in a variety of tissues collected from two susceptible calves experimentally infected 62 days earlier. Mild clinical signs of bronchitis, an elevated body temperature for 2–3 days, and a slightly increased number of blood leukocytes were observed in both inoculated calves. BHV-4 was demonstrated in seven samples from the 12 different parts of the nervous system tested from each calf (29.1%), from the cornea, from lymph nodes near to the inoculation site, from the gallbladder and from the bone marrow. Thus a member of the predominantly lymphotropic Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily was detected in neural tissue and other organs that have never been associated with persistence.     

牛疱疹病毒gD-PCR鉴别检测方法的建立

建立一种PCR技术,既能快速检测疱疹病毒1型成员牛传染性鼻气管炎病毒(bovine infectious rhinotracheitisvirus,IBRV),又能区分牛疱疹病毒5型和伪狂犬病毒。根据基因库中牛传染性鼻气管炎病毒的gD基因序列,应用primer 5.0软件设计了gD PCR引物,建立PCR方法,反应条件是:94℃预变性5min,94℃1min,58℃1min,72℃1min,30个循环,72℃7min,4℃5min。该方法能从IBRV阳性样本和参考毒株中扩增出372bp的目的片段,而从同属的牛疱疹病毒5型中扩增出440bp和206bp两条目的片段,从同属的伪狂犬病毒中扩增出303bp的目的片段,但不能从非疱疹病毒属成员猪呼吸与繁殖综合征病毒中扩增出目的条带。该PCR检测IBRV的灵敏度可达1PFU/mL以上。鉴于其灵敏度高、特异性好,可望在牛疱疹病毒感染快速鉴别检测方面发挥重要作用。     

表达鸡传染性法氏囊病病毒VP2基因的重组火鸡疱疹病毒的构建及生物学特性分析

鸡传染性法氏囊病（IBD）是一种严重危害养禽业的高度致死性和免疫抑制性传染病。为研制IBD重组火鸡疱疹病毒（HVT）活载体疫苗,本研究构建了表达鸡传染性法氏囊病病毒（IBDV）保护性抗原VP2基因的重组HVT并对其体外生物学特性进行了分析。通过RT-PCR扩增IBDV超强毒株VP2基因并克隆入pCI载体,获得重组真核表达质粒pCI-VP2。用限制性内切酶将携带CMV启动子的VP2基因表达框架切下,连接于入门质粒pENTR,构建获得重组入门质粒pENTR-VP2。将pENTR-VP2与HVT重组黏粒H3-Kan/ccdB进行LR重组反应,构建重组表达黏粒H3-VP2。用H3-VP2与其他4个相互重叠并覆盖HVT全基因组的黏粒共同转染鸡胚成纤维细胞（CEF）,拯救获得重组病毒rHVT-VP2。将重组病毒在CEF中连续传至20代后用PCR、间接免疫荧光试验和免疫印迹试验进行检测,并绘制重组病毒体外生长曲线,分析其体外复制特性。结果表明,重组病毒rHVT-VP2能够稳定表达VP2蛋白,rHVT-VP2在CEF中的复制能力与亲本病毒无明显差异。重组病毒rHVT-VP2免疫鸡后能够诱导产生IBDV中和抗体,并对IBDV强毒株攻击引起的死亡提供90%免疫保护。重组病毒rHVT-VP2的构建为研制IBD重组HVT活载体疫苗奠定了基础,对IBD的防控具有重要意义。