Genetic and pathobiological characterization of bovine viral diarrhea viruses recently isolated from cattle in Japan

The 475 strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolated from cattle in 12 prefectures of Japan in the last 7 years were phylogenetically classified as BVDV-1 or BVDV-2 on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of the 5'-untranslated region. BVDV-1 strains were further subtyped as 1a (101 strains), 1b (163), 1c (128), 1j (3), and So CP/75-like (1), and all of the 79 BVDV-2 strains belonged to subtype 2a. These 2a BVDVs contain two isolates that had high nucleotide identities with those of highly pathogenic BVDV-2 strains reported in North America (Pellerin et al., 1994). However, acute infection with severe mortality like North American outbreak was not observed and most of the present BVDV-2 strains were isolated from persistently infected (PI) cattle showing mild or no clinical sign. Moreover, it was revealed that 61.5% of the 39 PI cattle with cytopathogenic BVDVs did not show typical mucosal disease and 54.6% of the 405 PI animals only with non-cytopathogenic BVDVs were apparently healthy. The present results indicate that the prevention of the infection with an appropriate vaccine and active surveillance covering healthy cattle are required for the control of BVD.     

Nucleotide sequence homology to bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 (BVDV 2) in the 5′ untranslated region of BVDVs from cattle with mucosal disease or persistent infection in Japan

Cytopathogenic and non-cytopathogenic bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDVs) were isolated from cattle with mucosal disease or persistent infection in Japan. These isolates were compared for antigenic properties by cross-neutralization tests with Japanese reference strains of BVDV belonging to classical type 1. Significantly low cross-reactivity to reference strains was noted, indicating the viruses to possibly represent a new serotype in Japan. Thus, to determine the genotype of the isolates, nucleotide sequences of the 5′ untranslated region were determined and compared with those of previously reported BVDV 1 and 2. The isolates were clearly shown to belong to BVDV 2, not to BVDV 1.     

Genetic and antigenic characterization of bovine viral diarrhea viruses isolated from cattle in Hokkaido,Japan

In our previous study, we genetically analyzed bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDVs) isolated from 2000 to 2006 in Japan and reported that subgenotype 1b viruses were predominant. In the present study, 766 BVDVs isolated from 2006 to 2014 in Hokkaido, Japan, were genetically analyzed to understand recent epidemics. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences of the 5′-untranslated region of viral genome revealed that 766 isolates were classified as genotype 1 (BVDV-1; 544 isolates) and genotype 2 (BVDV-2; 222). BVDV-1 isolates were further divided into BVDV-1a (93), 1b (371) and 1c (80) subgenotypes, and all BVDV-2 isolates were grouped into BVDV-2a subgenotype (222). Further comparative analysis was performed with BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a viruses isolated from 2001 to 2014. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences of the viral glycoprotein E2 gene, a major target of neutralizing antibodies, revealed that BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a isolates were further classified into several clusters. Cross-neutralization tests showed that BVDV-1b isolates were antigenically different from BVDV-1a isolates, and almost BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a isolates were antigenically similar among each subgenotype and each E2 cluster. Taken together, BVDV-1b viruses are still predominant, and BVDV-2a viruses have increased recently in Hokkaido, Japan. Field isolates of BVDV-1a, 1b and 2a show genetic diversity on the E2 gene with antigenic conservation among each subgenotype during the last 14 years.     

Genetic typing of pestiviruses from New Zealand

AIM: To investigate the genetic type of 20 pestiviruses collected from New Zealand over the period 1967-97. METHODS: The pestiviruses were genetically typed by the sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. The primers selected were from the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the pestivirus genome and consistently amplified a 288 bp fragment from all samples tested. RESULTS: Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of PCR products revealed that all samples obtained from cattle represented bovine viral diarrhoea (BVDV) type I. Two sheep isolates were characterised as border disease virus (BDV). A pestivirus isolated from foetal calf serum of USA origin was typed as BVDV type II. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that the evolution of pestiviruses in New Zealand has been similar to Europe and North America, indicating the occurrence of a conservative phylogenetic branch of BVDV type I in cattle and the presence of BDV in the sheep population.     

