Characterisation of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) isolates from an outbreak with haemorrhagic enteritis and severe pneumonia

Pathogenicity assessment of a bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1l (BVDV-1l) strain in experimentally infected calves

Bovine viral diarrhea is a widespread and economically important viral disease for livestock which can cause clinically diverse manifestations. The number of established BVDV subgenotypes has increased, not only the serological relationships of recently described subgenotypes but virulence and pathogenic characteristics have not yet been mostly elaborated. The dominant BVDV subgenotype in Turkiye was elaborated to be BVDV-1l, that involves more than half of field strains and there is no scientific data to identify the pathogenicity of this strain so far. This study investigated the pathogenicity of a selected field strain (TR-72) from subgenotype BVDV-1l. Experimental infection was implemented by intranasal inoculation of the strain TR-72 (10 ×105.5) to four young calves which were previously not vaccinated and were free both for BVDV antibodies and antigens. Clinical changes as well as blood parameters, body temperature, and viremia were monitored for 14 days. Only mild clinical signs associated with respiratory signs of BVDV infection were observed. Detected clinical signs included nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, cough, fatigue, high rectal temperature reaching 40.7 ℃, and white blood cell counts depression started from the 2nd day and 40.4% decreased between the 12th and 14th days post-infection (poi). The presence of viremia was investigated by virus isolation, RT-PCR, and real-time RT-PCR from blood samples. The efficiency of experimental infection was established not only by observed clinical signs but also by virus isolation from blood leukocytes between the 5th and 8th days poi., virus detection was obtained by real-time PCR between the 3rd - 13th days poi. Besides, the recorded mild clinical signs, high fever, long duration of viremia , and high decrease in blood parameters obtained in this study, it was shown that the noncytopathogenic BVDV-1l strain TR-72 has a moderate virulence in naïve cattle.

The effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 on a mouse model of bovine viral diarrhea

Previously, we researched that bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) induced a very significant increase in fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression in mouse liver and that FGF21 was increased in the peripheral blood of BVD cattle and BVD mice. To determine the role of FGF21 in relieving clinical symptoms and inhibiting the intestinal damage caused by BVDV in BVD development in mice, BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with cytopathic biotype (cp) BVDV-LS01 (isolated and identified by our group) to establish a BVD mouse model. The role of FGF21 in the BVD mouse model was investigated by injecting the mice with FGF21. The animals were divided into control, BVDV challenge, BVDV + FGF21, BVDV + FGF21Ab (anti-FGF21 antibody), and BVDV + IgG (immunoglobulin G) groups. The stool consistency, the degree of bloody diarrhea, histopathological changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, weight loss percentage, and detection of BVDV in the feces of the mice were examined, and the pathological changes and inflammatory cytokine expression were analyzed. The results showed that after BVDV challenge, the average BVD mouse model score of the BVDV mice was 11.6 points. In addition to mild diarrhea and tissue damage, BVDV was detected in the stools of 13 BVDV mice. Only two mice in the control group had scores (both, 1 point each). The comprehensive scoring results demonstrated the successful establishment of the BVD mouse model. FGF21 alleviated the clinical symptoms in the BVD mice and significantly improved weight loss. Furthermore, FGF21 inhibited the BVDV-induced leukocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte reduction while inhibiting the expression of BVDV-induced inflammatory factors. In the BVD mice, FGF21 promoted duodenal epithelial cell proliferation, thereby significantly improving the damage to the cells. In conclusion, FGF21 exerted a good therapeutic effect on the BVD mouse model.

Prevalence characteristic of BVDV in some large scale dairy farms in Western China

