非洲猪瘟病毒无标签p30-ELISA抗体检测方法的建立及应用

非洲猪瘟(African swine fever, ASF)是由非洲猪瘟病毒(African swine fever virus, ASFV)引起猪的一种急性、热性、出血性、高度接触性传染病,临床症状以败血症、皮炎和关节炎为特征,高发病率和高死亡率。为建立临床检测ASFV抗体的间接ELISA检测方法,本研究扩增了ASFV-CP204L基因,通过pET-30a原核表达系统表达p30蛋白,使用Ni-NTA纯化表达产物,通过肠激酶切除外源性蛋白,得到无His-组氨酸标签的p30蛋白,以此为诊断抗原,建立间接ELISA方法。结果显示：表达的无标签p30重组蛋白大小约为30 ku,与ASF阳性猪血清具有较好的反应原性;确定ELISA抗原包被浓度为1 μg·mL^-1,根据ROC曲线下面积确定S/P值>0.398判定为阳性,批内、批间变异系数均<10%;与PCV2、CSFV、PRV-gE、PRRSV阳性血清无交叉反应与INGENASA商品化试剂盒总符合率为97.78%。用该方法分别检测标准阳性血清、动物感染试验血清和收集的区域性临床血清644份,该方法最低可检测到1∶512倍稀释的标准阳性血清样品;检测感染动物血清,其中80%(4/5)的试验动物在第10天抗体为阳性。644份临床猪血清样品中抗体阳性率为7.61%,其中,母猪、后备母猪、仔猪、保育猪和育肥猪抗体阳性率分别为3.03%、0%、4.94%、7.55%和28.7%。本试验建立的ASFV-p30间接ELISA方法具有良好的特异性、灵敏度和重复性,可应用于ASFV的抗体检测,为ASF的诊断和流行病学调查提供了技术手段。     

Extraction of viral DNA from erythrocytes of swine with acute African swine fever

The preparation of wild-type African swine fever (ASF) virus DNA from small amounts of viremic blood from acutely febrile pigs is outlined. The extracted DNA is viral and not host-cell DNA, because of specific homology with cell culture grown and purified ASF virus and because no DNA bands are obtained with an equal amount of nonviremic pig blood. Thus, in the absence of suitable serologic methods for strain identification, it is now possible to catalogue wild-type isolates by characteristic DNA restriction patterns. The wild-type virus genome contains terminal single-stranded DNA cross-links and has the largest genome size (180 kilobase pairs) reported for the ASF virus. Experimental passage of the virus in contact-infected pigs and buffy coat cultures appears to confirm the stable nature of the ASF genome in the field.     

The reduction of CSFV transmission to untreated pigs by the pestivirus inhibitor BPIP: A proof of concept

5-[(4-Bromophenyl)methyl]-2-phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (BPIP) is a representative molecule of a novel class of highly active in vitro inhibitors of the replication of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV). We recently demonstrated in a proof of concept study that the molecule has a marked effect on viral replication in CSFV-infected pigs. Here, the effect of antiviral treatment on virus transmission to untreated sentinel pigs was studied. Therefore, BPIP-treated pigs (n = 4), intra-muscularly infected with CSFV, were placed into contact with untreated sentinel pigs (n = 4). Efficient transmission of CSFV from four untreated seeder pigs to four untreated sentinels was observed. In contrast, only two out of four sentinel animals in contact with BPIP-treated seeder animals developed a short transient infection, of which one was likely the result of sentinel to sentinel transmission. A significant lower viral genome load was measured in tonsils of sentinels in contact with BPIP-treated seeder animals compared to the positive control group (p = 0.015). Although no significant difference (p = 0.126) in the time of onset of viraemia could be detected between the groups of contact animals, a tendency towards the reduction of virus transmission was observed. Since sentinel animals were left untreated in this exploratory trial, the study can be regarded as a worst case scenario and gives therefore an underestimation of the potential efficacy of the activity of BPIP on virus transmission.     