Genetic diversity of BVDV: consequences for classification and molecular epidemiology

Genetic typing of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is important for the precise classification of viruses as well as for the development of molecular epidemiology. BVDV isolates were usually typed based on comparison of genomic sequences from the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR), N(pro) and E2 region. Recently we have identified 11 genetic groups (subgenotypes) of BVDV-1. Our further experiments confirmed a new subgenotype, BVDV-1k, isolated from cattle in Switzerland. BVDV isolates from India were typed as BVDV-1b whereas BVDV-1c is a predominant subgenotype in Australia. The results of genetic typing of BVDV indicate that distribution of subgenotypes has no relationship to the geographic origin of viral isolates.     

Selection of BVDV genotype II isolates using a monoclonal antibody and FACS analysis]

The infection of cattle with the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in Germany is gaining attention and guidelines for the "protection of cattle farms against BVDV infections" were passed in 1997. New investigations about the damages induced by BVDV infections as well as the new occurrence of so-called BVDV genotypes (BVDV I and II) made the problems to become aware. The newly described BVDV genotype considerably differs both genetically and antigenetically from the up to now known BVD-viruses (BVDV I). The subdivision in BVDV genotypes I and II is based on genomic differences, which are determined by sequence analyses of different parts of the viral genome. Here, we describe the classification of BVDV in genotypes using a monoclonal antibody and indirect immunofluorescence with flow cytometry (FACS) based analysis. The suitability of the mab WB160 (Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge; UK) for the classification of both BVDV-genotypes was first checked using genetically defined BVDV isolates. While all BVDV I isolates (n = 20) reacted with high fluorescence signals, the mab WB160 could not detect any of the defined BVDV II isolates (n = 20). Subsequently, 505 BVDV field strains isolated between 1993-1997 were screened for both genotypes using the mab WB160 and FACS analysis. 33 (6.5%) of the BVDV isolates were classified as BVDV II.     

Genetic typing of bovine pestiviruses from England and Wales.

Using RNA purified directly from stored clinical specimens, a collection of 62 pestiviruses were typed by RT-PCR and sequencing within the 5'-untranslated region of the genome. All the specimens had been obtained in 1966/1967 from diary cattle in England and Wales. Eight further pestiviruses, grown in cell culture, were characterised in the same way. Seven of these viruses were representatives of a panel of British isolates, obtained from cattle ten years before. The eighth was the virus used in a British bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) vaccine. Most of the viruses were genetically unique and were of BVDV type Ia. One recent isolate was BVDV type Ib, two others were intermediate between Ia and Ib. No BVDV type II or border disease virus (BDV) isolates were found. There was no overall association between geographical and phylogenetic clustering, suggesting long-distance virus dispersal, presumably via trading of infected cattle. The sequences of the recently obtained cattle viruses were very similar or, in one case, identical to the older isolates in the region studied. Their close similarity to some previously characterised pestiviruses from British sheep suggests that a common pool of BVDV Ia is shared by these two livestock species, although another pestivirus--BVDV--is confined to sheep. The British cattle viruses were mostly distinct from continental European isolates, but more similar to type Ia isolates from North American cattle.     

Clinical, pathological and antigenic aspects of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type 2 isolates identified in Brazil

Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Brazilian bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) field isolates identified four viruses belonging to the genotype 2. Comparison of 5' UTR sequences from these isolates to those of North American BVDV type 2 revealed genomic variations that correlated with the geographic origins of the isolates. Two of the Brazilian type 2 viruses were isolated from clinical cases of gastroenteric/respiratory disease and two were isolated from healthy bovine fetuses. The clinical cases affected young animals (8- and 18-months-old) and were characterized by diarrhea, respiratory signs, extensive oral and digestive tract erosions, conjunctival and vulvar congestion, occasional digestive bleeding and vulvar and heart petechial hemorrhage. Antigenic analysis of these isolates with a panel of 10 monoclonal antibodies revealed marked antigenic differences in the major envelope glycoprotein, gp53/E2, compared to standard laboratory and vaccine BVDV strains. In addition, virus-specific antisera raised to Brazilian BVDV type 2 viruses displayed very low serological cross-reactivity with standard BVDV type 1 strains. Differences up to 64-fold in cross-neutralization titers were observed between BVDV type 1 and Brazilian BVDV type 2 isolates. The identification of BVDV type 2 among Brazilian cattle may have important implications for epidemiological studies, diagnostic and immunization strategies. Furthermore, the low neutralizing activity of BVDV type 1 antisera against the recently identified Brazilian BVDV type 2 isolates raises the question about the degree of protection conferred by BVDV vaccines, most of them based on a single type 1 strain.     

