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Weyna AAW, Andreasen VA, Burrell CE, Kunkel MR, Radisic R, Goodwin CC, Fenton H, Dugovich BS, Poulson RL, Ruder MG, Yabsley MJ, Sanchez S, Nemeth NM. Causes of morbidity and mortality in wild cottontail rabbits in the eastern United States, 2013-2022. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024:10406387241259000. [PMID: 38853709 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241259000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in causes of mortality of free-ranging, native North American lagomorphs has grown with the emergence of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). Over the years 2013-2022, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study received 119 Sylvilagus spp. case submissions from the central and eastern United States, comprising 147 rabbits. Most (86%) of these submissions occurred after detecting RHDV2 in the United States in 2020. Laboratory data from these rabbits were retrospectively evaluated for major causes, contributors to mortality, and pathogen detections. Gross and histologic examination was performed for 112 rabbits. Common primary causes of death included trauma (n = 49), bacterial disease (n = 31), emaciation (n = 6), and parasitism (n = 6). Among the 32 rabbits with bacterial disease, 12 were diagnosed with tularemia and 7 with pasteurellosis. Rabbits with pasteurellosis had disseminated abscessation, septicemia, and/or polyserositis. Less commonly, cutaneous fibroma (n = 2), notoedric mange (n = 2), encephalitozoonosis (n = 2), neoplasia (round-cell sarcoma; n = 1), and congenital abnormalities (n = 1) were diagnosed. RHDV2 was not detected in 123 rabbits tested. Although RHDV2 has not been detected in wild lagomorphs in the eastern United States, detections in domestic rabbits from the region emphasize the need for continued surveillance. Furthermore, continued surveillance for Francisella tularensis informs public health risk. Overall, increased knowledge of Sylvilagus spp. health furthers our understanding of diseases affecting these important prey and game species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisia A W Weyna
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Victoria A Andreasen
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Caitlin E Burrell
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Melanie R Kunkel
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Radisic
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chloe C Goodwin
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Heather Fenton
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Brian S Dugovich
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Susan Sanchez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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2
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Abrantes J, Bertagnoli S, Cavadini P, Esteves PJ, Gavier-Widén D, Hall RN, Lavazza A, Le Gall-Reculé G, Mahar JE, Marchandeau S, Lopes AM. Comment on Shah et al. Genetic Characteristics and Phylogeographic Dynamics of Lagoviruses, 1988-2021. Viruses 2023, 15, 815. Viruses 2024; 16:927. [PMID: 38932219 PMCID: PMC11209181 DOI: 10.3390/v16060927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Shah and colleagues [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (P.J.E.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Stéphane Bertagnoli
- Laboratoire Interactions Hôtes-Agents Pathogènes, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, CEDEX 3, 31076 Toulouse, France;
| | - Patrizia Cavadini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (P.C.); (A.L.)
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Pedro J. Esteves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (P.J.E.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- CITS—Center of Investigation in Health Technologies, CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Dolores Gavier-Widén
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), 75189 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robyn N. Hall
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Ausvet Pty Ltd., Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (P.C.); (A.L.)
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Ghislaine Le Gall-Reculé
- Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Avian & Rabbit Virology, Immunology & Parasitology Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses), 22440 Ploufragan, France;
| | - Jackie E. Mahar
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Animal Health Laboratory and Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | | | - Ana M. Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (P.J.E.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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Tokarz-Deptuła B, Kulus J, Baraniecki Ł, Stosik M, Deptuła W. Characterisation of Lagovirus europaeus GI-RHDVs (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Viruses) in Terms of Their Pathogenicity and Immunogenicity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5342. [PMID: 38791380 PMCID: PMC11120834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses (RHDV) belong to the family Caliciviridae, genus Lagovirus europaeus, genogroup GI, comprising four genotypes GI.1-GI.4, of which the genotypes GI.1 and GI.2 are pathogenic RHD viruses, while the genotypes GI.3 and GI.4 are non-pathogenic RCV (Rabbit calicivirus) viruses. Among the pathogenic genotypes GI.1 and GI.2 of RHD viruses, an antigenic variant of RHDV, named RHDVa-now GI.1a-RHDVa, was distinguished in 1996; and in 2010, a variant of RHDV-named RHDVb, later RHDV2 and now GI.2-RHDV2/b-was described; and recombinants of these viruses were registered. Pathogenic viruses of the genotype GI.1 were the cause of a disease described in 1984 in China in domestic (Oryctolagus (O.) cuniculus domesticus) and wild (O. cuniculus) rabbits, characterised by a very rapid course and a mortality rate of 90-100%, which spread in countries all over the world and which has been defined since 1989 as rabbit haemorrhagic disease. It is now accepted that GI.1-RHDV, including GI.1a-RHDVa, cause the predetermined primary haemorrhagic disease in domestic and wild rabbits, while GI.2-RHDV2/b cause it not only in rabbits, including domestic rabbits' young up to 4 weeks and rabbits immunised with rabbit haemorrhagic disease vaccine, but also in five various species of wild rabbits and seven different species of hares, as well as wild ruminants: mountain muskoxen and European badger. Among these viruses, haemagglutination-positive, doubtful and harmful viruses have been recorded and described and have been shown to form phylogenogroups, immunotypes, haematotypes and pathotypes, which, together with traits that alter and expand their infectious spectrum (rabbit, hare, wild ruminant, badger and various rabbit and hare species), are the determinants of their pathogenicity (infectivity) and immunogenicity and thus shape their virulence. These relationships are the aim of our consideration in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakub Kulus
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (J.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Łukasz Baraniecki
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Michał Stosik
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Gora, 65-516 Zielona Gora, Poland;
| | - Wiesław Deptuła
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (J.K.); (W.D.)
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Kaushik R, Kumar N, Yadav P, Sircar S, Shete-Aich A, Singh A, Tomar S, Launey T, Malik YS. Comprehensive Genomics Investigation of Neboviruses Reveals Distinct Codon Usage Patterns and Host Specificity. Microorganisms 2024; 12:696. [PMID: 38674640 PMCID: PMC11052288 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neboviruses (NeVs) from the Caliciviridae family have been linked to enteric diseases in bovines and have been detected worldwide. As viruses rely entirely on the cellular machinery of the host for replication, their ability to thrive in a specific host is greatly impacted by the specific codon usage preferences. Here, we systematically analyzed the codon usage bias in NeVs to explore the genetic and evolutionary patterns. Relative Synonymous Codon Usage and Effective Number of Codon analyses indicated a marginally lower codon usage bias in NeVs, predominantly influenced by the nucleotide compositional constraints. Nonetheless, NeVs showed a higher codon usage bias for codons containing G/C at the third codon position. The neutrality plot analysis revealed natural selection as the primary factor that shaped the codon usage bias in both the VP1 (82%) and VP2 (57%) genes of NeVs. Furthermore, the NeVs showed a highly comparable codon usage pattern to bovines, as reflected through Codon Adaptation Index and Relative Codon Deoptimization Index analyses. Notably, yak NeVs showed considerably different nucleotide compositional constraints and mutational pressure compared to bovine NeVs, which appear to be predominantly host-driven. This study sheds light on the genetic mechanism driving NeVs' adaptability, evolution, and fitness to their host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kaushik
- Biotechnology Research Center, Technology Innovation Institute, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 9639, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Diagnostics and Vaccines Group, ICAR—National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal 462021, Madhya Pradesh, India;
| | - Pragya Yadav
- Maximum Containment Facility, ICMR—National Institute of Virology, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India; (P.Y.); (A.S.-A.)
| | - Shubhankar Sircar
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA;
| | - Anita Shete-Aich
- Maximum Containment Facility, ICMR—National Institute of Virology, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India; (P.Y.); (A.S.-A.)
| | - Ankur Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India; (A.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India; (A.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Thomas Launey
- Biotechnology Research Center, Technology Innovation Institute, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 9639, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana 141004, Punjab, India
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5
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Hall RN, Trought K, Strive T, Duckworth JA, Jenckel M. First Detection and Circulation of RHDV2 in New Zealand. Viruses 2024; 16:519. [PMID: 38675862 PMCID: PMC11053765 DOI: 10.3390/v16040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhage disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly pathogenic lagovirus that causes lethal disease in rabbits and hares (lagomorphs). Since its first detection in Europe in 2010, RHDV2 has spread worldwide and has been detected in over 35 countries so far. Here, we provide the first detailed report of the detection and subsequent circulation of RHDV2 in New Zealand. RHDV2 was first detected in New Zealand in 2018, with positive samples retrospectively identified in December 2017. Subsequent time-resolved phylogenetic analysis suggested a single introduction into the North Island between March and November 2016. Genetic analysis identified a GI.3P-GI.2 variant supporting a non-Australian origin for the incursion; however, more accurate identification of the source of the incursion remains challenging due to the wide global distribution of the GI.3P-GI.2 variant. Furthermore, our analysis suggests the spread of the virus between the North and South Islands of New Zealand at least twice, dated to mid-2017 and around 2018. Further phylogenetic analysis also revealed a strong phylogeographic pattern. So far, no recombination events with endemic benign New Zealand rabbit caliciviruses have been identified. This study highlights the need for further research and surveillance to monitor the distribution and diversity of lagoviruses in New Zealand and to detect incursions of novel variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn N. Hall
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Ausvet Pty Ltd., Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia;
| | - Katherine Trought
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (K.T.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Tanja Strive
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Janine A. Duckworth
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (K.T.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Maria Jenckel
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
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6
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Smertina E, Keller LM, Huang N, Flores-Benner G, Correa-Cuadros JP, Duclos M, Jaksic FM, Briceño C, Ramirez VN, Díaz-Gacitúa M, Carrasco-Fernández S, Smith IL, Strive T, Jenckel M. First Detection of Benign Rabbit Caliciviruses in Chile. Viruses 2024; 16:439. [PMID: 38543804 PMCID: PMC10974056 DOI: 10.3390/v16030439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic lagoviruses (Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, RHDV) are widely spread across the world and are used in Australia and New Zealand to control populations of feral European rabbits. The spread of the non-pathogenic lagoviruses, e.g., rabbit calicivirus (RCV), is less well studied as the infection results in no clinical signs. Nonetheless, RCV has important implications for the spread of RHDV and rabbit biocontrol as it can provide varying levels of cross-protection against fatal infection with pathogenic lagoviruses. In Chile, where European rabbits are also an introduced species, myxoma virus was used for localised biocontrol of rabbits in the 1950s. To date, there have been no studies investigating the presence of lagoviruses in the Chilean feral rabbit population. In this study, liver and duodenum rabbit samples from central Chile were tested for the presence of lagoviruses and positive samples were subject to whole RNA sequencing and subsequent data analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel RCV variant in duodenal samples that likely originated from European RCVs. Sequencing analysis also detected the presence of a rabbit astrovirus in one of the lagovirus-positive samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Smertina
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.S.); (L.M.K.); (N.H.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Luca M. Keller
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.S.); (L.M.K.); (N.H.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Nina Huang
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.S.); (L.M.K.); (N.H.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Gabriela Flores-Benner
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (G.F.-B.); (J.P.C.-C.); (F.M.J.)