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence characteristic of Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in some large scale dairy farms in Western China. BVDV was detected in 30 samples of bulk tank milk (BTM) collected from 30 large dairy farms in 7 provinces of western China, 93.33% (28/30) of the farms were infected with BVDV, and S/P ratio was over 0.3 in 28 positive farms. The individual status was further estimated in the dairy farm (No. 10) with the highest positive rate (S/P ratio = 1.37) and the dairy farm (No. 17) with the lowest positive rate (S/P ratio = 0.39). Two hundred cows were, respectively, selected from calf, young cows and lactating cows in farm No. 10 and farm No. 17 and the serum sample of each enrolled cow was collected. The individual positive rate of serum antibody (Ab) was 87.17% (523/600) in farm No. 10 and 31.33% (188/600) in farm No. 17. The individual positive ratio of serum antibody in calves, young cows and lactating cows were 41.75 % (167/400), 58.75% (235/400) and 77.25% (309/400), respectively. BTM Ab of farm No. 10 has an S/P ratio more than 1.0, which indicated there were emergent or persistent infection (PI) cases, and further test showed that PI cases were 0.51% in farm No. 10. Pathogens were positive in 42.34% (163/385) of nasal mucus samples collected from cows with respiratory symptom, and BVDV cases were 57 in 163 positive samples. Three strains of NCP BVDV-1, one strain of CP BVDV-1, one strain of NCP BVDV-2 and one strain of CP BVDV-2 were successfully isolated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the subtypes of BVDV currently prevalent in western China were BVDV-1a, BVDV-1m, BVDV-1q and BVDV-2. The findings suggested that the BVDV infection is serious in some Large Scale Dairy Farms in Western China.

[Genetic diversity and distribution of bovine pestiviruses (Flaviviridae: Pestivirus) in the world and in the Russian Federation]

The genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae includes 11 species. Bovine pestiviruses are the causative agents of viral diarrhea/mucosal disease and include three genetically distinct species: pestivirus A (BVDV-1), B (BVDV-2), and H (BVDV-3). The number of BVDV-1 subtypes is 21, BVDV-2 - 4, and BVDV-3 - 4, which complicates the diagnosis of associated diseases, reduces the effectiveness of vaccination and control programs.We performed the search in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, eLIBRARY.RU databases for articles published in 2000-2021.Pestivirus A is distributed everywhere, although the largest number of subtypes was found in cattle in Italy and China. The virus is widespread in the Central region of the Russia (subtypes 1a and 1m). In Siberia, eleven subtypes circulate among native and imported animals: 1a (5%), 1b (35%), 1c (5%), 1d (10%), 1f (20%), 1g, 1i (both 2.5%), 1j, 1k, 1p, and 1r (all for 5%). Pestivirus B subtype is more virulent, found less frequently and mainly in the North and South America, in some European countries, and in Asia. Three subtypes have been identified in Siberia: 2a (25%), 2b (10%), and 2c (5%). Pestivirus H circulates in Europe, Asia and South America. The main route of entry is contaminated biological products. In Russia, BVDV-3 of the Italian-Brazilian group (3a) was detected in 7 lots of fetal bovine serum.The role of the virus in the occurrence of respiratory diseases in calves, abortion, systemic infection and enteritis in calves and adult animals has been established. The source of the virus in such cases was a contaminated modified live vaccine.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection: Effect on reproductive performance and milk yield in dairy herds

The impact of an outbreak of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) on reproductive performance and milk production was investigated in 28 Spanish dairy herds using an observational study design. Mean calving to conception interval (CCI), mean number of inseminations per conception (AI/P) and mean daily milk yield were recorded from herds affected by outbreaks. Infection was confirmed by evidence of viral transmission to young stock (heifers 9-24 months) and persistently infected animals, after previous BVD-free status. Fifteen herds did not use vaccines (G1) whereas the remaining 13 received modified live BVD virus (BVDV) vaccines (G2). In G1 herds, a significant increase in CCI (13.8 days; 95% CI, 0.4-27.3 days; P = 0.050) was observed during the BVD outbreak compared to the year before the outbreak. In G2 herds, there was a not a significant increase in CCI (3.0 days; 95% CI, -1.2-7.2 days; P = 0.558). Changes in AI/P between periods were not significant in any of the herds. In G1 herds, there was an increase of 0.09 units (P > 0.05) during the outbreak, whereas in G2 herds, AI/P decreased 0.08 units (P > 0.05). Compared to milk production in the year before the BVD outbreak, there was no significant change in G1 herds throughout the study period (P > 0.05), but there were significant increases in G2 herds over the study period (P1-P2, 1.4 kg/day increase, P = 0.019; P1-P3, 2.0 kg/day increase, P = 0.007). These results indicate that BVDV infection affected reproductive performance, which is critical in maintaining dairy herd profitability.

