Porcine Bocavirus Infection Associated with Encephalomyelitis in a Pig, Germany(1)

Detection of Double-Stranded RNA Intermediates During SARS-CoV-2 Infections of Syrian Golden Hamsters with Monoclonal Antibodies and Its Implications for Histopathological Evaluation of In Vivo Studies

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the challenges posed by the emergence and rapid global spread of previously unknown viruses. Early investigations on the pathogenesis of newly identified viruses are often hampered by a lack of appropriate sample material and conventional detection methods. In this study, viral replication within the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian golden hamsters was assessed by immunolabeling dsRNA intermediates with three different monoclonal antibodies in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples. The presence of dsRNA was compared to viral antigen levels, viral titers, and genomic RNA replicates using three different variants of concern and an ancestral virus strain at a single time point and during the course of infection with an ancestral variant, and then validated using fluorescent 2-plex in situ hybridization. The results indicate that the detection of viral infection using anti-dsRNA antibodies is restricted to an early phase of infection with high viral replication activity. Additionally, the combined detection of dsRNA intermediates and viral antigens may help to bridge the interpretation gaps between viral antigen levels and viral titers at a single time point. Further testing in other viral infections or species is needed to assess the potential of dsRNA as an early marker for viral infections.

Prevalence and significance of a canine bocavirus-2 outbreak in a cohort of military dogs in Austria

Introduction

Bocaviruses are single-stranded DNA viruses from the Parvoviridae family, which have been minimally discussed in veterinary literature and are considered potentially pathogenic. Due to the recurring illness among young dogs in a closed cohort of military dogs in Austria, we assessed the prevalence, possible disease manifestation and outcome of CBoV-2 infection in this cohort.

Materials and methods

This led to a comprehensive study that not only analyzed past cases but also performed prospective screening PCR tests to identify CBoV-2 positive dogs within this specific dog population. Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were taken. In addition, a control group (n = 20) of clinically healthy client-owned dogs was sampled. A total of 190 samples were taken and tested for the presence of CBoV-2 specific nucleic acid using screening PCR. In addition to the primers used for routine diagnostics, two other primer pairs were used to verify questionable results. The retrospective part of the study includes a total of 13 military dogs that had previously shown suspected clinical signs.

Results

At the time of the first examination within the prospective part of the study, CBoV-2 was detected in 31% (12/39) of the dogs. During the second examination, 2% (1/47) tested positive, while all PCR testing in the control group (n = 20) was negative in all cases. The retrospective evaluation of the 13 cases revealed a total of six animals tested positive for CBoV-2 via screening PCR. All puppies suffered from skin lesions (papules, vesicles, or pustules). Other clinical signs included diarrhea (83%), vomiting (77%), respiratory (15%), and neurological (8%) signs.

Discussion

According to the study there are certain indications that CBoV-2 shares similarities with CPV-2 infection but also exhibits critical differences, making their differentiation essential for patient management, outcomes, and prevention strategies.

Structural Characterization of Canine Minute Virus, Rat and Porcine Bocavirus

Bocaparvovirus is an expansive genus of the Parvovirinae, with a wide range of vertebrate hosts. This study investigates Canine minute virus (CnMV), Rat bocavirus (RBoV), and Porcine bocavirus 1 (PBoV1). Both CnMV and PBoV1 have been found in gastrointestinal infections in their respective hosts, with CnMV responsible for spontaneous abortions in dogs, while PBoV has been associated with encephalomyelitis in piglets. The pathogenicity of the recently identified RBoV is currently unknown. To initiate the characterization of these viruses, their capsids structures were determined by cryo-electron microscopy at resolutions ranging from 2.3 to 2.7 Å. Compared to other parvoviruses, the CnMV, PBoV1, and RBoV capsids showed conserved features, such as the channel at the fivefold symmetry axis. However, major differences were observed at the two- and threefold axes. While CnMV displays prominent threefold protrusions, the same region is more recessed in PBoV1 and RBoV. Furthermore, the typical twofold axis depression of parvoviral capsids is absent in CnMV or very small in PBoV and RBoV. These capsid structures extend the structural portfolio for the Bocaparvovirus genus and will allow future characterization of these pathogens on a molecular level. This is important, as no antivirals or vaccines exist for these viruses.

First detection of feline bocaparvovirus 2 and feline chaphamaparvovirus in healthy cats in Turkey