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago 8331150, Chile; (M.D.); (S.C.-F.)
| | - Jennifer Paola Correa-Cuadros
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (G.F.-B.); (J.P.C.-C.); (F.M.J.)
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago 8331150, Chile; (M.D.); (S.C.-F.)
| | - Melanie Duclos
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago 8331150, Chile; (M.D.); (S.C.-F.)
- Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad, Universidad Andrés Bello (CIS-UNAB), Santiago 8370251, Chile
| | - Fabian M. Jaksic
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile; (G.F.-B.); (J.P.C.-C.); (F.M.J.)
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago 8331150, Chile; (M.D.); (S.C.-F.)
| | - Cristóbal Briceño
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8330111, Chile; (C.B.); (V.N.R.)
| | - Victor Neira Ramirez
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8330111, Chile; (C.B.); (V.N.R.)
| | | | - Sebastián Carrasco-Fernández
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago 8331150, Chile; (M.D.); (S.C.-F.)
- Magíster en Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 440, Santiago 8370251, Chile
| | - Ina L. Smith
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.S.); (L.M.K.); (N.H.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Tanja Strive
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.S.); (L.M.K.); (N.H.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Maria Jenckel
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.S.); (L.M.K.); (N.H.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
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Almeida T, Lopes AM, Estruch J, Rouco C, Cavadini P, Neimanis A, Gavier-Widén D, Le Gall-Reculé G, Velarde R, Abrantes J. A new HaCV-EBHSV recombinant lagovirus circulating in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Catalonia, Spain. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2872. [PMID: 38311618 PMCID: PMC10838927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2020/2021, several European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) outbreaks were recorded in European hares (Lepus europaeus) from Catalonia, Spain. Recombination analysis combined with phylogenetic reconstruction and estimation of genetic distances of the complete coding sequences revealed that 5 strains were recombinants. The recombination breakpoint is located within the non-structural protein 2C-like RNA helicase (nucleotide position ~ 1889). For the genomic fragment upstream of the breakpoint, a non-pathogenic EBHSV-related strain (hare calicivirus, HaCV; GII.2) was the most closely related sequence; for the rest of the genome, the most similar strains were the European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) strains recovered from the same 2020/2021 outbreaks, suggesting a recent origin. While the functional impact of the atypical recombination breakpoint remains undetermined, the novel recombinant strain was detected in different European brown hare populations from Catalonia, located 20-100 km apart, and seems to have caused a fatal disease both in juvenile and adult animals, confirming its viability and ability to spread and establish infection. This is the first report of a recombination event involving HaCV and EBHSV and, despite the recombination with a non-pathogenic strain, it appears to be associated with mortality in European brown hares, which warrants close monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Almeida
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ana M Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Josep Estruch
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Rouco
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patrizia Cavadini
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Aleksija Neimanis
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, 75189, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dolores Gavier-Widén
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), 75189, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ghislaine Le Gall-Reculé
- Avian and Rabbit Virology, Immunology and Parasitology Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses), 22440, Ploufragan, France
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal.
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8
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Cavadini P, Trogu T, Velarde R, Lavazza A, Capucci L. Recombination between non-structural and structural genes as a mechanism of selection in lagoviruses: The evolutionary dead-end of an RHDV2 isolated from European hare. Virus Res 2024; 339:199257. [PMID: 38347757 PMCID: PMC10654597 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The genus Lagovirus, belonging to the family Caliciviridae, emerged around the 1980s. It includes highly pathogenic species, rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV/GI.1) and European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV/GII.1), which cause fatal hepatitis, and nonpathogenic viruses with enteric tropism, rabbit calicivirus (RCV/GI.3,4) and hare calicivirus (HaCV/GII.2). Lagoviruses have evolved along two independent genetic lineages: GI (RHDV and RCV) in rabbits and GII (EBHSV and HaCV) in hares. To be emphasized is that genomes of lagoviruses, like other caliciviruses, are highly conserved at RdRp-VP60 junctions, favoring intergenotypic recombination events at this point. The recombination between an RCV (genotype GI.3), donor of non-structural (NS) genes, and an unknown virus, donor of structural (S) genes, likely led to the emergence of a new lagovirus in the European rabbit, called RHDV type 2 (GI.2), identified in Europe in 2010. New RHDV2 intergenotypic recombinants isolated in rabbits in Europe and Australia originated from similar events between RHDV2 (GI.2) and RHDV (GI.1) or RCV (GI.3,4). RHDV2 (GI.2) rapidly spread worldwide, replacing RHDV and showing several lagomorph species as secondary hosts. The recombination events in RHDV2 viruses have led to a number of viruses with very different combinations of NS and S genes. Recombinant RHDV2 with NS genes from hare lineage (GII) was recently identified in the European hare. This study investigated the first RHDV2 (GI.2) identified in Italy in European hare (RHDV2_Bg12), demonstrating that it was a new virus that originated from the recombination between RHDV2, as an S-gene donor and a hare lagovirus, not yet identified but presumably nonpathogenic, as an NS gene donor. When rabbits were inoculated with RHDV2_Bg12, neither deaths nor seroconversions were recorded, demonstrating that RHDV2_Bg12 cannot infect the rabbit. Furthermore, despite intensive and continuous field surveillance, RHDV2_Bg12 has never again been identified in either hares or rabbits in Italy or elsewhere. This result showed that the host specificity of lagoviruses can depend not only on S genes, as expected until today, but potentially also on some species-specific NS gene sequences. Therefore, because RHDV2 (GI.2) infects several lagomorphs, which in turn probably harbor several specific nonpathogenic lagoviruses, the possibility of new speciation, especially in those other than rabbits, is real. RHDV2 Bg_12 demonstrated this, although the attempt apparently failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Cavadini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Capucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
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Peng NYG, Hall RN, Huang N, West P, Cox TE, Mahar JE, Mason H, Campbell S, O’Connor T, Read AJ, Patel KK, Taggart PL, Smith IL, Strive T, Jenckel M. Utilizing Molecular Epidemiology and Citizen Science for the Surveillance of Lagoviruses in Australia. Viruses 2023; 15:2348. [PMID: 38140589 PMCID: PMC10747141 DOI: 10.3390/v15122348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Australia has multiple lagoviruses with differing pathogenicity. The circulation of these viruses was traditionally determined through opportunistic sampling events. In the lead up to the nationwide release of RHDVa-K5 (GI.1aP-GI.1a) in 2017, an existing citizen science program, RabbitScan, was augmented to allow members of the public to submit samples collected from dead leporids for lagovirus testing. This study describes the information obtained from the increased number of leporid samples received between 2015 and 2022 and focuses on the recent epidemiological interactions and evolutionary trajectory of circulating lagoviruses in Australia between October 2020 and December 2022. A total of 2771 samples were tested from January 2015 to December 2022, of which 1643 were lagovirus-positive. Notable changes in the distribution of lagovirus variants were observed, predominantly in Western Australia, where RHDV2-4c (GI.4cP-GI.2) was detected again in 2021 after initially being reported to be present in 2018. Interestingly, we found evidence that the deliberately released RHDVa-K5 was able to establish and circulate in wild rabbit populations in WA. Overall, the incorporation of citizen science approaches proved to be a cost-efficient method to increase the sampling area and enable an in-depth analysis of lagovirus distribution, genetic diversity, and interactions. The maintenance of such programs is essential to enable continued investigations of the critical parameters affecting the biocontrol of feral rabbit populations in Australia, as well as to enable the detection of any potential future incursions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nias Y. G. Peng
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.Y.G.P.); (R.N.H.); (N.H.); (H.M.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Robyn N. Hall
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.Y.G.P.); (R.N.H.); (N.H.); (H.M.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (P.W.); (A.J.R.); (K.K.P.); (P.L.T.)
- Ausvet Pty Ltd., Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Nina Huang
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.Y.G.P.); (R.N.H.); (N.H.); (H.M.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Peter West
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (P.W.); (A.J.R.); (K.K.P.); (P.L.T.)
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2880, Australia;
| | - Tarnya E. Cox
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2880, Australia;
| | - Jackie E. Mahar
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia;
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Animal Health Laboratory and Health and Biosecurity, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Hugh Mason
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.Y.G.P.); (R.N.H.); (N.H.); (H.M.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Susan Campbell
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA, Albany, WA 6630, Australia;
| | - Tiffany O’Connor
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (P.W.); (A.J.R.); (K.K.P.); (P.L.T.)
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Read
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (P.W.); (A.J.R.); (K.K.P.); (P.L.T.)
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Kandarp K. Patel
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (P.W.); (A.J.R.); (K.K.P.); (P.L.T.)
- Invasive Species Unit, Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Patrick L. Taggart
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (P.W.); (A.J.R.); (K.K.P.); (P.L.T.)
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
| | - Ina L. Smith
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.Y.G.P.); (R.N.H.); (N.H.); (H.M.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Tanja Strive
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.Y.G.P.); (R.N.H.); (N.H.); (H.M.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (P.W.); (A.J.R.); (K.K.P.); (P.L.T.)
| | - Maria Jenckel
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.Y.G.P.); (R.N.H.); (N.H.); (H.M.); (I.L.S.); (T.S.)
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10
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Sahraoui L, Lahouassa H, Maziz-Bettahar S, Lopes AM, Almeida T, Ainbaziz H, Abrantes J. First detection and molecular characterization of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in Algeria. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1235123. [PMID: 37745217 PMCID: PMC10513046 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1235123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first detection of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has been responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide, both in domestic and in wild rabbits. Despite the apparent control of RHD in rabbitries through vaccination, several studies highlighted the rapid evolution of RHDV by recombination, which may facilitate the emergence of new pathogenic strains. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence and characterize RHDV in Algeria. For this, rabbit samples were collected in the north of Algeria, between 2018 and 2021, from small farms where the virus was suspected after the sudden death of a high number of rabbits, and from healthy hunted wild rabbits. The domestic rabbits revealed clinical signs and lesions that were suggestive of RHD. RT-PCR showed that 79.31% of the domestic rabbit samples were positive for RHDV, while in 20.69%, including the hunted rabbits, the virus was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the Algerian strains allowed the confirmation and identification as GI.2 (RHDV2), and showed a close relation to GI.3P-GI.2 recombinant strains, suggesting a potential introduction from other countries, with an older strain potentially originated from neighboring Tunisia, while more recent isolates grouped with strains from North America. Our study reports for the first time the presence of GI.2 (RHDV2) in Algeria with multiple routes of introduction. Consequently, we propose that RHDV control in Algeria should be based on epidemiological surveys in association with an adequate prophylactic program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Sahraoui
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hichem Lahouassa
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Samia Maziz-Bettahar
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Saad Dahlab University of Blida1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Ana M. Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tereza Almeida
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Hacina Ainbaziz
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Production, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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11
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Lopes AM, Almeida T, Diz S, Côrte-Real JV, Osório HC, Ramilo DW, Rebelo MT, da Fonseca IP, Esteves PJ, Alves PC, Santos N, Abrantes J. The potential role of scavenging flies as mechanical vectors of Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2. Virol J 2023; 20:103. [PMID: 37237382 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations of the Iberian Peninsula have been severely affected by the emergence of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 (RHDV2/b). Bushflies and blowflies (Muscidae and Calliphoridae families, respectively) are important RHDV vectors in Oceania, but their epidemiological role is unknown in the native range of the European rabbit. In this study, scavenging flies were collected between June 2018 and February 2019 in baited traps at one site in southern Portugal, alongside a longitudinal capture-mark-recapture study of a wild European rabbit population, aiming to provide evidence of mechanical transmission of GI.2 by flies. Fly abundance, particularly from Calliphoridae and Muscidae families, peaked in October 2018 and in February 2019. By employing molecular tools, we were able to detect the presence of GI.2 in flies belonging to the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Fanniidae and Drosophilidae. The positive samples were detected during an RHD outbreak and absent in samples collected when no evidence of viral circulation in the local rabbit population was found. We were able to sequence a short viral genomic fragment, confirming its identity as RHDV GI.2. The results suggest that scavenging flies may act as mechanical vectors of GI.2 in the native range of the southwestern Iberian subspecies O. cuniculus algirus. Future studies should better assess their potential in the epidemiology of RHD and as a tool for monitoring viral circulation in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Tereza Almeida
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Diz
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João V Côrte-Real
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hugo C Osório
- Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Marateca, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David W Ramilo
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-s-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Rebelo
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-s-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
- CITS - Center of Investigation in Health Technologies, CESPU, 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Paulo C Alves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santos
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal.
