Recovery of dual serotypes of bluetongue virus from infected sheep and cattle

Bluetongue virus genetic and phenotypic diversity: towards identifying the molecular determinants that influence virulence and transmission potential

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the prototype member of the Orbivirus genus in the family Reoviridae and is the aetiological agent of the arthropod transmitted disease bluetongue (BT) that affects both ruminant and camelid species. The disease is of significant global importance due to its economic impact and effect on animal welfare. Bluetongue virus, a dsRNA virus, evolves through a process of quasispecies evolution that is driven by genetic drift and shift as well as intragenic recombination. Quasispecies evolution coupled with founder effect and evolutionary selective pressures has over time led to the establishment of genetically distinct strains of the virus in different epidemiological systems throughout the world. Bluetongue virus field strains may differ substantially from each other with regards to their phenotypic properties (i.e. virulence and/or transmission potential). The intrinsic molecular determinants that influence the phenotype of BTV have not clearly been characterized. It is currently unclear what contribution each of the viral genome segments have in determining the phenotypic properties of the virus and it is also unknown how genetic variability in the individual viral genes and their functional domains relate to differences in phenotype. In order to understand how genetic variation in particular viral genes could potentially influence the phenotypic properties of the virus; a closer understanding of the BTV virion, its encoded proteins and the evolutionary mechanisms that shape the diversity of the virus is required. This review provides a synopsis of these issues and highlights some of the studies that have been conducted on BTV and the closely related African horse sickness virus (AHSV) that have contributed to ongoing attempts to identify the molecular determinants that influence the virus' phenotype. Different strategies that can be used to generate BTV mutants in vitro and methods through which the causality between particular genetic modifications and changes in phenotype may be determined are also described. Finally examples are highlighted where a clear understanding of the molecular determinants that influence the phenotype of the virus may have contributed to risk assessment and mitigation strategies during recent outbreaks of BT in Europe.

Live attenuated bluetongue vaccine viruses in Dorset Poll sheep, before and after passage in vector midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

The aim of this study was to address concerns associating with the use of BTV attenuated commercial vaccines in European sheep. These concerns include development of viraemia, possibility of transmission by vectors, reversion to virulence and re-assortment with wild-type viruses. The two vaccine viruses (BTV 2 and 9) replicated in two species of Culicoides subsequent to oral infection reaching titres suggesting transmission would occur. Viraemia in Dorset Poll sheep inoculated with either vaccine or insect passaged vaccine viruses persisted for up to 17 days, recording titres that ranged from 2.5 to 6.25 log(10)TCID(50)/ml, which is easily sufficient to infect vector Culicoides. Moderate to severe clinical signs of BT, albeit short lived, were observed in sheep following vaccination. However, to date there is no evidence of increasing virulence following two sequential passages through the vectors.

Bluetongue virus seropositivity in sheep flocks in North West Frontier Province, Pakistan

The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence and distribution of serum antibodies to Bluetongue virus (BTV) in a sample of 38 sheep flocks in northern areas of the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan and to identify demographic and productivity variables that are associated with BTV seropositivity. Blood samples were taken from a random sample of ewes in each flock in April 1995. The owners of the flocks were interviewed regarding some demographic, husbandry and productivity variables of the flocks on the day of blood sampling. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to test the serum samples for BTV group-specific antibodies. BTV seropositive reactions were obtained in 184 (48.4%) out of 380 tested sera, and in 89.5% (34/38) of the flocks. In the 34 seropositive flocks, the prevalences ranged from 12.5 to 100% (median = 47). A multivariable logistic analysis was carried out to study the influence of demographic and productivity variables on the BTV serological status of the sheep flocks. Abortion risk in the previous lambing season was mildly associated with the serological status of the flock (adjusted odds ratio = 1.16, P = 0.07). For the seropositive flocks, a linear multiple regression showed that distance travelled by the flock during transhuman movement was significantly associated with percent seropositivity (partial regression coefficient (+/- SE) = -0.091 +/- 0.045).