Genotyping atypical porcine pestivirus using NS5a

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) is an emerging virus discovered in 2014 and it can cause congenital tremors in pigs. Molecular epidemiology serves as an essential tool in monitoring and controlling the disease. Virus epidemiology mainly relies on genome sequencing and phylogenetic characterization. Previous molecular epidemiology studies have been using different genes/regions for phylogeny, namely whole genome, Npro, and E2 coding sequences. However, with increasing number of APPV sequences available in GenBank, no systemic studies have been performed for detailed classification of APPV strains around the globe. The goal of this study is to propose a classification strategy or taxonomy of APPV strains at genotype, subgenotype, and isolate levels. A total of 76 whole genomes and 16 partial polyprotein coding sequences were analyzed for genetic variability and suitability of all individual genes for viral phylogenies. Our results revealed that, among all the viral genes, NS5a coding sequences were proved to be the most suitable alternative for tracing APPV strains supported by its capability of reproducing the same phylogenetic and evolutionary information as the whole viral genome did. Also, a reliable cutoff to accurately classify APPV at different levels is established. We propose a genotyping scheme with three well-defined genotypes (1-3) and 7 subgenotypes for genotype 1 (1.1-1.7). For whole genome analysis, a threshold value of 84%-91% pairwise identity allows separation of all APPV subgenotypes, whereas 80% identity clearly segregate the three major APPV genotypes. For NS5a gene analysis, 82%-91% identity allows subgenotype separation and 76% identity segregate APPV genotypes. Additionally, genetic distance of whole genome exhibits ≤8% in isolate level, 9%-14% in subgenotype level, and 17%-22% in genotype level, while for NS5a encoding sequences the genetic distance displays ≤9% in isolate level, 9.9%-19.1% in subgenotype level, and 21.6%-29.7% in genotype level. These allow a clear segregation among APPV genotypes, subgenotypes, and isolates. Therefore, the proposed strategy in this study provides a solid and improved basis for molecular phylogenetics to understand APPV genetic diversity, trace the origins and control the spread of new disease outbreaks.

Molecular characterization and comparison of diagnostic methods for bovine respiratory viruses (BPIV-3, BRSV, BVDV, and BoHV-1) in field samples in northwestern Turkey

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility among virus isolation (VI), ELISA, and PCR for diagnosis of the major viral agents (BPIV-3, BRSV, BVDV, and BoHV-1) responsible for BRD in the field samples. For that purpose, a total of 193 samples (133 nasal swabs and 60 lung tissue samples) from cattle with respiratory signs in northwestern Turkey were examined. For VI, all the samples were inoculated at least 3 blind passages onto MDBK cell culture. In addition, the samples were tested by hemadsorption assay and RT-PCR for BPIV-3; nested RT-PCR for BRSV; immunoperoxidase monolayer assay, antigen-ELISA, and RT-PCR for BVDV; and antigen-ELISA and PCR for BoHV-1. The detected 1 (0.52%) BPIV-3 isolate was found to be in the genotype BPIV-3c. No BRSV isolate could be obtained, while 5 (2.59%) samples were evaluated positive in nested-RT PCR. The presence of BVDV antigen in 10 (5.18%) samples and the BVDV genome in 5 (2.59%) samples were detected, while non-cytopathogenic BVDV isolates were obtained only in 2 (1.04%) samples. The detected BVDV strains fell into the genetic clusters of BVDV-1a, -1f, and -1l. For detection of BoHV-1, although viral isolation and Ag-ELISA results were negative, presence of BoHV-1.1 genome was detected in 2 (1.04%) samples. By the results of VI, ELISA, and PCRs, 10.88% (21/193) of samples were found positive for the evaluated viruses. Depending on the obtained data, combined uses of the diagnostic methods were evaluated to be more reliable for routine diagnosis of bovine respiratory viruses.