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12
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Santoro S, Aguayo-Adán JA, Rouco C. Comparison of the Impact between Classical and Novel Strains of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease on Wild Rabbit Populations in Spain. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050728. [PMID: 37237540 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The outbreaks of two strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) (GI.1 and GI.2) in the Iberian Peninsula have caused substantial economic losses in commercial rabbitries and have affected the conservation of rabbit-sensitive predators due to the dramatic decline of their natural populations. However, the assessment of the impact of both RHD strains on wild rabbit populations has been limited to a few small-scale studies. Little is known about the overall impact within its native range. In this study, we described and compared the effects of GI.1 and GI.2 countrywide by using time series of hunting bag data widely available across the country and compared their trend during the first eight years after the first outbreak of GI.1 (i.e., 1998) and GI.2 (i.e., 2011), respectively. We used Gaussian generalised additive models (GAM) with the number of hunted rabbits as the response variable and year as the predictor to evaluate the non-linear temporal dynamics of the population at the national and regional community levels. The first GI.1 caused a population decline of around 53%, affecting most Spanish regional communities where the disease occurred. The positive trend observed after GI.1 in Spain ended with the initial outbreak of GI.2, which did not appear to cause a national population decline. In contrast, we found significant variability in the rabbit population trend among regional communities, where some increased, and others decreased. Such a disparity is unlikely to be explained by a single factor; rather, it appears to result from several factors, such as climatic conditions, host resistance improvement, virulence attenuation, or population density. Our study suggests that a national comprehensive hunting bag series could aid in elucidating the differences in the impact of emerging diseases on a large scale. Future research should focus on national longitudinal serological studies to shed light on the immunological status of rabbit populations in different regions to better understand the evolution of RHD strains and the resistance gained by the wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Santoro
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Aguayo-Adán
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Área de Ecología, Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Códoba, Spain
| | - Carlos Rouco
- Departamento Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Área de Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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Shah PT, Bahoussi AN, Yang C, Yao G, Dong L, Wu C, Xing L. Genetic Characteristics and Phylogeographic Dynamics of Lagoviruses, 1988-2021. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040815. [PMID: 37112796 PMCID: PMC10143477 DOI: 10.3390/v15040815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV), rabbit calicivirus (RCV), and hare calicivirus (HaCV) belong to the genus Lagovirus of the Caliciviridae family that causes severe diseases in rabbits and several hare (Lepus) species. Previously, Lagoviruses were classified into two genogroups, e.g., GI (RHDVs and RCVs) and GII (EBHSV and HaCV) based on partial genomes, e.g., VP60 coding sequences. Herein, we provide a robust phylogenetic classification of all the Lagovirus strains based on full-length genomes, grouping all the available 240 strains identified between 1988 and 2021 into four distinct clades, e.g., GI.1 (classical RHDV), GI.2 (RHDV2), HaCV/EBHSV, and RCV, where the GI.1 clade is further classified into four (GI.1a-d) and GI.2 into six sub-clades (GI.2a-f). Moreover, the phylogeographic analysis revealed that the EBHSV and HaCV strains share their ancestor with the GI.1, while the RCV shares with the GI.2. In addition, all 2020-2021 RHDV2 outbreak strains in the USA are connected to the strains from Canada and Germany, while RHDV strains isolated in Australia are connected with the USA-Germany haplotype RHDV strain. Furthermore, we identified six recombination events in the VP60, VP10, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) coding regions using the full-length genomes. The amino acid variability analysis showed that the variability index exceeded the threshold of 1.00 in the ORF1-encoded polyprotein and ORF2-encoded VP10 protein, respectively, indicating significant amino acid drift with the emergence of new strains. The current study is an update of the phylogenetic and phylogeographic information of Lagoviruses that may be used to map the evolutionary history and provide hints for the genetic basis of their emergence and re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pir Tariq Shah
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Amina Nawal Bahoussi
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Caiting Yang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Guanhan Yao
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Development, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Li Dong
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Major Infectious Diseases, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Major Infectious Diseases, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Li Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Major Infectious Diseases, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
- The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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14
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Bębnowska D, Hrynkiewicz R, Korona-Głowniak I, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. Immune response in the recombinant strain of Lagovirus europaeus GI.1a. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 110:105427. [PMID: 36958414 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 is the virus that causes severe and dangerous rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in rabbits. Recombination formation in RHD viruses is common. Recombination is thought to play a key role in the evolution of lagoviruses and therefore most likely influences the pathogenicity of L. europaeus/GI strains. Immunological events also play a key role in the control of RHD, and an in-depth knowledge of these phenomena provides insights into the characteristics of the infection, which can help implement appropriate infection control measures. To obtain a more complete picture of RHD caused by different GI.1 strains, it is necessary to correlate the genetic diversity within L. europaeus/GI.1 strains and the immune picture in response to infection. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the L. europaeus/GI strains and compared the recombinant L. europaeus/GI.1 strain with the GI.1a strain on the basis of a thorough statistical analysis of immunological traits performed previously. Our phylogenetic analysis based on the sequence of the gene encoding the VP60 capsid protein of 34 strains of Lagovirus europaeus showed that the Hartmannsdorf strain forms a separate clade from the other GI.1a strains and is separate from the GI.1b-d strains. Next, we showed significant differences in the levels of individual parameters for non-specific cellular and humoral immunity in infection with the GI.1a strain and the Hartmannsdorf recombinant strain. Against the background of this study, our results indicate that the characteristics of each recombinant should be considered individually.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafał Hrynkiewicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Izabela Korona-Głowniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin,1 Chodźki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Koh EY, Ong J, Wang Y, Toh X, Fernandez CJ, Huangfu T, Hall RN, Toh S, Lim K, Sng W, Lim HP, Ho K, Chang SF, Yap HH. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 from Singapore 2020 outbreak revealed an Australian recombinant variant. Virus Evol 2023; 9:vead029. [PMID: 37207001 PMCID: PMC10190043 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a significant and debilitating viral disease affecting lagomorphs. In September 2020, Singapore reported its first cases of RHD virus (RHDV) infection in domesticated rabbits. The initial findings reported that the outbreak strain belonged to genotype GI.2 (RHDV2/RHDVb), and epidemiological investigations could not identify the definitive source of the virus origin. Further recombination detection and phylogenetic analyses of the Singapore outbreak strain revealed that the RHDV was a GI.2 structural (S)/GI.4 non-structural (NS) recombinant variant. Sequence analyses on the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database showed high homology to recently emerged Australian variants, which were prevalent in local Australian lagomorph populations since 2017. Time-structured and phylogeographic analyses for the S and NS genes revealed a close genetic relationship between the Singapore RHDV strain and the Australian RHDV variants. More thorough epidemiological inquiries are necessary to ascertain how an Australian RHDV was introduced into the Singapore rabbit population, and opportune development of RHDV diagnostics and vaccines will be important to safeguard lagomorphs from future RHDV infection and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmine Ong
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Yifan Wang
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Xinyu Toh
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Charlene Judith Fernandez
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Taoqi Huangfu
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | | | - Steffie Toh
- Centre for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Lim
- Veterinary Health Management, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Wendy Sng
- Veterinary Health Management, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Hwee Ping Lim
- Veterinary Health Management, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Ho
- Veterinary Health Management, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Siow Foong Chang
- Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
| | - Him Hoo Yap
- Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens 259569, Singapore
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Detection of a new emerging strain of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (GI.2) in China. J Vet Res 2022; 66:289-295. [PMID: 36349130 PMCID: PMC9597937 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In May 2020, an outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease 2 (RHD2) caused by the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2, GI.2) occurred in Sichuan, China. The acute onset and short disease course resulted in rabbit mortality as high as 42.86%. Currently, basic research on the aetiology and genetic characteristics of GI.2 is lacking in China. Material and Methods Pathological changes in various tissues from infected rabbits were investigated and the viral genome was characterised. This study used RT-PCR, histopathology and scanning electron microscopy to identify the pathogen in samples from infected rabbits that had died. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on whole genome sequence analysis, and recombination events were analysed. Results RT-PCR identified the presence of GI.2. Histopathology revealed liver cell necrosis and haemorrhaging into lung alveoli. Electron microscopy demonstrated spherical GI.2 particles that were 40 nm in size. The gene sequence length of the isolate was 7,445 bp (GenBank accession number MW178244). A phylogenetic analysis based on the genome of the isolated strain and 60 reference strains showed that the isolate was grouped together with GI.2 strain MT586027.1 in a relatively independent sub-branch. The results of the recombination analysis showed that the strain was recombined from the MT586027.1 (major parent) and MN90145.1 (minor parent) strains, and recombination breakpoints were at locations in the 2858–5137 nt range. Conclusion The results of this study extend our understanding of the molecular epidemiology of GI.2.