Simulation analysis of the effect of herd immunity and age structure on infection of a cattle herd with bluetongue viruses in Queensland, Australia

A state-transition model based on Leslie matrix formulation was used to investigate the effects of herd immunity and age structure on the infection of a simulated cattle herd with bluetongue viruses under Australian climatic conditions. Increasing duration of immunity decreased the prevalence of infection. A duration of immunity of 33 months was consistent with prevalence estimates made from previous serological studies of bluetongue virus. Herd prevalence displayed slowly dampening cyclical variation over time (most pronounced when a short duration of immunity was simulated). Increasing calving and mortality risk rates in the simulated herd increased prevalence, whereas increasing age at first calving decreased prevalence. Manipulation of calving rates had the greatest effect on the predicted prevalence of infection in the herd. Simulation of a number of herd-management scenarios suggested that management systems in which cattle are bred early and where high calving rates are achieved are likely to contribute to high levels of infection with bluetongue viruses. Results confirm the importance of management factors in influencing the prevalence of infectious diseases in animal populations.

Spatial analysis of seroconversion of sentinel cattle to bluetongue viruses in Queensland

OBJECTIVE

To assess quantitatively the spatial distribution of seroconversion of Queensland cattle to bluetongue viruses.

DESIGN

A sentinel herd study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Sixty-nine sentinel herds at 30 locations.

PROCEDURE

Spatial clustering of seroconversion to bluetongue viruses was investigated during the period from 1990 to 1994.

RESULTS

Seroconversion to only two bluetongue virus serotypes, 1 and 21, was observed. The 14 herds, in which seroconversion to bluetongue virus serotype 1 was detected, were located only along the eastern coastal and subcoastal region of Queensland, and were significantly (P < 0.05) clustered. Locations at which seroconversion to serotype 21 was detected, were not significantly clustered. The results generally agree with field observations, except for the failure to detect seroconversion to bluetongue viruses in north-western Queensland.

CONCLUSION

Bluetongue infection of cattle in north-western Queensland may be temporally sporadic. The dominance of serotype 1 in the Queensland cattle population may be the result of differential transmission by potential vector species. Long-term surveillance programs are important for defining disease status of animal populations.

Differential serologic responses to reassortant bluetongue viruses recovered from a bull

Although the simultaneous infection of individual animals with more than one serotype of bluetongue (BLU) virus has been documented, the humoral immune responses elicited by viral reassortants recovered from the host has not been reported. This study characterized the serologic responses of a bull infected with BLU serotypes 11 and 17. Genome reassortants isolated from this bull over the course of 34 days were used. The genomic profiles of the reassortants were characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of viral double stranded RNA under reducing conditions using two concentrations of acrylamide. This approach permitted the detection of three novel genome segments among the isolates. Selected reassortants were tested in plaque neutralization assays, using serum samples collected from the bull at different times during the infection. To better define the role of BLU virus outer capsid proteins in viral antigenicity, the neutralizing antibody titer curves of viral isolates that contained reassorted VP2 and VP5 were compared to those of the parental strains and of other reassortants. The present study reports the heterotypic pattern of neutralization of the bull sera against different reassortants recovered from this animal.

Animal and animal product importation and the assessment of risk from bluetongue and other ruminant orbiviruses

Agriculture is an important component in the national economy of the United Kingdom and incursion of exotic disease would have severe effects on the United Kingdom domestic economy, causing both direct and indirect losses. The literature on bluetongue and other ruminant orbiviruses is reviewed in order to assess the risk of importing animal and animal products from countries with endemic infection. The literature is confusing, contradictory and incomplete and so cannot be used as a basis for designing practical import regulations with any certainty of eliminating risk. Contemporary methods used to prevent accidental introduction of bluetongue virus to uninfected areas, namely serological and virus isolation techniques, are not infallible. The phenomena of fetal infection, semen transmission and low or absent serological response in some cases mean that great vigilance is necessary.

Specificity of molecular hybridization techniques for the detection of bluetongue virus serotypes in Culicoides variipennis

Direct blot hybridization (DBH) and sandwich hybridization (SH) were evaluated for their ability to detect bluetongue virus (BTV) RNA in the biting midge Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett). Probes were derived from the L3 RNA segment of BTV, serotype 17. RNA of the five BTV serotypes occurring in the USA (BTV-2, BTV-10, BTV-11, BTV-13, and BTV-17) was extracted from pools of varying numbers of infected and uninfected biting midges and assayed by direct blot and sandwich hybridization tests. Direct blot hybridization using an RNA transcript probe or cDNA probe was a fast, efficient and sensitive technique, detecting as few as one midge infected with any BTV serotype in a pool of 50 or 100. Sandwich hybridization was able to detect the homologous serotype, BTV-17, in pools containing a single infected midge in a total of 50 or 100. However, detection of the heterologous serotypes, BTV-10, BTV-11, and BTV-13, was limited to pools containing 5 or more infected midges in a total of 50, and BTV-2 was undetectable by SH. Hybridization techniques provide an alternative to the conventional detection methods of inoculation of cell culture or embryonated chicken eggs for detection of BTV.