Molecular characterization of African swine fever virus from domestic pigs in northern Tanzania during an outbreak in 2013

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, highly contagious and deadly viral hemorrhagic fever of domestic pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), a double-stranded DNA virus of the family Asfarviridae. In this study, molecular diagnosis and characterization of outbreak ASFV in northern Tanzania, was performed on spleen, lymph node, kidney, and heart samples collected in June and July 2013 from domestic pigs that died during a hemorrhagic disease outbreak. Confirmatory diagnosis of ASF was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by partial amplification of B646L gene of ASFV encoding the major capsid protein p72 using PPA1/PPA2 primers. PCR using PPA1/PPA2 primers produced an expected PCR product size, confirming ASF outbreak in northern Tanzania. In addition, nucleotide amplification and sequencing, and phylogenetic reconstruction of the variable 3′-end of the B646L gene and complete E183L gene encoding the inner envelope transmembrane protein p54 showed that the 2013 outbreak ASFV from northern Tanzania were 100 % identical and clustered into ASFV B646L (p72) and E183L (p54) genotype X. Furthermore, the tetrameric amino acid repeats within the central variable region (CVR) of the B602L gene coding for the J9L protein had the signature BNBA(BN)₅NA with a single novel tetramer NVDI (repeat code N). The results of the present study confirm an ASF outbreak in northern Tanzania in the year 2013 and show that the present outbreak ASFV is closely related to other ASFV from ticks, warthogs, and domestic pigs previously reported from Tanzania.     

Pig major acute-phase protein and apolipoprotein A-I responses correlate with the clinical course of experimentally induced African Swine Fever and Aujeszky's disease

In the present work, we studied the acute phase protein response after experimental virus infection in pigs. The animals were experimentally infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) or Aujeszky's disease (AD) viruses. The clinical course of ASF infection correlated with increasingly high levels of pig Major Acute-phase Protein (pig-MAP) (mean value of 6 mg/mL on day 6 post infection (p.i.), from 6 to 9 times higher than day 0) and sharp apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) decrease (mean value of 0.5 mg/mL, from 4 to 10 times lower than day 0 on day 4 p.i.). AD-clinical signs appeared at day 3 p.i., both in vaccinated (moderate clinical signs) and non-vaccinated pigs (severe outcome within 48 h p.i.). Pig-MAP and apo A-I profiles also followed clinical signs (changing from 0.70 mg/mL to around 3 mg/mL and from around 3 mg/mL to 0.96 mg/mL, respectively in non-vaccinated animals), with minor changes in concentration in the vaccinated group. Haptoglobin levels significantly increased in ASF and AD infected animals (mean maximum values of 2.77 and 3.96 mg/mL, respectively). Minor differences for the C-Reactive Protein in the case of ASF were observed, whereas its concentration increased more than 7 times in AD-infection. The albumin level was not modified in either case. The correlation of clinical signs to our data suggests the potential use of pig-MAP and apo A-I in monitoring infections in swine.     

Cutaneous lesions in experimental acute and subacute African swine fever: an immunohistopathological and ultrastructural study

Histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural cutaneous changes are described in acute and subacute forms of experimental African Swine Fever (ASF). Fourteen 3-month-old Large White cross pigs were infected intramuscularly with the Dominican Republic 78 (DR78) ASF virus isolate and euthanized in pairs on alternatives days (3 to 17) post-inoculation (dpi). Three pigs were found dead at 8, 10 and 13 dpi, respectively. Antibodies against viral antigen Vp73, human fibrinogen, glycoprotein IIIa and Factor VIII-ra were used to evaluate viral antigen distribution, fibrin microthrombi and platelets in dermal vessels, respectively. Cutaneous lesions were characterised by vascular changes ranging from hyperaemia, mild oedema, scarce fibrin microthrombi and microhaemorrhages in euthanized animals, to generalized fibrin microthrombosis and microhaemorrhages in dead pigs. Secondary pustules and superficial folliculitis were observed in two animals dead at 10 and 13 dpi. Diffuse cytoplasmic Vp73 labelling was found in numerous intravascular monocytes and dermal macrophages. Ultrastructural studies showed mature viral particles in the lumen of dermal vessels but viral replication was not observed; nonetheless, microtubuloreticular structures were observed in the cytoplasm of some endothelial cells and macrophages which showed cytopathic effects, signs of cell activation or degeneration. Morphological and immunohistochemical evidences of platelet activation, degranulation and consumption were observed from 5 dpi onward.     