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Zhou J, Ma Y, Wang M, Zhang Y, Chen B, Chen D, Li L, Li M. Establishment of a duplex Taqman RT-PCR for the differential detection of RHDV GI.1 and GI.2. J Virol Methods 2022; 304:114526. [PMID: 35339577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly contagious and acute fatal hepatitis of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), caused by a calicivirus (genus Lagovirus). Up to 2010, all RHD viruses (RHDV) isolated belonged to one genotype. In 2010, a new genotype of RHDV (RHDV2/b, currently designated GI.2 based on phylogenetic analysis) emerged in France. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, simple, specific and sensitive TaqMan real-time PCR assay for the classic strain of RHDV and RHDV2 detection. Specific primers and probes were designed for the VP60 gene of RHDV and RHDV2 within the conserved region of viral genome. RESULTS This study was demonstrated to be highly specific for RHDV and RHDV2, without cross-reactions with other non-targeted viruses. The detection limit of this work was 102 copies of RHDV and RHDV2, respectively. The coefficient of variation of the assay was less than 5% for both intra-assay and inter-assay. The reproducibility of method was assessed using plasmids and the coefficient of variation obtained was 0.2 to 3.70. Of 79 clinical samples, 68 were positive samples (86.08%), of which 60 were classic RHDV variants (75.9%), 4 were co-infected (5.06%) and 8 were RHDV2 (10.12%), those results are more sensitivity compare with conventional RT-PCR RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR based on VP60 gene of RHDV and RHDV2 could be a valuable tool in diagnose and molecular epidemiological study of the RHDV and RHDV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Sichuan BoCe Testing Tech Co., Ltd., Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanjun Ma
- Sichuan BoCe Testing Tech Co., Ltd., Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Min Wang
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention in Bazhou District, Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, Bazhong, 636600, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dishi Chen
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Li
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mingxiang Li
- Sichuan BoCe Testing Tech Co., Ltd., Chengdu, 610041, China
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Chen M, Fan Z, Hu B, Song Y, Wei H, Qiu R, Zhu W, Xu W, Wang F. Pathogenicity of the newly emerged Lagovirus europaeus GI.2 strain in China in experimentally infected rabbits. Vet Microbiol 2021; 265:109311. [PMID: 34965497 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In April 2020, rabbit hemorrhagic virus type 2 (Lagovirus europaeus GI.2), which causes highly infectious fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease, was emerged in China. The phylogenetic analyses of the complete genome sequence of GI.2 showed that it belonged to the non-recombinant GI.3/GI.2 genotype. However, the pathogenicity of this GI.2 strain differed from that of early typical GI.2 strains in Europe. To prevent the spread of the new strain in China, its pathogenicity urgently needs to be studied. Thus, viral shedding and distribution as well as clinical symptoms, histopathological changes, and serum cytokines were studied in experimentally GI.2/SC2020-infected rabbit adults and kits. The kit group showed a shorter survival time after the challenge than the adult group did. The mortality rate was higher in the kits (80 %) than in the adults (30 %). Viral RNA could be detected in both nasal and fecal swabs, and the main dissemination route appeared to be the fecal route. Viral RNA rapidly increased in the blood of the adults and kits at 6 h post-infection, indicating that blood viral load testing can be used for early diagnosis. The most affected organs were the liver and spleen, and the lesions were more severe in the kits than in the adults. The liver contained the highest viral RNA levels. Moreover, serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were increased in the infected rabbits. In conclusion, our findings will help to understand the evolutionary trends and pathogenic characteristics of GI.2 strains in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Chen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Fan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhua Song
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Houjun Wei
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Rulong Qiu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Weifeng Zhu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Weizhong Xu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-products, Nanjing, China.
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Mahar JE, Jenckel M, Huang N, Smertina E, Holmes EC, Strive T, Hall RN. Frequent intergenotypic recombination between the non-structural and structural genes is a major driver of epidemiological fitness in caliciviruses. Virus Evol 2021; 7:veab080. [PMID: 34754513 PMCID: PMC8570162 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity of lagoviruses (Caliciviridae) in Australia has increased considerably in recent years. By the end of 2017, five variants from three viral genotypes were present in populations of Australian rabbits, while prior to 2014 only two variants were known. To understand the evolutionary interactions among these lagovirus variants, we monitored their geographical distribution and relative incidence over time in a continental-scale competition study. Within 3 years of the incursion of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2, denoted genotype GI.1bP-GI.2 [polymerase genotype]P-[capsid genotype]) into Australia, two novel recombinant lagovirus variants emerged: RHDV2-4e (genotype GI.4eP-GI.2) in New South Wales and RHDV2-4c (genotype GI.4cP-GI.2) in Victoria. Although both novel recombinants contain non-structural genes related to those from benign, rabbit-specific, enterotropic viruses, these variants were recovered from the livers of both rabbits and hares that had died acutely. This suggests that the determinants of host and tissue tropism for lagoviruses are associated with the structural genes, and that tropism is intricately connected with pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the RHDV2-4c recombinant emerged independently on multiple occasions, with five distinct lineages observed. Both the new RHDV2-4e and -4c recombinant variants replaced the previous dominant parental RHDV2 (genotype GI.1bP-GI.2) in their respective geographical areas, despite sharing an identical or near-identical (i.e. single amino acid change) VP60 major capsid protein with the parental virus. This suggests that the observed replacement by these recombinants was not driven by antigenic variation in VP60, implicating the non-structural genes as key drivers of epidemiological fitness. Molecular clock estimates place the RHDV2-4e recombination event in early to mid-2015, while the five RHDV2-4c recombination events occurred from late 2015 through to early 2017. The emergence of at least six viable recombinant variants within a 2-year period highlights the high frequency of these events, detectable only through intensive surveillance, and demonstrates the importance of recombination in lagovirus evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie E Mahar
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maria Jenckel
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Nina Huang
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Elena Smertina
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Robyn N Hall
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia
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Mohamed F, Gidlewski T, Berninger ML, Petrowski HM, Bracht AJ, de Rueda CB, Barrette RW, Grady M, O'Hearn ES, Lewis CE, Moran KE, Sturgill TL, Capucci L, Root JJ. Comparative susceptibility of eastern cottontails and New Zealand white rabbits to classical rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and RHDV2. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e968-e978. [PMID: 34738741 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In 2010, a genetically distinct RHDV named RHDV2 emerged in Europe and spread to many other regions, including North America in 2016. Prior to this study it was unknown if eastern cottontails (ECT(s); Sylvilagus floridanus), one of the most common wild lagomorphs in the United States, were susceptible to RHDV2. In this study, 10 wild-caught ECTs and 10 New Zealand white rabbits (NZWR(s); O. cuniculus) were each inoculated orally with either RHDV (RHDVa/GI.1a; n = 5 per species) or RHDV2 (a recombinant GI.1bP-GI.2; n = 5 per species) and monitored for the development of disease. Three of the five ECTs that were infected with RHDV2 developed disease consistent with RHD and died at 4 and 6 days post-inoculation (DPI). The RHDV major capsid protein/antigen (VP60) was detected in the livers of three ECTs infected with RHDV2, but none was detected in the ECTs infected with RHDV. Additionally, RHD viral RNA was detected in the liver, spleen, intestine and blood of ECTs infected with RHDV2, but not in the ECTs infected with RHDV. RHD viral RNA was detected in urine, oral swabs and rectal swabs in at least two of five ECTs infected with RHDV2. One ECT inoculated with RHDV2 seroconverted and developed a high antibody titre by the end of the experimental period (21 DPI). ECTs inoculated with the classic RHDV did not seroconvert. In comparison, NZWRs inoculated with RHDV2 exhibited high mortality (five of five) at 2 DPI and four of five NZWRs inoculated with RHDV either died or were euthanized at 2 DPI indicating both of these viruses were highly pathogenic to this species. This experiment indicates that ECTs are susceptible to RHDV2 and can shed viral RNA, thereby suggesting this species could be involved in the epidemiology of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzi Mohamed
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Gidlewski
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Disease Program, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mary L Berninger
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Heather M Petrowski
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Alexa J Bracht
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Carla Bravo de Rueda
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Roger W Barrette
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Meredith Grady
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Disease Program, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily S O'Hearn
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Charles E Lewis
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Karen E Moran
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, New York, USA
| | - Tracy L Sturgill
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Regionalization Evaluation Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lorenzo Capucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimenatale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna and OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, Brescia, Italy
| | - J Jeffrey Root
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Phylogenetic Analysis of European Brown Hare Syndrome Virus Strains from Poland (1992-2004). Viruses 2021; 13:v13101999. [PMID: 34696431 PMCID: PMC8539919 DOI: 10.3390/v13101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) is lethal to several species of free-living hares worldwide. The genetic characterization of its virus (EBHSV) strains in European circulation and epidemiological knowledge of EBHSV infections is not yet complete. The study determined the nucleotide sequences of the genomes of EBHSV strains from Poland and analyzed their genetic and phylogenetic relationships to a group of hare lagoviruses. The genome of five virus strains detected in Poland between 1992 and 2004 was obtained by RT-PCR and sequencing of the obtained amplicons. The genetic relationships of the EBHSV strains were analyzed using the full genome and VP60 gene sequences. Additionally, the amino acid sequence of the VP60 gene was analyzed to identify mutations specific to recognized EBHSV subgroups. Partial amplification of the virus open reading frame (ORF)1 and ORF2 regions obtained nearly complete nucleotide genome sequences of the EBHSV strains. Phylogenetic analysis placed them in a GII.1 cluster with other European strains related to nonpathogenic hare caliciviruses. VP60 gene analysis allocated these EBHSV strains to the G1.2, G2.2–2.3 or G3 virus genetic groups. The amino acid sequence differences in the entire genome ranged from 1.1 to 2.6%. Compared to a reference French EBHSV-GD strain, 22 variable amino acid sites were identified in the VP60 region of the Polish strains, but only six were in VP10. Single amino acid changes appeared in different sequence positions among Polish and other European virus strains from different genetic groups, as well as in VP10 sequences of nonpathogenic hare caliciviruses. The results of the study showed a high genetic homogeneity of EBHSV strains from Poland despite their different location occurrence and initial detection times. These strains are also phylogenetically closely related to other EBHSV strains circulating in Europe, likely confirming the slow evolutionary dynamics of this lagovirus species.
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Ben Chehida F, Lopes AM, Côrte-Real JV, Sghaier S, Aouini R, Messadi L, Abrantes J. Multiple Introductions of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 in Africa. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:883. [PMID: 34571760 PMCID: PMC8471427 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) causes high mortality and morbidity in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In Africa, the presence of the causative agent, the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), was first confirmed in 1992 (genotype Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1). In 2015, the new genotype Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 (RHDV2/b) was detected in Tunisia. Currently, GI.2 strains are present in several North and Sub-Saharan African countries. Considerable economic losses have been observed in industrial and traditional African rabbitries due to RHDV. Like other RNA viruses, this virus presents high recombination rates, with the emergence of GI.2 being associated with a recombinant strain. Recombination events have been detected with both pathogenic (GI.1b and GII.1) and benign (GI.3 and GI.4) strains. We obtained complete genome sequences of Tunisian GI.2 strains collected between 2018 and 2020 and carried out phylogenetic analyses. The results revealed that Tunisian strains are GI.3P-GI.2 strains that were most likely introduced from Europe. In addition, the results support the occurrence of multiple introductions of GI.2 into Africa, stressing the need for characterizing complete genome sequences of the circulating lagoviruses to uncover their origin. Continued monitoring and control of rabbit trade will grant a better containment of the disease and reduce the disease-associated economic losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten Ben Chehida
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and General Pathology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia; (F.B.C.); (R.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Ana M. Lopes
- CIBIO/InBIO-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (A.M.L.); (J.V.C.-R.)