Variation amongst the neutralizing epitopes of bluetongue viruses isolated in the United States in 1979-1981

Neutralizing epitopes present on field isolates of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes 10, 11, 13 and 17 were evaluated with a panel of polyclonal and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A total of 91 field isolates were evaluated, including 15 isolates of BTV-10, 29 isolates of BTV-11, 26 isolates of BTV-13, and 21 isolates of BTV-17. The viruses were isolated from cattle, goats, sheep, elk and deer in Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska and, predominantly, California, in the years 1979, 1980 and 1981. The isolates were analyzed and compared using a panel of neutralizing MAbs which included five MAbs raised against BTV-2, seven against BTV-10, five against BTV-13, and six against BTV-17. Neutralization patterns obtained with the MAb panel and individual field isolates were compared to those obtained with prototype viruses of each serotype. All field isolates were neutralized by at least some of the MAbs raised against the prototype virus of the same serotype. All field isolates of BTV-10 were neutralized by the seven MAbs raised to BTV-10, whereas the field isolates of BTV-11, BTV-13 and BTV-17 were not consistently neutralized by all of the MAbs raised against the prototype virus of the same serotype. Variation in neutralizing epitopes recognized by the MAb panel was most pronounced amongst the field isolates of BTV-17. A one-way cross neutralization was evident between BTV-10 and BTV-17 as all field isolates of BTV-17 were neutralized by four of the MAbs raised against BTV-10. In contrast, no BTV-10 isolates were neutralized by the MAbs raised against BTV-17. Differences in the MAb neutralization patterns of field isolates of BTV-11, BTV-13 and BTV-17 suggest that the immunogenic domain responsible for their neutralization is plastic, such that individual epitopes within the domain may vary in their significance to the neutralization of different viruses, even of the same serotype. The apparent conservation of neutralizing epitopes on field isolates of BTV-10 suggests that the field isolates may be derived from the modified-live vaccine strain of BTV-10.

Genetic variation and evolutionary relationships amongst bluetongue viruses endemic in the United States

The genetic variation and evolutionary relationships amongst the five serotypes of bluetongue virus (BTV) endemic to the United States were investigated by oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis. The viruses analyzed include prototype viruses of the five U.S. serotypes, and 32 viruses isolated from domestic and wild ruminants from the U.S. in the years 1979-1981. With the exception of serotype 2, most genes encoding the viral core and non-structural proteins were demonstrated to be highly conserved both within and between serotypes and some also appear to have reassorted in nature. Gene segments 2 and 6, which encode the outer capsid proteins VP2 and VP5 respectively, were more variable and were not consistently linked as serotype determination was dependent solely on gene segment 2. Gene segment 2 was the most variable gene between serotypes, but it was highly conserved within serotypes and stable over time. This suggests that the emergence of new BTV serotypes, which would require the stable incorporation of numerous mutations, must be a very slow process. Fingerprint comparisons further suggested that BTV serotypes 10, 11, 13 and 17 have evolved together in the U.S. over a considerable period of time, whereas serotype 2, which is genetically distinct, has evolved elsewhere and is most likely a recent introduction to North America.

Dot immunobinding assay for the detection of bluetongue virus antibodies in sheep experimentally inoculated with bluetongue virus type 1

Dot immunobinding assay (DIA) was evaluated for the detection of bluetongue virus (BTV) antibodies in sheep experimentally inoculated with BTV 1. Serum samples collected on 14, 21, 28, 43 and 60 day post infection (dpi) were positive for precipitating antibodies by the agar gel precipitation test (AGPT) while antibodies could be detected as early as 7 dpi by DIA and ELISA. Virus neutralizing antibodies were detected first at 14 dpi. The sensitivity of the four tests was compared on the same serum samples collected at different intervals. The results indicated that DIA was more sensitive than AGPT and the serum neutralization test and as sensitive as ELISA. Thus due to sensitivity simplicity and economy, DIA could replace AGPT for diagnosis and serological survey for BTV infection in animals.