Failure in dry period vaccination strategy for bovine viral diarrhea virus

Bovine viral diarrhea is a common disease of cattle and has significant impact on animal welfare worldwide. There are fundamental approaches i.e. elimination of persistently infected animals, vaccination and biosecurity measures for effective control and eradication of BVD virus (BVDV). By this study, the presence of persistent infection with divergent BVDV subgenotype in the calves in a dairy herd having regular vaccination program was investigated. In the herd, vaccinated with a killed whole virion trivalent vaccine (composed of BVDV-1a) during the dry period of the cows, abortion cases were existed in the late autumn 2019. During herd screening by BVDV antigen-ELISA, 2 out of 300 dams were detected positive. Following, by ear notch-based BVDV antigen-ELISA, 30 calves were detected positive. Confirmation of persistent BVDV infection was performed 3 weeks later by testing with antigen-ELISA, where 8 of 9 selected newborn calves were positive for the second time. The entire antigen-ELISA positive samples were subjected to virus isolation on MDBK cell culture and identified as non-cytopathogenic pestiviruses by indirect immunoperoxidase assay. Presence of pestivirus RNA was detected in the 8 isolates by panpestivirus RT-PCR. Analysis of the 5'UTR regions revealed that BVDV-1 r circulate in the herd. Results of this study lead to questioning the efficiency of dry period vaccination strategy against BVDV. But otherwise, vaccination with BVDV-1a can be inefficient for complete protection against BVDV-1 r. Therefore, serological relationship between mentioned subgenotypes or protection by current vaccines against latest field isolates needs to be investigated before development of new BVDV vaccine candidates.

Pathogen spread and globalization: The case of Pestivirus heterogeneity in southern Italy

Pestiviruses are responsible for widespread diseases affecting cattle, pigs and other ruminants, presenting a wide range of clinical manifestations, with significant impact on animal production. Given the recent various reports of a relatively high number of new strains and atypical genomic variants, in the present study, ninety-seven genomic sequences from southern Italy have been evaluated applying the palindromic nucleotide substitutions method, based on 5'-UTR secondary structure alignment and computing genetic distance among strains in the internal ribosome entry site. Sequence analysis revealed a highly heterogeneous virus population, indicating the introduction of virus variants of Bovine viral diarrhea virus and Border disease virus species from foreign countries. The application of different analytical procedures was useful to avoid interpretation difficulties. Circulation of heterogeneous virus populations showed the need for more accurate epidemiological investigations and stringent veterinary controls to protect animal health and welfare.

Prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus in dairy cattle herds in eastern China

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a worldwide spreading pestivirus affecting cattle and other ruminants; however, there have been few reports on epidemiologic investigation of BVDV in eastern China. In this study, bulk tank milk from 36 herds of dairy cattle in eastern China was submitted to serological investigations, 77.8% of herds was BVDV antibody positive. Individual animal status in two herds was further investigated collecting blood samples, the positive ratio was 49.74% and 24.64%, and the average positive ratio of calves, heifers, and lactating cows was 15.94%, 40.16%, and 41.7%, respectively. Moreover, clinical survey was carried out among 8170 dairy cattle from 36 herds, for diarrhea syndrome, respiratory problems and reproductive failure, and pathogens of all clinical cattle were further investigated. The results showed that BVDV was one of the main pathogen, which infected animals combining with various other viruses. Then, nine BVDV strains were isolated; phylogenetic analysis showed that BVDV subtypes currently circulating in eastern China were BVDV 1a and BVDV 1c. In addition, out of 377 cows tested, the 1.86% detected positive to the BVDV antigen. This study provided the foundation of further study on vaccination and control strategies of BVDV in eastern China.

Who's who in the Bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 species: Genotypes L and R

The bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 species is responsible for cosmopolitan diseases affecting cattle and other ruminants, with relevant impact on animal production. The species presents high genomic heterogeneity, with implications on control and prophylactic programs. Genomic traits of different genetic groups are often related to geographic origin. Atypical sequences have been reported from Pestivirus isolates originated from cattle in Turkey. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 5' untranslated region and Npro and secondary structure analysis of the 5'-UTR RNA, Turkish isolates have been segregated in two distinct genotypes. Out of the twenty-three identified BVDV-1 genotypes, the Turkish clusters, named L and R or 1.16 and 1.14, according to palindromic nucleotide substitution genotyping method, represent genomic clusters so far, not described elsewhere, suggesting geographic segregation. In order to avoid confusion in the current taxonomy of the species, nomenclature of described homonymous genotypes, referred to different genomic clusters, should be corrected.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 current taxonomy according to palindromic nucleotide substitutions method

Pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 species is responsible for cosmopolitan diseases affecting cattle and other ruminants, presenting a wide range of clinical manifestations, with relevant impact on zootechnic production. Understanding genomic characteristic and virus taxonomy is fundamental in order to sustain control and prophylactic programs. Given the recent various studies reporting a relatively high number of new strains, in particular from Asian countries, in the present study, four hundred-eighty-two genomic sequences have been evaluated applying the palindromic nucleotide substitutions method for genotyping. Based on the secondary structure alignment and computing genetic distance among strains in the 5' untranslated region of Pestivirus RNA, the current taxonomy of the species was reviewed. Twenty-two genotypes have been identified, applying a nomenclature based on divergence in the genus.

Characterization of Two Bovine viral diarrhea virus Strains Originating from Cattle in Tibet, China

Here, we report two strains of Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), named XZ01 and XZ02, that were isolated from cattle in Tibet, China. They belong to subgenotype 1b. This report will help in understanding the molecular characteristics of BVDV in Tibetan cattle.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1b fetal infection with extensive hemorrhage

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) 1b was isolated from tissues of a term bovine fetus with petechial hemorrhages noted throughout the body and placenta at autopsy. Fresh lung, kidney, thymus, and liver tissues were examined by direct fluorescent antibody testing and were positive for BVDV antigen and negative for bovine herpesvirus 1 antigen. An organ pool of fresh tissues was positive for noncytopathic (NCP) BVDV-1 by virus isolation. BVDV-1b was identified by sequencing of the 5'-UTR region of the genome. Fixed brain, placenta, thymus, lymph node, lung, kidney, skeletal muscle, liver, and bone marrow were positive for BVDV antigen by immunohistochemistry. Although BVDV hemorrhage and/or thrombocytopenia has been associated historically with NCP strains of BVDV-2, this case adds to more recent reports of BVDV-1 infections and hemorrhage in cattle. This BVDV-1b isolate should be investigated for its potential to cause hemorrhage in postnatal cattle.

Variability and Global Distribution of Subgenotypes of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a globally-distributed agent responsible for numerous clinical syndromes that lead to major economic losses. Two species, BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, discriminated on the basis of genetic and antigenic differences, are classified in the genus Pestivirus within the Flaviviridae family and distributed on all of the continents. BVDV-1 can be segregated into at least twenty-one subgenotypes (1a–1u), while four subgenotypes have been described for BVDV-2 (2a–2d). With respect to published sequences, the number of virus isolates described for BVDV-1 (88.2%) is considerably higher than for BVDV-2 (11.8%). The most frequently-reported BVDV-1 subgenotype are 1b, followed by 1a and 1c. The highest number of various BVDV subgenotypes has been documented in European countries, indicating greater genetic diversity of the virus on this continent. Current segregation of BVDV field isolates and the designation of subgenotypes are not harmonized. While the species BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 can be clearly differentiated independently from the portion of the genome being compared, analysis of different genomic regions can result in inconsistent assignment of some BVDV isolates to defined subgenotypes. To avoid non-conformities the authors recommend the development of a harmonized system for subdivision of BVDV isolates into defined subgenotypes.

Genomic characterization of three bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates from cattle

Three strains of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were isolated from cattle in Beijing, China. To investigate their genomic features, we sequenced and characterized the complete genome of each of the isolates. Each of the three virus genomes is about 12,220 bp in length, containing a 5' untranslated region (UTR), one open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 3897-amino-acid polypeptide, and a 3' UTR. The nucleotide sequence of the three isolates were 99.0 % identical to each and other shared nucleotide sequence identities of 73.4 % to 98.3 % with other BVDV-1 strains, about 70.0 % with BVDV-2 strains, about 67.0 % with BVDV-3, and less than 67.0 % with other pestiviruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length genome, 3' UTR, and the N^pro gene demonstrated that the three viruses were BVDV-1 isolates. This is the first report of complete genome sequences of BVDV 1d isolates from China and might have implications for vaccine development.