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - João V. Côrte-Real
- CIBIO/InBIO-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (A.M.L.); (J.V.C.-R.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Soufien Sghaier
- Department of Virology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Tunisian Institute of Veterinary Research (IRVT), University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1006, Tunisia;
| | - Rim Aouini
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and General Pathology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia; (F.B.C.); (R.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Immunology and General Pathology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia; (F.B.C.); (R.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO/InBIO-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (A.M.L.); (J.V.C.-R.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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23
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Velarde R, Abrantes J, Lopes AM, Estruch J, Côrte-Real JV, Esteves PJ, García-Bocanegra I, Ruiz-Olmo J, Rouco C. Spillover event of recombinant Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 into the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:3187-3193. [PMID: 34324796 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Viruses that affect lagomorphs have decades of reported history of spillover events. One of these viruses is the causative agent of the so-called rabbit or 'lagomorph' haemorrhagic disease (e.g. Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 and L. europaeus/GI.2). In particular, L. europaeus/GI.2 has shown a great capacity to recombine with existing lagoviruses. In fact, it has replaced the former GI.1 genotype in the wild, and recently, an increase on spillover events has been detected among several lagomorph species including European and North American species of hares. In this study, we report for the first time the infection of a wild Iberian hare with GI.2 (RHDV2/b), potential shedding and associated histopathological alterations. We identify the recombinant GI.4P-GI.2 as causative of the infection and discuss plausible causes regarding the origin of the spillover event and its potential consequences for the Iberian hare wild populations, which is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula as well as an important game and prey species for many predators, including endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Joana Abrantes
- Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (InBIO), University of Porto, Vairao, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana M Lopes
- Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (InBIO), University of Porto, Vairao, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)/Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Josep Estruch
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WEH) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - João V Côrte-Real
- Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (InBIO), University of Porto, Vairao, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Esteves
- Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (InBIO), University of Porto, Vairao, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jordi Ruiz-Olmo
- Departament d'Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca i Alimentació de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Rouco
- Departmento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Universdad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain.,Sociedad, Ecología y Gestión del Medio Ambiente, UCO-IESA, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Córdoba, Spain
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24
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Hall RN, King T, O’Connor T, Read AJ, Arrow J, Trought K, Duckworth J, Piper M, Strive T. Age and Infectious Dose Significantly Affect Disease Progression after RHDV2 Infection in Naïve Domestic Rabbits. Viruses 2021; 13:1184. [PMID: 34205750 PMCID: PMC8234499 DOI: 10.3390/v13061184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2 or GI.2, referring to any virus with lagovirus GI.2 structural genes) is a recently emerged calicivirus that causes generalised hepatic necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation leading to death in susceptible lagomorphs (rabbits and hares). Previous studies investigating the virulence of RHDV2 have reported conflicting results, with case fatality rates ranging from 0% to 100% even within a single study. Lagoviruses are of particular importance in Australia and New Zealand where they are used as biocontrol agents to manage wild rabbit populations, which threaten over 300 native species and result in economic impacts in excess of $200 million AUD annually to Australian agricultural industries. It is critically important that any pest control method is both highly effective (i.e., virulent, in the context of viral biocontrols) and has minimal animal welfare impacts. To determine whether RHDV2 might be a suitable candidate biocontrol agent, we investigated the virulence and disease progression of a naturally occurring Australian recombinant RHDV2 in both 5-week-old and 11-week-old New Zealand White laboratory rabbits after either high or low dose oral infection. Objective measures of disease progression were recorded through continuous body temperature monitoring collars, continuous activity monitors, and twice daily observations. We observed a 100% case fatality rate in both infected kittens and adult rabbits after either high dose or low dose infection. Clinical signs of disease, such as pyrexia, weight loss, and reduced activity, were evident in the late stages of infection. Clinical disease, i.e., welfare impacts, were limited to the period after the onset of pyrexia, lasting on average 12 h and increasing in severity as disease progressed. These findings confirm the high virulence of this RHDV2 variant in naïve rabbits. While age and infectious dose significantly affected disease progression, the case fatality rate was consistently 100% under all conditions tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn N. Hall
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Tegan King
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Tiffany O’Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; tiffany.o' (T.O.); (A.J.R.)
| | - Andrew J. Read
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia; tiffany.o' (T.O.); (A.J.R.)
| | - Jane Arrow
- Wildlife Ecology and Management, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (J.A.); (K.T.); (J.D.)
| | - Katherine Trought
- Wildlife Ecology and Management, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (J.A.); (K.T.); (J.D.)
| | - Janine Duckworth
- Wildlife Ecology and Management, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand; (J.A.); (K.T.); (J.D.)
| | - Melissa Piper
- Agriculture & Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
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25
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Abrantes J, Lopes AM. A Review on the Methods Used for the Detection and Diagnosis of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). Microorganisms 2021; 9:972. [PMID: 33946292 PMCID: PMC8146303 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early 1980s, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been threatened by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). The disease is caused by a lagovirus of the family Caliciviridae, the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). The need for detection, identification and further characterization of RHDV led to the development of several diagnostic tests. Owing to the lack of an appropriate cell culture system for in vitro propagation of the virus, much of the methods involved in these tests contributed to our current knowledge on RHD and RHDV and to the development of vaccines to contain the disease. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the RHDV diagnostic tests used since the first RHD outbreak and that include molecular, histological and serological techniques, ranging from simpler tests initially used, such as the hemagglutination test, to the more recent and sophisticated high-throughput sequencing, along with an overview of their potential and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal;
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Lopes
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal;
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)/Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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26
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Hänske GG, König P, Schuhmann B, Bertram CA, Müller K. Death in four RHDV2-vaccinated pet rabbits due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). J Small Anim Pract 2021; 62:700-703. [PMID: 33900627 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To create awareness of single RHDV2 infections and cases of death despite immunisation with RHDV2-specific vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective case series of four companion rabbits. Patient signalment, vaccination history, pathology and molecular examinations were obtained from the medical records. RESULTS The animals died peracutely or with nonspecific symptoms like apathy and inappetence. Pathological examination indicated and molecular biological findings confirmed RHDV2 infection in four animals. Several partner animals died at the same time under the same circumstances. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This is the first report of fatalities in RHDV2-vaccinated companion rabbits due to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 infection with documented case and vaccination history. Veterinarians should be aware of possible single fatal RHDV2 infections despite vaccination, should initiate the clarification of suspected cases and inform vaccine manufacturers and competent authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- G G Hänske
- Tiermedizinzentrum Berlin, Kufsteiner Straße 22, 10825, Berlin, Germany
| | - P König
- Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald, Insel Riems, 17493, Germany
| | - B Schuhmann
- Tiermedizinzentrum Berlin, Kufsteiner Straße 22, 10825, Berlin, Germany
| | - C A Bertram
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - K Müller
- Department of Veterinary Medicine/Small Animal Clinic, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
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27
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Toh X, Ong J, Chan C, Teo XH, Toh S, Fernandez CJ, Huangfu T. First detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2) in Singapore. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1521-1528. [PMID: 33892517 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a significant viral disease caused by infection with Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). The first documented cases of RHDV in Singapore occurred in adult pet European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in September 2020. Rabbits presented with acute hyporexia, lethargy, huddled posture, and varying degrees of pyrexia and tachypnoea. Clinical pathology consistently reflected markedly elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP). Hepatic lobe torsion was ruled out using ultrasonography and colour Doppler studies in all patients. A total of 11 rabbits owned by 3 families were presented to the clinics; 8/11 rabbits died within 48 hr of presentation, while the remaining two rabbits had recovered after prolonged hospitalization and one rabbit was aclinical. Histopathology revealed acute, marked diffuse hepatocellular necrosis and degeneration, findings which were suggestive for RHDV infection and prompted the undertaking of further molecular diagnostics. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction of the liver samples detected RHDV RNA. Molecular characterization of viral genomes by whole genome sequencing revealed that the outbreak strain was of the genotype GI.2 (RHDV2/RHDVb). Nucleotide sequences of the VP60 gene were compared with various RHDV variants using phylogenetic analysis. The sample genome shared highest sequence identity with a GI.2-genotyped virus from GenBank (RHDV isolate Algarve 1 polyprotein and minor structural protein (VP10) genes, GenBank accession KF442961). The combination of clinical, histopathological, molecular and sequencing technologies enabled rapid detection and detailed genetic characterization of the RHDV virus causing the present outbreak for prompt implementation of disease control measures in Singapore. Further epidemiological investigations of potential virus introduction into Singapore are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Toh
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Jasmine Ong
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Cathy Chan
- The Animal Doctors Pte Ltd (Singapore), Singapore
| | - Xuan Hui Teo
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Steffie Toh
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Charlene Judith Fernandez
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
| | - Taoqi Huangfu
- Center for Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Professional and Scientific Services, Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore
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28
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Müller C, Hrynkiewicz R, Bębnowska D, Maldonado J, Baratelli M, Köllner B, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. Immunity against Lagovirus europaeus and the Impact of the Immunological Studies on Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030255. [PMID: 33805607 PMCID: PMC8002203 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early 1980s, a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) emerged, causing a very high rate of mortality in these animals. Since the initial occurrence of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), several hundred million rabbits have died after infection. The emergence of genetically-different virus variants (RHDV GI.1 and GI.2) indicated the very high variability of RHDV. Moreover, with these variants, the host range broadened to hare species (Lepus). The circulation of RHDV genotypes displays different virulences and a limited induction of cross-protective immunity. Interestingly, juvenile rabbits (<9 weeks of age) with an immature immune system display a general resistance to RHDV GI.1, and a limited resistance to RHDV GI.2 strains, whereas less than 3% of adult rabbits survive an infection by either RHDV GI.1. or GI.2. Several not-yet fully understood phenomena characterize the RHD. A very low infection dose followed by an extremely rapid viral replication could be simplified to the induction of a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), a severe loss of lymphocytes—especially T-cells—and death within 36 to 72 h post infection. On the other hand, in animals surviving the infection or after vaccination, very high titers of RHDV-neutralizing antibodies were induced. Several studies have been conducted in order to deepen the knowledge about the virus’ genetics, epidemiology, RHDV-induced pathology, and the anti-RHDV immune responses of rabbits in order to understand the phenomenon of the juvenile resistance to this virus. Moreover, several approaches have been used to produce efficient vaccines in order to prevent an infection with RHDV. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about anti-RHDV resistance and immunity, RHDV vaccination, and the further need to establish rationally-based RHDV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Müller
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Rafał Hrynkiewicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (R.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Dominika Bębnowska
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (R.H.); (D.B.)
| | | | | | - Bernd Köllner
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.K.); (P.N.-R.)
| | - Paulina Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (R.H.); (D.B.)
- Correspondence: (B.K.); (P.N.-R.)