The prevalent genotypes of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Japan, Germany and the United States of America

Genotypes and subgenotypes of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) field isolates from Japan, Germany and the United States of America (USA) were identified, and the prevalent pattern of BVDV in individual countries was estimated genetically. Subgenotypes were determined based on phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences of a part of the E2-coding gene of BVDV. Forty-five, 61 and 56 BVDV strains were isolated from naturally infected cattle in Japan, Germany and USA, respectively, between 1980 and 2003. The most prevalent BVDV in these three countries was BVDV-1b. The second most prevalent BVDV strains were 1a, 1d and BVDV-2 in Japan, Germany and USA, respectively. The most prevalent subgenotype 1b in each country constructed individual small clusters in the subgenotype 1b branch in the phylogenetic tree. Although cattle and/or cattle products were moving among the three countries as part of international trade, the distribution of BVDV in the field in each country showed long-standing individual patterns.     

Genetic typing of bovine viral diarrhoea virus isolates from India

Thirteen BVDV isolates collected in four geographic regions of India between 2000 and 2002 were typed in 5'-UTR. To confirm results of genetic typing, selected viruses were also analysed in the N(pro) region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Indian BVDV isolates belong to BVDV-1b (Osloss-like group). Despite a long distance between the farms from which the viruses were isolated there was no correlation between the origin of viral isolates and their position in a phylogenetic tree. Higher genetic similarity of Indian BVDV isolates was observed most probably due to the uncontrolled movement of cattle as well as the uncontrolled use of semen from bulls for breeding of local and farm cattle in different states of India.     

Practical significance of heterogeneity among BVDV strains: impact of biotype and genotype on U.S. control programs

In the early 1990s research groups in North America noted that a newly recognized severe acute form of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection, referred to as hemorrhagic syndrome or severe acute BVDV (SA BVDV), was associated with a genetically distinct subgroup of BVDV strains. This new subgroup was named BVDV genotype 2 or BVDV2. All BVDV strains previously characterized in the literature belonged to a separate genotype, BVDV1. However, not all strains identified as BVDV2 were associated with severe acute infections. If I did this deletion, I did not mean to do it. I think it was already here, though. I see there are some other big edits that I did not do; fine. Hollis subsequent surveys of BVDV strains isolated from clinical submissions to diagnostic laboratories and contaminated fetal calf serum suggested that the ratio of BVDV2 to BVDV1 strains in the U.S. approached 50%. Further, while antigenic cross reactivity is seen between BVDV1 and BVDV2 strains, a log or more difference is typically observed in titers against viruses from different genotypes. These observations prompted vaccine manufacturers in North America to produce vaccines against BVDV that contained antigens from both BVDV1 and BVDV2 strains. Under experimental conditions, these new vaccines offered improved protection against type 2 strains, however field data are still insufficient to assess their efficacy in practice. The BVDV genotypes may also be segregated into subgenotypes. Two subgenotypes of both BVDV1 (BVDV1a and BVDV1b) and BVDV2 (BVDV2a and BVDV2b) have been reported in North American. BVDV2a predominates with BVDV2b isolation a rare event. In contrast, BVDV1a and BVDV1b are both commonly isolated. Antigenic differences observed between strains from the BVDV1a and BVDV1b subgenotypes have led to the suggestion that protection may be improved by inclusion of strains from both BVDV1a and BVDV1b in vaccines in addition to BVDV2. The cost to benefit ratio of this proposal is currently a matter of debate.     