Isolation and identification of a variant of bluetongue virus serotype 11 from a ram in a bluetongue outbreak in western Texas

A field strain of bluetongue virus was isolated from a blood sample of a ram during an outbreak of bluetongue in November 1985 in western Texas. In this bluetongue outbreak at least 25 of the 2,000 sheep were infected. Isolation was made by intravenous inoculation of 11-day-old embryonated chicken eggs. The serotype was identified as serotype 11 by serum neutralization tests. The genomic pattern on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of the new isolate is similar to that of bluetongue virus prototype 11. Comparisons were also made with proteins labeled in vivo with [3H]leucine and separated by SDS-PAGE. We conclude that this virus belongs to serotype 11, with slight differences in both genome and protein electrophoretic patterns.

Serological reactions in sheep and cattle experimentally infected with three Australian isolates of bluetongue virus

Serums from 103 sheep and 24 cattle experimentally infected with one of 3 serotypes of bluetongue virus isolated in Australia were tested for antibody to bluetongue virus in the serum neutralisation test and the agar gel diffusion precipitin test. Antibody to bluetongue virus was first detected by these tests 8 to 10 days after intravenous infection in 4 sheep that were bled daily for serum analysis. The agar gel diffusion test failed to detect antibody in 28% (29/103) of sheep which had seroconverted in the serum neutralisation test. A further 7% (7/103) of sheep serums were negative in both tests 14 to 22 d after infection. Both tests detected antibody to bluetongue virus in all cattle serums by 10 days after detection of viraemia. In comparison with the intravenous route of infection, extended prepatent periods for the commencement of viraemia resulting from intradermal, subcutaneous and intrauterine routes of infection in the cattle caused corresponding delays in the detection of antibody. For example, one cow that was infected by intrauterine inoculation did not become viraemic until 22 d after inoculation and antibody was not detected until 32 d after inoculation.

Genotypic transitions among bluetongue viral isolates from domestic ruminants in Colorado during 1981-1984

Two predominant electropherotypes of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 11 isolates from cattle during a 1981-1984 field study in eastern Colorado were characterized. The genomes of strains isolated from the first 2 years of the study had 1 predominant electropherotype (CO81), with the exception of 1 isolate that differed only in the migration of segment 3. A second electropherotype (CO83), with differences in the migration of 4 segments, coexisted in the same region during 1983 and 1984 with strains having the CO81 RNA profile. The genomes of CO81 and CO83 were also distinguishable from those of the US prototype of BTV 11. Analysis of the polypeptides of representative strains of each electropherotype by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the proteins were very similar. The occurrence of the CO81 electropherotype was apparently the result of multiple viral infections since the positions of 7 segments had faint second bands and single-banded variants were isolated after serial plaque purifications. In addition, protein 7 of 1 of the CO81 isolates and protein 7 of the single-banded variant differed as shown by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography of 35S-methionine-labeled tryptic peptides.

Identification of genetic variation between strains of bluetongue virus serotype 11 using cDNA probes

Recombinant plasmids containing inserts representing genome segments 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9 of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 11, with tentative coding assignments for viral proteins P2, P5, NS1, NS2, and P6, respectively, have been used to study the genetic diversity within a BTV serotype using Northern blot hybridization. BTV 11 strains were isolated in California, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Mexico from elk, deer, and cattle. Diversity was indirectly indicated in the BTV 11 strains by comparisons of electropherotypes. Probes specific for segments 2, 6, 8, and 9 hybridized to all BTV 11 strains with only minor variation in hybridization signal. cDNA clones, representing 90 and 20% length copies of gene segment 5, detected a difference in the field isolates with hybridization signal correlating to mobility of this segment in SDS-PAGE. These two cDNA probes of genome segment 5 hybridized to BTV U.S. prototypic serotype 17 and not the remaining serotypes (BTV 2, 10, 13) or epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). These data suggest a close relationship between BTV-11 and 17 and/or alternatively are the result of genome segment reassortment between serotypes.