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29
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Szillat KP, Höper D, Beer M, König P. Full-genome sequencing of German rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus uncovers recombination between RHDV (GI.2) and EBHSV (GII.1). Virus Evol 2020; 6:veaa080. [PMID: 33324492 PMCID: PMC7724246 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV; genotypes GI.1 and GI.2) and European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV; genotype GII.1) are caliciviruses belonging to the genus Lagovirus. These viruses pose a serious threat to wild and domestic rabbit and hare populations around the world. In recent years, an expanding genetic diversity has been described within the genus, with recombination events occurring between the different genotypes. Here, we generated and analysed 56 full-genome sequences of RHDV and EBHSV from rabbit and hare livers, collected in Germany between the years 2013 and 2020. We could show that genotype Gl.2 (RHDV-2) almost entirely replaced Gl.1 (classical RHDV) in the German rabbit population. However, GI.1 is still present in Germany and has to be included into disease control and vaccination strategies. Three recombinant strains were identified from rabbit samples that contain the structural genes of genotype Gl.2 and the non-structural genes of genotype Gl.1b. Of special interest is the finding that sequences from two hare samples showed recombination events between structural genes of RHDV Gl.2 and non-structural genes of EBHSV GII.1, a recombination between different genogroups that has not been described before. These findings lead to the assumption that also a recombination of the non-structural genes of RHDV Gl.2 with the structural genes of EBHSV Gll.1 might be possible and therefore increase the potential genetic variability of lagoviruses immensely. Our findings underline the importance of whole genome analysis with next-generation sequencing technology as one of new tools now available for in-depth studies that allow in depth molecular epidemiology with continuous monitoring of the genetic variability of viruses that would otherwise likely stay undetected if only routine diagnostic assays are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Szillat
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Dirk Höper
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Patricia König
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
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30
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Guo H, Zhu J, Miao Q, Qi R, Tang A, Liu C, Yang H, Yuan L, Liu G. RPS5 interacts with the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 3' extremities region and plays a role in virus replication. Vet Microbiol 2020; 249:108858. [PMID: 32980631 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a member of Caliciviridae family, causes a highly contagious disease in rabbits. The RHDV replication mechanism is poorly understood due to the lack of a suitable culture system in vitro. This study identified RHDV 5' and 3' extremities (Ex) RNA binding proteins from the rabbit kidney cell line RK-13 based on a pull-down assay by applying a tRNA scaffold streptavidin aptamer. Using mass spectrometry (MS), several host proteins were discovered which interact with RHDV 5' and 3' Ex RNA. The ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5) was shown to interact with RHDV 3' Ex RNA directly by RNA-pulldown and confocal microscopy. To further investigate the role of RPS5 in RHDV replication, small interfering RNAs for RPS5 and RPS5 eukaryotic expression plasmids were used to change the expression level of RPS5 in RK-13 cells and the results showed that the RHDV replication and translation levels were positively correlated with the expression level of RPS5. It was also verified that RPS5 promoted RHDV replication by constructing RPS5 stable overexpression cell lines and RPS5 knockdown cell lines. In summary, it has been identified that RPS5 interacted with the RHDV 3' Ex RNA region and played a role in virus replication. These results will help to understand the mechanism of RHDV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Guo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Qiuhong Miao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, 6708 PB, the Netherlands
| | - Ruibin Qi
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Aoxing Tang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Chuncao Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Hongzao Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 700731, PR China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 700731, PR China
| | - Guangqing Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai, 200241, PR China.
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31
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Recombination at the emergence of the pathogenic rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14502. [PMID: 32879332 PMCID: PMC7468141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease is a viral disease that emerged in the 1980s and causes high mortality and morbidity in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In 2010, a new genotype of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus emerged and replaced the former circulating Lagovirus europaeus/GI.1 strains. Several recombination events have been reported for the new genotype Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2, with pathogenic (variants GI.1a and GI.1b) and benign (genotype GI.4) strains that served as donors for the non-structural part while GI.2 composed the structural part; another recombination event has also been described at the p16/p23 junction involving GI.4 strains. In this study, we analysed new complete coding sequences of four benign GI.3 strains and four GI.2 strains. Phylogenetic and recombination detection analyses revealed that the first GI.2 strains, considered as non-recombinant, resulted from a recombination event between GI.3 and GI.2, with GI.3 as the major donor for the non-structural part and GI.2 for the structural part. Our results indicate that recombination contributed to the emergence, persistence and dissemination of GI.2 as a pathogenic form and that all described GI.2 strains so far are the product of recombination. This highlights the need to study full-genomic sequences of lagoviruses to understand their emergence and evolution.
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32
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Abrantes J, Lopes AM, Lemaitre E, Ahola H, Banihashem F, Droillard C, Marchandeau S, Esteves PJ, Neimanis A, Le Gall-Reculé G. Retrospective Analysis Shows That Most RHDV GI.1 Strains Circulating Since the Late 1990s in France and Sweden Were Recombinant GI.3P-GI.1d Strains. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E910. [PMID: 32784857 PMCID: PMC7464634 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombination is one of the major sources of genetic variation in viruses. RNA viruses, such as rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), are among the viruses with the highest recombination rates. Several recombination events have been described for RHDV, mostly as a consequence of their genomic architecture. Here, we undertook phylogenetic and recombination analyses of French and Swedish RHDV strains from 1994 to 2016 and uncovered a new intergenotypic recombination event. This event occurred in the late 1990s/early 2000s and involved nonpathogenic GI.3 strains as donors for the nonstructural part of the genome of these recombinants, while pathogenic GI.1d strains contributed to the structural part. These GI.3P-GI.1d recombinant strains did not entirely replace GI.1d (nonrecombinant) strains, but became the dominant strains in France and Sweden, likely due to a fitness advantage associated with this genomic architecture. GI.3P-GI.1d (P stands for polymerase) strains persisted until 2013 and 2016 in Sweden and France, respectively, and cocirculated with the new genotype GI.2 in France. Since strains from the first GI.2 outbreaks were GI.3P-GI.2, we hypothesize that GI.3P-GI.1d could be the parental strain. Our results confirm the outstanding recombination ability of RHDV and its importance in the evolution of lagoviruses, which was only revealed by studying complete genomic sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (A.M.L.); (P.J.E.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Lopes
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (A.M.L.); (P.J.E.)
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar/Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Evelyne Lemaitre
- Unité de Virologie, Immunologie, Parasitologie, Aviaires et Cunicoles, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire, de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (Anses), 22440 Ploufragan, France; (E.L.); (C.D.)
| | - Harri Ahola
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Ulls väg 2B, SE75189 Uppsala, Sweden; (H.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Fereshteh Banihashem
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Ulls väg 2B, SE75189 Uppsala, Sweden; (H.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Clément Droillard
- Unité de Virologie, Immunologie, Parasitologie, Aviaires et Cunicoles, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire, de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (Anses), 22440 Ploufragan, France; (E.L.); (C.D.)
| | - Stéphane Marchandeau
- Unité Petite Faune Sédentaire et Espèces Outre-Mer, Direction de la Recherche et de l’Appui Scientifique, Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), 44300 Nantes, France;
| | - Pedro J. Esteves
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (J.A.); (A.M.L.); (P.J.E.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Aleksija Neimanis
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Ulls väg 2B, SE75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ghislaine Le Gall-Reculé
- Unité de Virologie, Immunologie, Parasitologie, Aviaires et Cunicoles, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire, de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (Anses), 22440 Ploufragan, France; (E.L.); (C.D.)
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Hu B, Wei H, Fan Z, Song Y, Chen M, Qiu R, Zhu W, Xu W, Xue J, Wang F. Emergence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 in China in 2020. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:236-239. [PMID: 32743985 PMCID: PMC7840210 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute fatal disease caused by the Lagovirus rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), which was first reported in 1984 in China. Strains of two different genotypes (GI.1a and GI.1c) have been detected in China to date. In 2010, a new RHDV variant with a unique genetic and antigenic profile was identified in France, designated RHDV2, which rapidly spread throughout continental Europe and nearby islands. Here, we report the first outbreak of RHD induced by RHDV2 (GI.2) in rabbit farms in the Sichuan province of China. We conducted haemagglutination tests and phylogenetic analysis of the new RHDV isolate SC2020/04, which was identified as a non‐haemagglutinating strain belonging to the RHDV2 (GI.2) genogroup. Considering the serious risk of RHDV2 to the Chinese rabbit industry, the circulation of RHDV2 in the population should be carefully monitored in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Houjun Wei
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Fan
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhua Song
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengmeng Chen
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Rulong Qiu
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weifeng Zhu
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weizhong Xu
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiabin Xue
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biologicals Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Buehler M, Jesse ST, Kueck H, Lange B, Koenig P, Jo WK, Osterhaus A, Beineke A. Lagovirus europeus GI.2 (rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2) infection in captive mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in Germany. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:166. [PMID: 32460756 PMCID: PMC7254734 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, Lagovirus europeus GI.1) induces a contagious and highly lethal hemorrhagic disease in rabbits. In 2010 a new genotype of lagovirus (GI.2), emerged in Europe, infecting wild and domestic population of rabbits and hares. CASE PRESENTATION We describe the infection with a GI.2 strain, "Bremerhaven-17", in captive mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in a zoo facility in Germany. Postmortem examination revealed RHD-like lesions including necrotizing hepatitis. RT-qPCR and AG-ELISA confirmed presence of GI.2. Recombination and phylogenetic analysis grouped the identified strain with other GI.2 strains, sharing nucleotide identity of 91-99%. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that mountain hares are susceptible to GI.2 infection, due to a past recombination event facilitating virus spillover from sympatric rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Buehler
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Buenteweg, 17 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja T Jesse
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Buenteweg, 17 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heike Kueck
- Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven, H.-H.-Meier-Straße 7, 27568, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Bastian Lange
- Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven, H.-H.-Meier-Straße 7, 27568, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Patricia Koenig
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Wendy K Jo
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Buenteweg, 17 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Albert Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Buenteweg, 17 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, Buenteweg, 17 30559, Hannover, Germany.
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Qi R, Zhu J, Miao Q, Tang A, Dong D, Wang X, Liu G. Bioinformatics analysis of capsid protein of different subtypes rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:423. [PMID: 31775738 PMCID: PMC6882040 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2161-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) belongs to the Caliciviridae family, is a highly lethal pathogen to rabbits. Increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated the existence of antigenic variation in RHDV, leading to the emergence of a new RHDV isolate (RHDVb). However, the underlying factors determining the emergence of the new RHDV and its unpredictable epidemiology remain unclear. To investigate these issues, we selected more than 184 partial and/or complete genome sequences of RHDV from GenBank and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, divergence, and predicted protein modification sites. Results Phylogenetic analysis showed that classic RHDV isolates, RHDVa, and RHDVb formed different clades. It’s interesting to note that RHDVa being more closely related to classic RHDV than RHDVb, while RHDVb had a closer genetic relationship to Rabbit Calicivirus (RCV) than to classic RHDV isolates. Moreover, divergence analysis suggested that the accumulation of amino acid (aa) changes might be a consequence of adaptive diversification of capsid protein (VP60) during the division between classical RHDV, RHDVa, RHDVb, and RCV. Notably, the prediction of N-glycosylation sites suggested that RHDVb subtypes had two unique N-glycosylation sites (aa 301, 362) but lacked three other N-glycosylation sites (aa 45, 308, 474) displayed in classic RHDV and RHDVa VP60 implying this divergence of N-glycosylation sites in RHDV might affect viral virulence. Analysis of phosphorylation sites also indicated that some phosphorylation sites in RHDVa and RHDVb differed from those in classic RHDV, potentially related to antigenic variation in RHDV. Conclusion The genetic relationship between RHDVb and RCV was closer than classic RHDV isolates. Moreover, compared to RHDV and RHDVa, RHDVb had two unique N-glycosylation sites but lacked three sites, which might affect the virulence of RHDV. These results may provide new clues for further investigations of the origin of new types of RHDV and the mechanisms of genetic variation in RHDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibin Qi
- Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuhong Miao
- Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Aoxing Tang
- Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Dong
- Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxue Wang
- Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangqing Liu
- Innovation Team of Small animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
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Guo Z, He Q, Zhang B, Yue H, Tang C. First detection of neboviruses in yak (Bos grunniens) and identification of a novel neboviruses based on complete genome. Vet Microbiol 2019; 236:108388. [PMID: 31500726 PMCID: PMC7127790 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This is the first detection of neboviruses in yak (Bos grunniens). Neboviruses has been widely circulated among yak in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. A novel neboviruses was identified, and it has spread in local region. New insights about the prevalence and evolution of neboviruses.