The pet cat’s population and the number of viruses that infect them are increasing worldwide. Recently, feline chaphamaparvovirus (FeChPV, also called fechavirus) and feline bocaparvovirus (FBoV) infections, which are novel parvovirus species, have been reported in cats from different geographic regions. Here, we investigated FBoV 1–3 and FeChPVs in healthy cats in Turkey using PCR, where nuclear phosphoprotein 1 (NP1) is targeted for FBoV and NP for FeChPV. For this purpose, oropharygeal swabs were obtained from 70 healthy cats with different housing status from June 15 to December 1, 2020. After PCR screening tests, six out of 70 cats (5/47 shelter cats; 1/23 domestic cats) were found to be positive for FBOV, while two were positive for FeChPV (1/47 shelter cats; 1/23 domestic cats). No cat was found in which both viruses were detected. The nucleotide (nt) sequence comparison in the 310 base pair (bp) NP gene of the two FeChPVs identified in this study shared a high identity with each other (95.0% nt and 99% aa identities) and with previously reported FeChPVs (92.4–97.1% nt and 98.1–99.0% aa identities), including 313R/2019/ITA, 49E/2019/ITA, VRI_849, 284R/2019/ITA, and IDEXX-1. Here, the near-full length (1489 nt, 495 amino acids-aa) of the VP2 gene of the FechaV/Tur-2020/68 isolate obtained from the study was also sequenced. The nt and aa identity ratio of this isolate with other FeChPVs was 98.0–98.5%-96–96.5%, respectively. Sequences of the 465 bp NP1 gene of the six Turkish FBoV strains shared high identities with each other (99.6–100% nt and 99.3–100% aa identities) and with those of FBoV-2 strains (97.8–99.1% nt and 98.0–100% aa identities), including 16SY0701, 17CC0505-BoV2, HFXA-6, and POR1. All FBoVs detected in this study were classified as genotype 2, similar to the study conducted in Japan and Portugal. Here, the NS1 (partial), NP1, VP1 and VP2 gene of the FBoV-2/TUR/2020–14 strain obtained from the study were also sequenced and the nt and aa sequences showed high identities to the above-mentioned FBoV-2 strain/isolates (> 96%, except for the aa ratio of strain 16SY0701). In conclusion, this study shows that FBoV and FeChPV are present in healthy cats in Turkey, and these viruses can be detected from oropharyngeal swabs. Our findings contribute to further investigation of the prevalence, genotype distribution, and genetic diversity of Turkish FBoVs and FeChPVs, adding to the molecular epidemiology of FBoV and FeChPVs worldwide.

Exploring the Cause of Diarrhoea and Poor Growth in 8-11-Week-Old Pigs from an Australian Pig Herd Using Metagenomic Sequencing

Diarrhoea and poor growth among growing pigs is responsible for significant economic losses in pig herds globally and can have a wide range of possible aetiologies. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are useful for the detection and characterisation of diverse groups of viruses and bacteria and can thereby provide a better understanding of complex interactions among microorganisms potentially causing clinical disease. Here, we used a metagenomics approach to identify and characterise the possible pathogens in colon and lung samples from pigs with diarrhoea and poor growth in an Australian pig herd. We identified and characterized a wide diversity of porcine viruses including RNA viruses, in particular several picornaviruses—porcine sapelovirus (PSV), enterovirus G (EV-G), and porcine teschovirus (PTV), and a porcine astrovirus (PAstV). Single stranded DNA viruses were also detected and included parvoviruses like porcine bocavirus (PBoV) and porcine parvovirus 2 (PPV2), porcine parvovirus 7 (PPV7), porcine bufa virus (PBuV), and porcine adeno-associated virus (AAV). We also detected single stranded circular DNA viruses such as porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) at very low abundance and torque teno sus viruses (TTSuVk2a and TTSuVk2b). Some of the viruses detected here may have had an evolutionary past including recombination events, which may be of importance and potential involvement in clinical disease in the pigs. In addition, our metagenomics data found evidence of the presence of the bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira spp., and Campylobacter spp. that may, together with these viruses, have contributed to the development of clinical disease and poor growth.

Canine bocavirus-2 infection and its possible association with encephalopathy in domestic dogs

Canine bocaviruses (CBoVs) have been recognized as pathogens associated with intestinal diseases. Hematogenous spreading caused by CBoV has been documented and may potentiate the virus entry across the blood-brain barrier to initiate a brain infection. This study focused attention on CBoV detection in cases of encepahlopathy and attempted to determine its viral localization. A total of 107 dog brains that histologically exhibited encephalopathy (ED) were investigated for the presence of CBoVs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thirty-three histologically normal brain samples from dogs were used as a control group (CD). CBoV-2 was detected in 15 ED dogs (14.02%) but not in CD dogs (p = 0.02), while no CBoV-1 and -3 were detected. Among the CBoV-2 positive dogs, brain histological changes were characterized by nonsuppurative encephalitis, with inclusion body-like materials in some brains. In situ hybridization (ISH) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of CBoV-2 viral particles in glial cells, supporting neurotropism of this virus. ISH signals were also detected in the intestines, lymphoid organs, and the heart, suggesting both enteral and parenteral infections of this virus. Whole genome characterization and evolutionary analysis revealed genetic diversity of CBoV-2 sequences and it was varying among the different countries where the virus was detected. This study points to a possible association of CBoV-2 with encephalopathy in dogs. It also highlights the genetic diversity and cellular tropism of this virus.