A highly sensitive and specific gel-based multiplex RT-PCR assay for the simultaneous and differential diagnosis of African swine fever and Classical swine fever in clinical samples

The development and standardisation of a novel, highly sensitive and specific one-step hot start multiplex RT-PCR assay is presented for the simultaneous and differential diagnosis of African swine fever (ASF) and Classical swine fever (CSF). The method uses two primer sets, each one specific for the corresponding virus, amplifying DNA fragments different in length, allowing a gel-based differential detection of the PCR products. Universal detection of ASF and CSF virus strains was achieved through selection of primers in conserved viral genome regions. The detection range was confirmed by analysis of a large collection of isolates of the two viruses. The high specificity of the assay was proven by testing related viruses, uninfected cell line cultures and healthy pig tissues. Additional confirmatory tests of the ASF and CSF virus amplicon specificity, based on restriction endonuclease analysis with BsmA I or Ban II, respectively, are also described. The analysis of whole blood and serum samples from experimentally infected animals proved the usefulness of the method for an early diagnosis of both diseases, even before the appearance of the first clinical signs. A study of 150 positive field samples from several ASF and CSF outbreaks showed the suitability of this method for a rapid (less than five hours), sensitive and specific differential diagnosis in clinical samples. In addition, a highly sensitive and specific uniplex RT-PCR for CSFV was also developed and standardised as a powerful tool for fast and early diagnosis of the disease.     

Age-related viral load and severity of systemic pathological lesions in acute naturally occurring African swine fever virus genotype II infections

African swine fever (ASF) causes a contagious hemorrhagic disease in all ages of pigs without sex predilections. The objective of this study was to determine the age-related viral loads and severity of systemic pathological lesions among three different swine group ages (weaned pigs, fattening pigs, and sows) during a recent outbreak of acute ASF in Vietnam. Age-related viral loads were determined in 5 major organs (lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and lymph node) by immunohistochemistry as well as in the blood by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Age-related systemic pathological lesions were analyzed in the listed organs among three age groups.Weaned pigs had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of viral loads in their lung, liver, lymph nodes and blood than in those of fattening pigs and sows. Fattening pigs had significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores of macroscopic lung and lymphoid lesions, and microscopic liver lesions compared with those of weaned pigs and sows. The results of this study demonstrated that viral loads were age-related in acute naturally occurring ASF but the severity of pathological lesions was not correlated with the level of viral loads in the five major organs.     

Mechanism of thrombocytopenia in African swine fever

Pigs were inoculated with an African swine fever (ASF) isolate of moderate virulence, and the changes in the number of circulating blood platelets during infection were correlated with the appearance of antiviral antibody and fluctuations in total plasma hemolytic complement concentrations. Thrombocytopenia was detected by postinoculation days (PID) 7 and 8, and antiviral antibody was detected by PID 7, using an indirect immunofluorescence technique. The total hemolytic complement concentration was moderately and transiently decreased from PID 5 to 9, but was consistently low from PID 18 to 26. Pigs inoculated with an ASF virus isolate of greater virulence had a decrease in platelet counts on PID 6 and 7, and the total plasma hemolytic complement levels decreased in all pigs by PID 6 to 7. Antibody to ASF virus was not detected in pigs inoculated with the more virulent isolate. Pigs sensitized to ASF viral antigen with an inactivated-virus vaccine or by previous infection with ASF were challenge exposed. Sensitized pigs became clinically ill and thrombocytopenic by 24 to 72 hours earlier than did inoculated, nonsensitized pigs. Vaccinated pigs inoculated with homologous virus had lower blood virus concentrations than did nonvaccinated pigs. African swine fever virus-sensitized pigs inoculated with heterologous virus had a higher fatality rate than did nonsensitized pigs, and the pigs died peracutely, with only a few gross lesions in evidence. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ASF virus antigen induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma from recovered, nonviremic pigs. Viral antigen, antibody, or complement was not demonstrable on the surface of platelets from pigs inoculated with ASF virus isolate, by direct immunofluorescence testing.     