Neboviruses (NeVs) is an important causative agent of calf diarrhea. Here, 354 diarrhoeic samples were collected from yak on 55 farms in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. 22.0% of the diarrhoeic samples were detected as NeVs-positive by RT–PCR assay. Phylogenetic analysis of 78 NeVs RdRp fragments showed that 69 strains were closely related to NB-like strains, and the remaining 9 strains were clustered into an independent branch, which may represent a novel RdRp genotype. Two complete NeVs genomes (YAK/NRG-17/17/CH and YAK/HY1-2/18/CH) were successfully sequenced with 7459 nt and 7460 nt in length, respectively. The genomes of the two strains only shared 68.1%–69.3% nt identity with all six known NeVs genomes, and phylogenetic trees based on its genome, VP1, RdRp, VP2, P34, NTPase, P30, VPg and 3CLpro proteins suggested that the two strains may represent a novel NeVs strain with novel VP1 genotype and novel RdRp genotype. Notably, 11.5% NeVs strains were screened as the novel NeVs strains based VP1 and RdRp sequences. These novel NeVs strains were detected from 6 farms in two counties, indicating that the novel NeVs has spread in local region. To best of our knowledge, this is the first detection of NeVs in yak. Moreover, a novel NeVs strain was identified based on complete genome. These results contribute to further understand the prevalence and genetic evolution of NeVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Guo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Qifu He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Yue
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, China.
| | - Cheng Tang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, China.
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Immunogenicity in Rabbits of Virus-Like Particles from a Contemporary Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (GI.2/RHDV2/b) Isolated in The Netherlands. Viruses 2019; 11:v11060553. [PMID: 31207978 PMCID: PMC6631637 DOI: 10.3390/v11060553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) type 2 (GI.2/RHDV2/b) is an emerging pathogen in wild rabbits and in domestic rabbits vaccinated against RHDV (GI.1). Here we report the genome sequence of a contemporary RHDV2 isolate from the Netherlands and investigate the immunogenicity of virus-like particles (VLPs) produced in insect cells. RHDV2 RNA was isolated from the liver of a naturally infected wild rabbit and the complete viral genome sequence was assembled from sequenced RT-PCR products. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP60 capsid gene demonstrated that the RHDV2 NL2016 isolate clustered with other contemporary RHDV2 strains. The VP60 gene was cloned in a baculovirus expression vector to produce VLPs in Sf9 insect cells. Density-gradient purified RHDV2 VLPs were visualized by transmission electron microscopy as spherical particles of around 30 nm in diameter with a morphology resembling authentic RHDV. Immunization of rabbits with RHDV2 VLPs resulted in high production of serum antibodies against VP60, and the production of cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-4) was significantly elevated in the immunized rabbits compared to the control group. The results demonstrate that the recombinant RHDV2 VLPs are highly immunogenic and may find applications in serological detection assays and might be further developed as a vaccine candidate to protect domestic rabbits against RHDV2 infection.
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Smertina E, Urakova N, Strive T, Frese M. Calicivirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases: Evolution, Structure, Protein Dynamics, and Function. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1280. [PMID: 31244803 PMCID: PMC6563846 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Caliciviridae are viruses with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome that is packaged into an icosahedral, environmentally stable protein capsid. The family contains five genera (Norovirus, Nebovirus, Sapovirus, Lagovirus, and Vesivirus) that infect vertebrates including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) replicates the genome of RNA viruses and can speed up evolution due to its error-prone nature. Studying calicivirus RdRps in the context of genuine virus replication is often hampered by a lack of suitable model systems. Enteric caliciviruses and RHDV in particular are notoriously difficult to propagate in cell culture; therefore, molecular studies of replication mechanisms are challenging. Nevertheless, research on recombinant proteins has revealed several unexpected characteristics of calicivirus RdRps. For example, the RdRps of RHDV and related lagoviruses possess the ability to expose a hydrophobic motif, to rearrange Golgi membranes, and to copy RNA at unusually high temperatures. This review is focused on the structural dynamics, biochemical properties, kinetics, and putative interaction partners of these RdRps. In addition, we discuss the possible existence of a conserved but as yet undescribed structural element that is shared amongst the RdRps of all caliciviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Smertina
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nadya Urakova
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Tanja Strive
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Michael Frese
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Rouco C, Aguayo-Adán JA, Santoro S, Abrantes J, Delibes-Mateos M. Worldwide rapid spread of the novel rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (GI.2/RHDV2/b). Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1762-1764. [PMID: 30924292 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe the extremely rapid worldwide spread of the Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2/RHDV2/b (henceforth GI.2), the causative infectious agent of the so-called 'novel' rabbit haemorrhagic disease of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We tracked down all novel confirmed detections of GI.2 between May 2010 and November 2018 by carrying out a two-step in-depth review. We suggest that such spread would not have been possible without anthropogenic involvement. Our results also point out the importance of reviewing and adapting the protocols of virus detection and management in order to control, mitigate and contain properly, not only GI.2, but also new viruses that may emerge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rouco
- Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Simone Santoro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO-InBIO/UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos/Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
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Mahar JE, Hall RN, Shi M, Mourant R, Huang N, Strive T, Holmes EC. The discovery of three new hare lagoviruses reveals unexplored viral diversity in this genus. Virus Evol 2019; 5:vez005. [PMID: 30997155 PMCID: PMC6456799 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vez005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge of mammalian viruses has been strongly skewed toward those that cause disease in humans and animals. However, recent metagenomic studies indicate that most apparently healthy organisms carry viruses, and that these seemingly benign viruses may comprise the bulk of virus diversity. The bias toward studying viruses associated with overt disease is apparent in the lagoviruses (family Caliciviridae) that infect rabbits and hares: although most attention has been directed toward the highly pathogenic members of this genus—rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus and European brown hare syndrome virus—a number of benign lagoviruses have also been identified. To determine whether wild European brown hares in Australia might also carry undetected benign viruses, we used a meta-transcriptomics approach to explore the gut and liver RNA viromes of these invasive animals. This led to the discovery of three new lagoviruses. While one was only detected in a single hare, the other two viruses were detected in 20 per cent of all animals tested. All three viruses were most closely related to other hare lagoviruses, but were phylogenetically distinct from both known viruses and from each other, indicating that lagoviruses have circulated for longer than previously assumed. Their evolution was also characterised by complex recombination events. Mapping mutations onto the lagovirus phylogeny revealed no amino acid changes that were consistently associated with virulence phenotype. Overall, our study points to extensive unsampled diversity in this genus, such that additional metagenomic studies are needed to fill gaps in the lagovirus phylogeny and better understand the evolutionary history of this important group of mammalian viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie E Mahar
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn N Hall
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Clunies Ross St, Black Mountain, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Building 22, University Drive South, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mang Shi
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roslyn Mourant
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Clunies Ross St, Black Mountain, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nina Huang
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Clunies Ross St, Black Mountain, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Building 22, University Drive South, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Clunies Ross St, Black Mountain, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Building 22, University Drive South, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Desselberger U. Caliciviridae Other Than Noroviruses. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030286. [PMID: 30901945 PMCID: PMC6466229 DOI: 10.3390/v11030286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides noroviruses, the Caliciviridae family comprises four other accepted genera: Sapovirus, Lagovirus, Vesivirus, and Nebovirus. There are six new genera proposed: Recovirus, Valovirus, Bavovirus, Nacovirus, Minovirus, and Salovirus. All Caliciviridae have closely related genome structures, but are genetically and antigenically highly diverse and infect a wide range of mammalian host species including humans. Recombination in nature is not infrequent for most of the Caliciviridae, contributing to their diversity. Sapovirus infections cause diarrhoea in pigs, humans and other mammalian hosts. Lagovirus infections cause systemic haemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, and vesivirus infections lead to lung disease in cats, vesicular disease in swine, and exanthema and diseases of the reproductive system in large sea mammals. Neboviruses are an enteric pathogen of cattle, differing from bovine norovirus. At present, only a few selected caliciviruses can be propagated in cell culture (permanent cell lines or enteroids), and for most of the cultivatable caliciviruses helper virus-free, plasmid only-based reverse genetics systems have been established. The replication cycles of the caliciviruses are similar as far as they have been explored: viruses interact with a multitude of cell surface attachment factors (glycans) and co-receptors (proteins) for adsorption and penetration, use cellular membranes for the formation of replication complexes and have developed mechanisms to circumvent innate immune responses. Vaccines have been developed against lagoviruses and vesiviruses, and are under development against human noroviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Desselberger
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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43
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Lopes AM, Rouco C, Esteves PJ, Abrantes J. GI.1b/GI.1b/GI.2 recombinant rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2) in Morocco, Africa. Arch Virol 2018; 164:279-283. [PMID: 30284631 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-4052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is highly lethal to the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It was first reported in 1984 in China, but in 2010, a new variant of the virus was detected (GI.2) in France. Several recombination events with pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains have been described. Here, we report the first sequences of RHDV in Africa, isolated from Moroccan rabbits, and these resemble GI.1b/GI.1b/GI.2 recombinants found in the Iberian Peninsula. Monitoring and characterization of strains from future outbreaks are advised to guarantee the success of current programs on small-rabbit production for poverty alleviation in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Lopes
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)/Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Rouco
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO/InBio-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.
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44
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Neave MJ, Hall RN, Huang N, McColl KA, Kerr P, Hoehn M, Taylor J, Strive T. Robust Innate Immunity of Young Rabbits Mediates Resistance to Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Caused by Lagovirus Europaeus GI.1 But Not GI.2. Viruses 2018; 10:E512. [PMID: 30235853 PMCID: PMC6163550 DOI: 10.3390/v10090512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rabbit caliciviruses Lagovirus europaeus GI.1 and GI.2 both cause acute necrotizing hepatitis in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Whilst GI.2 is highly virulent in both young and adult rabbits, rabbits younger than eight weeks of age are highly resistant to disease caused by GI.1, although they are still permissive to infection and viral replication. To investigate the underlying mechanism(s) of this age related resistance to GI.1, we compared liver transcriptomes of young rabbits infected with GI.1 to those of adult rabbits infected with GI.1 and young rabbits infected with GI.2. Our data suggest that kittens have constitutively heightened innate immune responses compared to adult rabbits, particularly associated with increased expression of major histocompatibility class II molecules and activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and cholangiocytes. This enables them to respond more rapidly to GI.1 infection than adult rabbits and thus limit virus-induced pathology. In contrast, these responses were not fully developed during GI.2 infection. We speculate that the observed downregulation of multiple genes associated with innate immunity in kittens during GI.2 infection may be due to virally-mediated immunomodulation, permitting fatal disease to develop. Our study provides insight into the fundamental host⁻pathogen interactions responsible for the differences in age-related susceptibility, which likely plays a critical role in defining the success of GI.2 in outcompeting GI.1 in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Neave
- CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia.
| | - Robyn N Hall
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Nina Huang
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Kenneth A McColl
- CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia.
| | - Peter Kerr
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Marion Hoehn
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | | | - Tanja Strive
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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45
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First complete genome sequence of a European non-pathogenic rabbit calicivirus (lagovirus GI.3). Arch Virol 2018; 163:2921-2924. [PMID: 29978262 PMCID: PMC6132933 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-018-3901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We report the full genome sequence of the non-pathogenic rabbit lagovirus Lagovirus europaeus/GI.3/O cun/FR/2006/06-11 (GI.3/06-11), collected from a healthy French domestic rabbit in 2006, and initially described as 06-11 strain. The sequence reveals a genomic organization similar to lagoviruses. It was 7,436 bases long and contained two open reading frames (ORF). A dipeptide variation at the potential p23/2C-like helicase cleavage site (EE instead of ED) was observed, a feature only shared with non-recombinant pathogenic lagoviruses in GI.2 and with two European brown hare syndrome viruses (EBHSV) collected in 1982 in Sweden. GI.3/06-11 has only one initiation codon at the beginning of the ORF2 like the avirulent Italian rabbit calicivirus (RCV) and EBHSV. Previous genetic analyses based on the capsid gene sequences showed that GI.3/06-11 was closer to the RCV and pathogenic lagoviruses GI.1 strains than other lagoviruses. This study, by revealing that GI.3/06-11 genome sequence significantly clustered with pathogenic GI.2 strains, gives prominence of new genetic relationship among lagoviruses and should contribute to understand the emergence of pathogenic strains.