Genetic reassortment of bluetongue virus serotype 11 strains in the bovine

Reassortants of bluetongue virus Serotype 11 (BTV-11) were isolated from a yearling heifer experimentally infected with two electrophoretically different strains (UC-2 and UC-8) by subcutaneous inoculation. Viruses were recovered by direct titration of sonicated blood samples onto Vero cell monolayers, which were overlaid with agarose and later plaque purified. The parental electropherotype of UC-8 was identified as the predominant virus strain during the infection; UC-2 was not isolated. UC-2 infectivity was shown by reassortants which contained genome segments that were identical in migration pattern to the parental UC-2 electropherotype. The observations demonstrate that segmental reassortment can occur during mixed infections in the bovine, between strains of the same BTV serotype.

Analysis of mixed infection of sheep with bluetongue virus serotypes 10 and 17: evidence for genetic reassortment in the vertebrate host

Two seronegative sheep were infected intravenously with 10(9) PFU each of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 10 and BTV serotype 17. One animal experienced a mild bluetongue-like disease, and both experienced a short-duration viremia and developed neutralizing immune responses to both virus serotypes. Progeny virus was isolated from venous blood from each animal by using conditions in which reassortment could not have occurred during isolation. Electropherotypes were determined for the progeny viruses from the infected sheep, yielding strikingly similar results for the two animals. In both sheep, serotype 10 dominated among the progeny, accounting for 92% of the progeny. Serotype 17 was rarely isolated and accounted for 3% of the progeny analyzed. The remaining 5% of the progeny clones were reassortant and derived genome segments from both serotypes 10 and 17. Analysis of the parental origin of genome segments in the small number of reassortant progeny analyzed suggested that selection of specific genome segments may have occurred in the infected sheep. These data indicate that reassortment of genome segments occurs, at low frequency, in sheep mixedly infected with BTV.

Recovery of bluetongue virus serogroup from sera collected for a serological survey from apparently healthy cattle, from the Sudan

Virus of the bluetongue (BT) serogroup was recovered from 11% of cattle sera collected from apparently healthy animals in Khartoum Province for the sole purpose of screening for BT antibodies. Since these sera did not contain BT antibodies, the donor cattle could have been scored as BT free in the serological survey. Virus was initially isolated in chicken embryos inoculated intravascularly, and was further adapted to Vero cell cultures. Isolates were identified as belonging to the BT serogroup using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and complement fixation (CF) tests. The results indicated that cattle in the Sudan could harbour BT virus without showing symptoms of the disease. Such an observation necessitates further work to clarify the role of cattle in the epidemiology of BT in the Sudan.

Virological, clinical and serological responses of sheep infected with tissue culture adapted bluetongue virus serotypes 10, 11, 13 and 17

Sheep were experimentally infected with cloned strains of tissue culture adapted bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes 10, 11, 13 and 17. All the infected animals developed viremia by Day 2 or 3 post-inoculation (P.I.) and reached maximum viremia on Day 7 P.I. The viremia lasted for 2 to 3 weeks. Animals infected with the different serotypes showed mild clinical bluetongue (BT) responses, characterized by pyrexia and leukopenia, which coincided with the peak of viremia. Antibodies appeared by Day 10 P.I. and reached maximum by Day 28 P.I. There was a temporal relationship between the increase in neutralizing antibody titer, the drop in titer and clearance of virus from the peripheral circulation. Recovery from primary infection protected the animals against secondary challenge with homologous virus.

Rapid methods for comparing the double-stranded RNA genome profiles of bluetongue virus

Various double-stranded RNA extraction procedures, gel electrophoresis systems, and methods to detect the RNA bands in the gel were investigated to find the most rapid methods to obtain the genome profiles of bluetongue virus in small volumes (1-25 ml) of infected cell culture fluids. Rapid double-stranded RNA extraction procedures coupled with staining the acrylamide gel slabs with ethidium bromide or silver nitrate resulted in well-defined genome profiles from bluetongue virus infected cell cultures in 6-48 h. Radioactive labelling of viral RNA with 32P was time consuming, cumbersome and expensive. These techniques detect less than 0.5 micrograms of double-stranded RNA which can be obtained from one 1-ml well of a 24-well cluster plate of bluetongue virus infected cell monolayers. The methods were therefore suitable for rapid comparisons of the electropherotypes of multiple virus isolates.