Risk factors of African swine fever virus in suspected infected pigs in smallholder farming systems in South-Kivu province,Democratic Republic of Congo

BackgroundAfrican swine fever (ASF) is an infectious viral disease of domestic pigs that presents as a hemorrhagic fever, and for which no effective vaccine is available. The disease has a serious negative social and economic impact on pig keepers. There is limited information on the potential risk factors responsible for the spread of ASF in South Kivu.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the potential risk factors associated with ASF infection in suspected ASF virus (ASFV)-infected pigs.MethodsWe sampled whole blood from 391 pigs. Additionally, 300 pig farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Viral DNA was detected by using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.ResultsThe majority of pigs sampled, 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.4–82.6), were of local breeds. Over half, 60.4% (95% CI, 55.5–65.2), were female, and most of them, 90.5% (95% CI, 87.6–93.4), were adult pigs (> 1 year old). Viral DNA was detected in 72 of the 391 sampled pigs, indicating an overall infection rate of 18.4% (95% CI, 14.5–22.4). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed several risk factors positively associated with ASFV infection: feeding with swill in pen (odds ratio [OR], 3.8; 95% CI, 2.12–6.77); mixed ages of pigs in the same pen (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.99–5.57); introduction of new animals to the farm (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.91–15.28). The risk factors that were negatively (protective) correlated with ASFV positivity were the presence of male animals and the use of an in-pen breeding system.ConclusionLocal pig farmers should be encouraged to adopt proper husbandry and feeding practices in order to increase the number of ASF-free farms.     

Approaches to the identification of non-essential genes of African swine fever virus.

It is poorly understood why vaccines could not be developed for the control and prevention of African swine fever (ASF) virus infection. The aim of our study was to identify genes non-essential for ASF virus replication because there were indications that certain viral gene products, which apparently are non-essential for viral replication, conferred protection from death due to ASF. A cosmid library representing the genome of ASF virus strain France 64 was established and characterized. Then, in order to inactivate viral genes by insertion, the beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) gene was introduced either randomly or at specific locations of selected cloned DNA fragments. These constructions were transfected into cells which had been previously infected with a cell-culture-adapted viral strain in order to allow the generation of recombinant progeny virus. Viable recombinant progeny was identified by at least one of the following means: (1) expression of beta-gal; (2) detection of beta-gal specific DNA by plaque hybridization, and (3) absence of a functional product of the inactivated gene. Presently, we are characterizing a recombinant virus with an insertionally inactivated thymidine kinase gene.     

Quantification of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) DNA in serum and tonsillar, nasal, tracheo-bronchial, urinary and faecal swabs of pigs with and without postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS)

The present study focused on PCV2 quantification by TaqMan PCR in nasal (n=99), tonsillar (n=108), tracheo-bronchial (n=72), urinary (n=91) and faecal (n=42) swabs, as well as in serum (n=57), from a total of 146 pigs received at the Pathological Diagnostic Service at the Veterinary School of Barcelona (Spain). Animals were classified into three categories based on histopathological and in situ hybridisation (ISH) results: PMWS affected pigs (Group A, n=42), PCV2 subclinically infected pigs (Group B, n=29), and non-PMWS with PCV2 ISH negative pigs (Group C, n=75). Overall, tracheo-bronchial swabs had the higher PCV2 load followed by serum, tonsillar, nasal, faecal and, finally, urinary swabs. PCV2 genome was also detected in different proportions in all three categories of pigs; in all tested sites, viral load means were significantly higher (P0.05) were observed among tested specimens when age-groups (pigs younger than 1.5 months, and equal or older than 1.5 months of age) were compared. In summary, PCV2 is presumably excreted through respiratory (nasal and tracheo-bronchial) and oral (tonsillar) secretions, urine and faeces of both PMWS and non-PMWS affected pigs, with higher viral loads being associated with the presence of PMWS lesions.     