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46
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Mahar JE, Read AJ, Gu X, Urakova N, Mourant R, Piper M, Haboury S, Holmes EC, Strive T, Hall RN. Detection and Circulation of a Novel Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Australia. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 24:22-31. [PMID: 29260677 PMCID: PMC5749467 DOI: 10.3201/eid2401.170412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly virulent rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has been widely used in Australia and New Zealand since the mid-1990s to control wild rabbits, an invasive vertebrate pest in these countries. In January 2014, an exotic RHDV was detected in Australia, and 8 additional outbreaks were reported in both domestic and wild rabbits in the 15 months following its detection. Full-length genomic analysis revealed that this virus is a recombinant containing an RHDVa capsid gene and nonstructural genes most closely related to nonpathogenic rabbit caliciviruses. Nationwide monitoring efforts need to be expanded to assess if the increasing number of different RHDV variants circulating in the Australian environment will affect biological control of rabbits. At the same time, updated vaccines and vaccination protocols are urgently needed to protect pet and farmed rabbits from these novel rabbit caliciviruses.
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47
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Neimanis A, Larsson Pettersson U, Huang N, Gavier-Widén D, Strive T. Elucidation of the pathology and tissue distribution of Lagovirus europaeus GI.2/RHDV2 (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2) in young and adult rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Vet Res 2018; 49:46. [PMID: 29866169 PMCID: PMC5987473 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-018-0540-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lagovirus europaeus GI.2, also known as RHDV2 or RHDVb, is an emerging virus that causes rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In contrast to L. europaeus GI.1 (or RHDV/RHDVa) viruses that are only pathogenic for adults, GI.2 causes clinical disease in both adults and kittens. However, detailed descriptions of the pathology of this virus that may provide insight into its pathogenicity and emergence are lacking. Using an Australian GI.2 field strain isolated in 2015, we provide the first detailed description of pathology, viral antigen distribution and tissue load of GI.2 in adult and 5-week old New Zealand white rabbits using histology, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Liver was the target organ, but in contrast to GI.1 viruses, lesions and inflammatory responses did not differ between adults and kittens. Lymphocytic inflammation, proposed to be protective in kittens infected with GI.1, was notably absent. We also present the first descriptions of bone marrow changes in RHD, including decreased myeloid-to-erythroid ratio. Consistent with other pathogenic lagoviruses, intracellular viral antigen was demonstrated in hepatocytes and cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system. In terminal stages of disease, viral loads were highest in liver, serum and spleen. Despite the small sample size, our data suggest that unlike early European GI.2 strains, the pathogenicity of the Australian GI.2 virus is similar to GI.1 viruses. Additionally, GI.2 was fatal for all (n = 5) inoculated kittens in this study. This may significantly alter RHD epidemiology in the field, and may impact biocontrol programs for invasive rabbits in Australia where GI.1 viruses are intentionally released.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksija Neimanis
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulrika Larsson Pettersson
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nina Huang
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health & Biosecurity, Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra, Australia
| | - Dolores Gavier-Widén
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tanja Strive
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health & Biosecurity, Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra, Australia
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48
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Esteves PJ, Abrantes J, Baldauf HM, BenMohamed L, Chen Y, Christensen N, González-Gallego J, Giacani L, Hu J, Kaplan G, Keppler OT, Knight KL, Kong XP, Lanning DK, Le Pendu J, de Matos AL, Liu J, Liu S, Lopes AM, Lu S, Lukehart S, Manabe YC, Neves F, McFadden G, Pan R, Peng X, de Sousa-Pereira P, Pinheiro A, Rahman M, Ruvoën-Clouet N, Subbian S, Tuñón MJ, van der Loo W, Vaine M, Via LE, Wang S, Mage R. The wide utility of rabbits as models of human diseases. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-10. [PMID: 29789565 PMCID: PMC5964082 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies using the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus contributed to elucidating numerous fundamental aspects of antibody structure and diversification mechanisms and continue to be valuable for the development and testing of therapeutic humanized polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, during the last two decades, the use of the European rabbit as an animal model has been increasingly extended to many human diseases. This review documents the continuing wide utility of the rabbit as a reliable disease model for development of therapeutics and vaccines and studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying many human diseases. Examples include syphilis, tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, acute hepatic failure and diseases caused by noroviruses, ocular herpes, and papillomaviruses. The use of rabbits for vaccine development studies, which began with Louis Pasteur’s rabies vaccine in 1881, continues today with targets that include the potentially blinding HSV-1 virus infection and HIV-AIDS. Additionally, two highly fatal viral diseases, rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, affect the European rabbit and provide unique models to understand co-evolution between a vertebrate host and viral pathogens. Rabbits offer a powerful complement to rodents as a model for studying human immunology, disease pathology, and responses to infectious disease. A review from Pedro Esteves at the University of Porto, Portugal, Rose Mage of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Bethesda, USA and colleagues highlights some of the areas of research where rabbits offer an edge over rats and mice. Rabbits have a particularly sophisticated adaptive immune system, which could provide useful insights into human biology and produce valuable research and clinical reagents. They are also excellent models for studying - infectious diseases such as syphilis and tuberculosis, which produce pathology that closely resembles that of human patients. Rabbit-specific infections such as myxomatosis are giving researchers insights into how pathogens and hosts can shape each other’s evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal. .,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal. .,Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde (CESPU), Gandra, Portugal.
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Hanna-Mari Baldauf
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine School of Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Yuxing Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Neil Christensen
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Comparative Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Javier González-Gallego
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Giacani
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jiafen Hu
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Comparative Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gilla Kaplan
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Oliver T Keppler
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Katherine L Knight
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY10016, USA
| | - Dennis K Lanning
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Jacques Le Pendu
- CRCINA, Inserm, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Ana Lemos de Matos
- The Biodesign Institute, Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5401, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Shuying Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ana M Lopes
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Sheila Lukehart
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fabiana Neves
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Grant McFadden
- The Biodesign Institute, Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5401, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY10016, USA
| | - Xuwen Peng
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Comparative Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Patricia de Sousa-Pereira
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.,Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Pinheiro
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Masmudur Rahman
- The Biodesign Institute, Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5401, USA
| | | | - Selvakumar Subbian
- The Public Health Research Institute (PHRI) at New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Maria Jesús Tuñón
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Wessel van der Loo
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Michael Vaine
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Laura E Via
- Tubercolosis Research Section, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shixia Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Rose Mage
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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49
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Dalton KP, Balseiro A, Juste RA, Podadera A, Nicieza I, Del Llano D, González R, Martin Alonso JM, Prieto JM, Parra F, Casais R. Clinical course and pathogenicity of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in experimentally infected adult and kit rabbits: Significance towards control and spread. Vet Microbiol 2018; 220:24-32. [PMID: 29885797 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RHDVb has become the dominant RHDV on the Iberian Peninsula. A better understanding of its pathogenicity is required to aid control measures. Thus, the clinical course, humoral immune response, viraemia and kinetics of RHDV-N11 (a Spanish RHDVb isolate) infection in different tissues at both viral RNA and protein levels were studied in experimentally infected young and adult rabbits. The case fatality rate differed between the two age groups, with 21% of kits succumbing while no deaths were observed in adults. Fever and viremia were strongly associated with death, which occurred 48 h post infection (PI) too fast for an effective humoral immune response to be mounted. A significant effect on the number of viral RNA copies with regard to the variables age, tissue and time PI (p < 0.0001 in all cases) was detected. Histological lesions in infected rabbits were consistently more frequent and severe in liver and spleen and additionally intestine in kits, these tissues containing the highest levels of viral RNA and protein. Although no adults showed lesions or virus antigen in intestine, both kits and adults maintained steady viral RNA levels from days 1 to 7 PI in this organ. Analysis revealed the fecal route as the main dissemination route of RHDV-N11. Subclinically infected rabbits had detectable viral RNA in their faeces for up to seven days and thus may play an important role spreading the virus. This study allows a better understanding of the transmission of this virus and improvement of the control strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Dalton
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - A Balseiro
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, 33394, Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
| | - R A Juste
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, 33394, Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
| | - A Podadera
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - I Nicieza
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - D Del Llano
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - R González
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, 33394, Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
| | - J M Martin Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - J M Prieto
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, 33394, Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
| | - F Parra
- Instituto Universitario de Biotecnología de Asturias, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Edificio Santiago Gascón, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus El Cristo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - R Casais
- SERIDA, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, 33394, Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
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50
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Guo Z, He Q, Yue H, Zhang B, Tang C. Genomic characterization of a RdRp-recombinat nebovirus strain with a novel VP1 genotype. Virus Res 2018; 251:6-13. [PMID: 29709508 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nebovirus is a new genus within the family Caliciviridae and is a causative agent of calf diarrhea. The limited nebovirus genomic sequences that are currently available has hampered understanding of nebovirus genetic evolution. The aim of the present study was to determine the genomic characterization of strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH, which was previously identified as being similar to the novel genotype strain Bo/DijonA216/06/FR based on partial capsid sequences. Our results show that the complete RNA genome of strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH is 7453 nucleotides (nt) in length and shares 79.0%-83.5% nt identity with all available nebovirus genomes in the GenBank database. A phylogenetic analysis based on its complete genome sequence revealed that strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH clustered into an independent branch. Two interesting characteristics were observed in the genome of strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH. First, the major capsid protein (VP1) of strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH shares 96.6% amino acid (aa) identity with strain Bo/DijonA216/06/FR but shares only 75.2%-76.8% aa identity with other nebovirus strains and has an even lower identity in the P2 domain (61.1%-65% aa identity). Second, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH is more closely related to NB-like strains than it is to strain Bo/DijonA216/06/FR, and a recombination event was identified within the 3' end of the RdRp in strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH. In conclusion, the results in this study indicate that strain Bo/LZB-1/17/CH may represent a novel nebovirus strain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a recombinant event in nebovirus RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Guo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Qifu He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Yue
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China.
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