Phylogenetic, antigenic and clinical characterization of type 2 BVDV from North America

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection continues to have a significant impact upon US cattle producers despite the availability of more than 140 federally licensed vaccines. Detection and control is hampered by viral heterogeneity that results in differences in neutralizing epitopes, cytopathology and virulence. Recently it was found that there are two different genotypes, BVDV1 and BVDV2, among BVDV. BVDV2 isolates make up a significant proportion of the BVDV isolated in North America. Serologically BVDV2 viruses can be distinguished from BVDV1 and border disease viruses. Mab binding also distinguishes between BVDV1, BVDV2 and BDV. Like the BVDV1 viruses, BVDV2 viruses may exist as one of two biotypes, cytopathic or noncytopathic, based on their activity in cultured cells. Cytopathogenic effects on cultured cells does not correlate with virulence in vivo, as BVDV2 associated with hemorrhagic syndrome (HS) are noncytopathic. Variation among BVDV1 and BVDV2 in the 5' UTR is similar. Phylogenetic analysis and differences in virulence suggest that BVDV2 are heterogeneous. Symptoms resulting from BVDV2 infections may range from clinically inapparent to clinically severe. Recently, disease outbreaks associated with acute uncomplicated BVDV infection have been reported in the US and Canada. These outbreaks of clinically severe disease, termed HS, were all associated with viruses from the BVDV2 genotype. Not all BVDV2 isolates cause clinically severe disease. Avirulent BVDV2 isolates do exist and may predominate over virulent BVDV2 in nature. When virulent BVDV2 viruses are inoculated into calves they induce a disease characterized by fever, diarrhea, leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and death. Infection with avirulent BVDV2 results in a reduction of luekocytes that may be accompanied by a low-grade fever. These viruses do not cause clinical disease or a clinical leukopenia.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bovine virus diarrhea viruses</Emphasis> species 2 (BVDV-2) from cattle in Turkey

Five BVDV species 2 (BVDV-2) isolates were detected from cattle in Turkey. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) and E2 coding gene regions, respectively. The isolates were closely related to BVDV-2a strains from North America and Canada used as references. This is the first report of the detection of BVDV-2 in naturally infected Turkish cattle. It is important to consider BVDV-2 for planning future BVDV control and vaccination programs in Turkey.     

Endemic infections of bovine viral diarrhea virus genotypes 1b and 2a isolated from cattle in Japan between 2014 and 2020

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a causative agent of bovine viral diarrhea. In Japan, a previous study reported that subgenotype 1b viruses were predominant until 2014. Because there is little information regarding the recent epidemiological status of BVDV circulating in Japan, we performed genetic characterization of 909 BVDV isolates obtained between 2014 and 2020. We found that 657 and 252 isolates were classified as BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, respectively, and that they were further subdivided into 1a (35 isolates, 3.9%), 1b (588, 64.7%), 1c (34, 3.7%), and 2a (252, 27.7%). Phylogenetic analysis using entire E2 coding sequence revealed that a major domestic cluster in Japan among BVDV-1b and 2a viruses were unchanged from a previous study conducted from 2006 to 2014. These results provide updated information concerning the epidemic strain of BVDV in Japan, which would be helpful for appropriate vaccine selection.     

Evaluation of hunter-harvested white-tailed deer for evidence of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in Alabama.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most relevant pathogens affecting today's cattle industries. Although great strides have been made in understanding this virus in cattle, little is known about the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of BVDV. While persistently infected cattle are the most important reservoir, free-ranging ungulates may become infected with BVDV as demonstrated by serosurveys and experimental infections. Therefore, free-ranging wildlife may maintain BVDV as the result of an independent cycle and may serve as a reservoir for the virus. Systematic studies on prevalence of BVDV-specific antibodies or frequency of persistent BVDV infection in North American wildlife are sparse, and no information is available from the southeastern United States. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood and skin samples from hunter-harvested white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for evidence of BVDV infection. Virus-neutralizing antibodies were detected in 2 of 165 serum samples. Skin biopsy immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on samples from 406 deer using a BVDV-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) (15c5), and BVDV antigen was detected in one sample. A similar IHC staining pattern was obtained using a second BVDV MAb (3.12F1). Viral antigen distribution in the skin sample of this deer resembled that found in persistently infected cattle and in a previously described persistently infected white-tailed deer; thus, the deer was presumed to be persistently infected. Evidence of BVDV infection in free-ranging white-tailed deer should encourage further systematic investigation of the prevalence of BVDV in wildlife.