非洲猪瘟疫苗研究进展

非洲猪瘟（African swine fever,ASF）是由非洲猪瘟病毒（African swine fever virus,ASFV）引起的家猪和野猪的急性、出血性传染病,强毒株感染猪的致死率接近100%,给养猪业造成巨大经济损失。ASFV在猪群中可以快速有效传播,在环境中可稳定存在,为ASF的防控带来了挑战。研究人员一直致力于ASF疫苗的研究,迄今为止,仍没有有效的疫苗投入市场。综述了ASF灭活疫苗、减毒活疫苗、亚单位疫苗、DNA疫苗、病毒活载体疫苗的研究情况,以期为ASF疫苗的有效研发提供参考。     

非洲猪瘟血清学诊断靶点的研究进展

非洲猪瘟(African swine fever,ASF)是一种由非洲猪瘟病毒(African swine fever virus,ASFV)引起的猪高致死性传染病.ASFV编码蛋白p30、p54和p72等具有较高的免疫原性,且部分氨基酸序列较为保守,常被作为血清学诊断靶点,用于评价ASF不同阶段或发病程度的抗体水平变...     

Co-circulation of two genetically distinct viruses in an outbreak of African swine fever in Mozambique: no evidence for individual co-infection

In 1998, domestic pigs originating from villages within a 40 km radius of Ulongwe in the northern Tete Province of Mozambique were held in a quarantine facility for a 3-month period prior to their importation into South Africa. Eight of a total of 25 pigs died within the first 3 weeks of quarantine of what appeared clinically and on post mortem examination to be African swine fever (ASF). Organs were collected and preserved in formol-glycerosaline and the presence of ASF virus in these specimens was confirmed by three independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Two gene regions were characterised, namely the C-terminus end of the major immunodominant protein VP72 and the central variable region (CVR) of the 9RL open reading frame (ORF). Results confirmed the presence of two genetically distinct viruses circulating simultaneously within a single outbreak focus. However, despite the pigs being housed within the same facility, no evidence of co-infection was observed within individual animals. Comparison of the two 1998 virus variants with viruses causing historical outbreaks of the disease in Mozambique revealed that these viruses belong to two distinct genotypes which are unrelated to viruses causing outbreaks between 1960 and 1994. In addition, the CVR and p72 gene regions of one of the 1998 Mozambique virus variants (variant-40) was shown to be identical to the virus recovered from an ASF outbreak in Madagascar in the same year, whilst the other (variant-92) was identical to a 1988 pig isolate from Zambia.     

Genetic characterisation of African swine fever viruses from outbreaks in southern Africa (1973-1999)

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal and economically significant disease of domestic pigs in the southern African sub-region, where outbreaks regularly occur. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that trans-boundary movement of infected animals may have played a role in precipitating widespread outbreaks in the past, however, since the 1970s outbreaks have generally been more localised, particularly in those countries where control of animal movement is strictly regulated. The origin and relatedness of regional ASF outbreaks was investigated here by means of a two-step genetic characterisation approach whereby p72 gene sequencing was used to delineate genotypes, prior to intra-genotypic resolution of viral relationships by central variable region (CVR) characterisation of the 9RL ORF. In this manner, regional virus heterogeneity and epidemiological links between outbreaks could be assessed for the first time through phylogenetic analysis of the C-terminal end of the p72 gene of viruses recovered from domestic pig outbreaks in southern Africa between 1973 and 1999. The phylogeny revealed the presence of 14 distinct p72 genotypes of which 6 (genotypes XVII-XXII) were considered novel. Eight of these were country-specific with the remaining six having a trans-boundary distribution. CVR products were heterogeneous in size ranging from 377bp to 533bp across the 14 southern African genotypes. Within-genotype CVR comparisons revealed the presence of a genotype XIX virus with an extended field presence in South Africa (1985-1996) and permitted discrimination between three genotype VII viruses that were identical across the p72 gene.     