Genetic diversity of ruminant Pestivirus strains collected in Northern Ireland between 1999 and 2011 and the role of live ruminant imports

BACKGROUND

The genus pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae includes bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2, border disease virus (BDV) and classical swine fever virus. The two recognised genotypes of BVDV are divided into subtypes based on phylogenetic analysis, namely a-p for BVDV-1 and a-c for BVDV-2.

METHODS

Three studies were conducted to investigate the phylogenetic diversity of pestiviruses present in Northern Ireland. Firstly, pestiviruses in 152 serum samples that had previously tested positive for BVDV between 1999 and 2008 were genotyped with a RT-PCR assay. Secondly, the genetic heterogeneity of pestiviruses from 91 serum samples collected between 2008 and 2011 was investigated by phylogenetic analysis of a 288 base pair portion of the 5' untranslated region (UTR). Finally, blood samples from 839 bovine and 4,437 ovine animals imported in 2010 and 2011 were tested for pestiviral RNA. Analysis of animal movement data alongside the phylogenetic analysis of the strains was carried out to identify any links between isolates and animal movement.

RESULTS

No BVDV-2 strains were detected. All of the 152 samples in the first study were genotyped as BVDV-1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the predominant subtype circulating was BVDV-1a (86 samples out of 91). The remaining five samples clustered close to reference strains in subtype BVDV-1b. Out of the imported animals, 18 bovine samples tested positive and 8 inconclusive (Ct ≥36), while all ovine samples were negative. Eight sequences were obtained and were defined as BVDV-1b. Analysis of movement data between herds failed to find links between herds where BVDV-1b was detected.

CONCLUSION

Given that only BVDV-1a was detected in samples collected between 1968 and 1999, this study suggests that at least one new subtype has been introduced to Northern Ireland between 1999 and 2011 and highlights the potential for importation of cattle to introduce new strains.

Complete Genome Sequence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus-1 Strain Egy/Ismailia/2014, Subtype 1b

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of bovine viral diarrhea virus-1b (BVDV-1b), strain Egy/Ismailia/2014. The virus genome is composed of 12,217 nucleotides organized as one open reading frame encoding 3,898 amino acids. This report will assist efforts in diagnostics, studying molecular epidemiology, and control of BVDV in Egypt.

The Molecular Biology of Pestiviruses

Pestiviruses are among the economically most important pathogens of livestock. The biology of these viruses is characterized by unique and interesting features that are both crucial for their success as pathogens and challenging from a scientific point of view. Elucidation of these features at the molecular level has made striking progress during recent years. The analyses revealed that major aspects of pestivirus biology show significant similarity to the biology of human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The detailed molecular analyses conducted for pestiviruses and HCV supported and complemented each other during the last three decades resulting in elucidation of the functions of viral proteins and RNA elements in replication and virus-host interaction. For pestiviruses, the analyses also helped to shed light on the molecular basis of persistent infection, a special strategy these viruses have evolved to be maintained within their host population. The results of these investigations are summarized in this chapter.

Prevalence study and genetic typing of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in four bovine species in China

To determine the nationwide status of persistent BVDV infection in different bovine species in China and compare different test methods, a total of 1379 serum samples from clinical healthy dairy cattle, beef cattle, yaks (Bos grunniens), and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) were collected in eight provinces of China from 2010 to 2013. The samples were analyzed using commercial antibody (Ab) and antigen (Ag) detection kits, and RT-PCR based on the 5’-UTR and Npro gene sequencing. Results showed that the overall positive rates for BVDV Ab, Ag and RT-PCR detection were 58.09% (801/1379), 1.39% (14/1010), and 22.64% (146/645), respectively, while the individual positive rates varied among regions, species, and farms. The average Ab-positive rates for dairy cattle, beef cattle, yaks, and water buffalo were 89.49% (298/333), 63.27% (248/392), 45.38% (236/520), and 14.18% (19/134), respectively, while the Ag-positive rates were 0.00% (0/116), 0.77% (3/392), 0.82% (3/368), and 5.97% (8/134), respectively, and the nucleic acid-positive rates detected by RT-PCR were 32.06% (42/131), 13.00% (26/200), 28.89% (52/180), and 19.40% (26/134), respectively. In addition, the RT-PCR products were sequenced and 124 5’-UTR sequences were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis of the 5’-UTR sequences indicated that all of the 124 BVDV-positive samples were BVDV-1 and subtyped into either BVDV-1b (33.06%), BVDV-1m (49.19%), or a new cluster, designated as BVDV-1u (17.74%). Phylogenetic analysis based on Npro sequences confirmed this novel subtype. In conclusion, this study revealed the prevalence of BVDV-1 in bovine species in China and the dominant subtypes. The high proportion of bovines with detectable viral nucleic acids in the sera, even in the presence of high Ab levels, revealed a serious threat to bovine health.