Detection of neutralizing antibodies in postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS)-affected and non-PMWS-affected pigs

The notion that postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS)-affected pigs develop an impaired humoral response against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has been reported in several studies. However, little information is available regarding the presence of neutralizing antibodies (NA) in PCV2-infected pigs and their role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the present work was to further characterize the humoral response, and in particular the production of NA, in pigs with different PCV2-infection status. Seventy-two conventional pigs from different farms were classified into three groups based on PCV2 infection and clinico-pathological status, namely: PCV2-negative, non-PMWS PCV2-positive and PMWS-affected animals. In addition, 9-week old pigs from an experimental infection (6 controls and 14 PCV2-inoculated pigs) were also studied. NA and total PCV2 antibodies (TA) as well as viral load in serum were determined and correlated with the clinico-pathological status of pigs. Results indicated that PMWS-affected pigs had lower NA titres, if any, than healthy animals. NA titres were also inversely correlated with PCV2 load in serum. NA and TA titres were positively correlated; however, correlation differed among infection status, being lower in PCV2-positive pigs. Also, the diagnostic performance of each test was evaluated, indicating that the combination of viral neutralization and quantitative PCR in serum was useful to discard PMWS (specificity 92%). In experimentally infected animals, the evolution of NA paralleled the course TA, although a slight delay in NA production was seen in some animals. The increase of NA coincided with the drop in viral load. Results from this work further support that PMWS-affected pigs show an impaired humoral immune response and, particularly, an inefficient NA response against PCV2.     

非洲猪瘟病原学及单克隆抗体制备技术研究进展

非洲猪瘟是由非洲猪瘟病毒引起猪的高度接触性、传染性、出血性以及高死亡率的传染病。20世纪中期以来,已在非洲、欧洲和美洲等数十个国家流行,并在近几年内蔓延至欧亚两洲接壤处的格鲁吉亚、亚美尼亚、阿塞拜疆以及俄罗斯境内,其一旦侵入我国,将会给我国养猪业带来极大的危害。非洲猪瘟病原学研究以及制备相应的单克隆抗体对非洲猪瘟病毒快速诊断技术研究和疫苗研制有着重大的现实意义。主要从病原学和单克隆抗体制备方面对非洲猪瘟的研究进展进行了综述。     

脑心肌炎病毒及其蛋白结构和功能研究进展

脑心肌炎病毒(EMCV)是一种重要的人畜共患病病原,高危感染动物是猪,自然宿主是啮齿动物,人也可以感染这种病毒。也有研究报道,病毒可分解为前体蛋白P1、P2、P 3和L蛋白,最终切割成11个蛋白终产物,其中VP1蛋白存在主要抗原表位,具有良好的中和作用。目前尚不能阐明病毒感染后的发病机制,宿主感染病毒的影响因素等。因此,对病毒特性进行的研究有助于对该病的预防及控制,对病毒基因组及它所编码蛋白的结构与功能的研究对新型疫苗及动物机体的抗感染免疫机制的研究有重要的生物学作用。论文综述了脑心肌炎病毒基因组结构及其编码蛋白的结构和功能。     

The hog cholera virus.

Hog cholera virus (HCV) is a spherical enveloped particle of about 40-60 nm dia. The viral genome is a single strand RNA of about 12,000 bases with positive polarity. One single large open reading frame codes for presumably four structural, i.e. three glycoproteins and a core protein, and about three to five nonstructural proteins. The functional role is not yet fully clear for all viral proteins. HCV belongs to the pestivirus group and it is closely related to bovine viral diarrhoea and border disease viruses. The relationship extends to morphology, antigenicity, host spectrum and molecular properties. Pestiviruses hold generic status in the family Flaviviridae.