A metagenomics and case-control study to identify viruses associated with bovine respiratory disease

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a common health problem for both dairy and beef cattle, resulting in significant economic loses. In order to identify viruses associated with BRD, we used a metagenomics approach to enrich and sequence viral nucleic acids in the nasal swabs of 50 young dairy cattle with symptoms of BRD. Following deep sequencing, de novo assembly, and translated protein sequence similarity searches, numerous known and previously uncharacterized viruses were identified. Bovine adenovirus 3, bovine adeno-associated virus, bovine influenza D virus, bovine parvovirus 2, bovine herpesvirus 6, bovine rhinitis A virus, and multiple genotypes of bovine rhinitis B virus were identified. The genomes of a previously uncharacterized astrovirus and picobirnaviruses were also partially or fully sequenced. Using real-time PCR, the rates of detection of the eight viruses that generated the most reads were compared for the nasal secretions of 50 animals with BRD versus 50 location-matched healthy control animals. Viruses were detected in 68% of BRD-affected animals versus 16% of healthy control animals. Thirty-eight percent of sick animals versus 8% of controls were infected with multiple respiratory viruses. Significantly associated with BRD were bovine adenovirus 3 (P < 0.0001), bovine rhinitis A virus (P = 0.005), and the recently described bovine influenza D virus (P = 0.006), which were detected either alone or in combination in 62% of animals with BRD. A metagenomics and real-time PCR detection approach in carefully matched cases and controls can provide a rapid means to identify viruses associated with a complex disease, paving the way for further confirmatory tests and ultimately to effective intervention strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Bovine respiratory disease is the most economically important disease affecting the cattle industry, whose complex root causes include environmental, genetics, and infectious factors. Using an unbiased metagenomics approach, we characterized the viruses in respiratory secretions from BRD cases and identified known and previously uncharacterized viruses belonging to seven viral families. Using a case-control format with location-matched animals, we compared the rates of viral detection and identified 3 viruses associated with severe BRD signs. Combining a metagenomics and case-control format can provide candidate pathogens associated with complex infectious diseases and inform further studies aimed at reducing their impact.

Serological relationships among subgroups in bovine viral diarrhea virus genotype 1 (BVDV-1)

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has various economic impacts associated with diarrhea, poor performance, an increase in the frequency of other infections and lethal outcomes. Both genotypes, namely BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, as well as different subgroups within these genotypes have been reported worldwide. Understanding the serological differences among the BVDV subgroups is important for disease epidemiology and prevention as well as vaccination programs. The aim of this study was to determine the serological relatedness among the subgroups in BVDV-1. For that purpose, sheep hyperimmune sera were collected against representative strains from 6 of the subgroups of BVDV-1 (BVDV-1a, -1b, -1d, -1f, -1h and -1l). The serum samples that gave the peak antibody titer to the homologous strains were used to perform cross neutralization assays. The highest homologous antibody titer (1:5160) was obtained against BVDV-1h. Regarding the cross neutralizing (heterologous) antibodies, the lowest titer (1:20) was produced by the BVDV-1f antiserum against the BVDV-1a and BVDV1-b viruses. The highest cross neutralizing titer (1:2580) achieved by the BVDV-1h antiserum was against the BVDV-1b strain. The cross neutralization results indicated particular serological differences between the recently described subgroup (BVDV-1l) and BVDV-1a/-1b, which are widely used in commercial vaccines. Considering the cross neutralization titers, it is concluded that selected BVDV-1l and BVDV-1h strains can be used for the development of diagnostic and control tools.