Porcine Bocavirus: A 10-Year History since Its Discovery

Porcine bocavirus (PBoV) is a single-stranded DNA virus, belongs to the genus Bocaparvovirus of family Parvoviridae. It was discovered along with porcine circovirus 2 (PCV 2) and torque tenovirus (TTV) in the lymph nodes of pigs suffering from postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in Sweden in 2009. PBoV has been reported throughout the world, mostly in weaning piglets, and has a broad range of tissue tropism. Since PBoV is prevalent in healthy as well as clinically infected pigs and is mostly associated with coinfection with other viruses, the pathogenic nature of PBoV is still unclear. Currently, there are no cell lines available for the study of PBoV, and animal model experiments have not been described. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about PBoV, including the epidemiology, evolution analysis, detection methods, pathogenesis and public health concerns.

Detection and genetic characteristics of porcine bocavirus in central China

To investigate the epidemic profile and genetic diversity of porcine bocavirus (PBoV), 281 clinical samples, including 236 intestinal tissue samples and 45 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic piglets on 37 different pig farms in central China, and two SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR assays were developed to detect PBoV1/2 and PBoV3/4/5, respectively. One hundred forty-eight (52.67%) of the 281 clinical samples were positive for PBoV1/2, 117 (41.63%) were positive for PBoV3/4/5, 55 (19.57%) were positive for both PBoV1/2 and PBoV3/4/5, and 86.49% (32/37) of the pig farms were positive for PBoV. Overall, the prevalence of PBoV was 74.73% (210/281) in central China. Subsequently, nearly full-length genomic sequences of two PBoV strains (designated CH/HNZM and PBoV-TY) from two different farms were determined. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the two PBoV strains obtained in this study belonged to the PBoV G2 group and had a close relationship to 10 other PBoV G2 strains but differed genetically from PBoV G1, PBoV G3, and seven other bocaviruses. CH/HNZM and PBoV-TY were closely related to the PBoV strain GD18 (KJ755666), which may be derived from the PBoV strains 0912/2012 (MH558677) and 57AT-HU (KF206160) through recombination. Compared with reference strain ZJD (HM053694)-China, more amino acid variation was found in the NS1 proteins of CH/HNZM and PBoV-TY. These data extend our understanding of the molecular epidemiology and evolution of PBoV.

Liver virome of healthy pigs reveals diverse small ssDNA viral genomes

Brazil is a major exporter of pork meat worldwide. Swine liver is a common ingredient in food consumed by humans, thus emphasizing the importance of evaluating the presence of associated pathogens in swine liver. To obtain knowledge, this study aimed to provide insights into the viral communities of livers collected from slaughtered pigs from southern Brazil. The 46 livers were processed and submitted for high-throughput sequencing (HTS). The sequences were most closely related to Anelloviridae, Circoviridae and Parvoviridae families. The present work also describes the first Brazilian PCV1 and the first PPV6 and PPV7 from South America. Virus frequencies revelead 63% of samples positive for TTSuV1, 71% for TTSuVk2, 10.8% for PCV, 13% for PPV and 6% for PBov. This report addresses the diversity of the liver virome of healthy pigs and expands the number of viruses detected, further characterizing their genomes to assist future studies.

Feline bocavirus-1 associated with outbreaks of hemorrhagic enteritis in household cats: potential first evidence of a pathological role, viral tropism and natural genetic recombination

Feline bocavirus-1 (FBoV-1) was identified in cats from different households with hemorrhagic enteritis during outbreaks of an unusual clinical presentation of feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) in Thailand. Use of polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of the FBoV-1 DNA in several tissues, suggesting hematogenous viremia, with the viral nucleic acid, detected by in situ hybridization (ISH), was localized in intestinal cells and vascular endothelium of intestinal mucosa and serosa, and in necrosis areas primarily in various lymph nodes while FPLV-immunohistochemical analysis revealed viral localization only in cryptal cells, neurons, and limited to leukocytes in the mesenteric lymph node. Full-length coding genome analysis of the Thai FBoV-1 strains isolated from moribund cats revealed three distinct strains with a high between-strain genetic diversity, while genetic recombination in one of the three FBoV-1 strains within the NS1 gene. This is the first report identifying natural genetic recombination of the FBoV-1 and describing the pathology and viral tropism of FBoV-1 infection in cats. Although the role of FBoV-1 associated with systemic infection of these cats remained undetermined, a contributory role of enteric infection of FBoV-1 is possible. Synergistic effects of dual infection with FPLV and FBoV-1 are hypothesized, suggesting more likely severe clinical presentations.

12 novel atypical porcine pestivirus genomes from neonatal piglets with congenital tremors: A newly emerging branch and high prevalence in China

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), a newly discovered member of the genus Pestivirus, is considered to be associated with congenital tremors (CT) in piglets. From June 2016 to January 2018, 440 serum and tissue samples from CT-affected piglets in Anhui, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces were collected to detect APPV. The results showed a high level of 63.4% preference for APPV in 27 swine farms and complicated co-infection cases between APPV and other 12 swine viruses. Meanwhile, 12 novel APPV genomes were screened and identified. Results showed that complete genomes, N^pro and NS5A genes of these novel 12 APPV sequences revealed 80.5%-99.8%, 78%-100% and 76.9%-99.8% nucleotide identities, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of full-length genomes, N^pro and NS5A genes of APPV indicated three well-defined clades including a newly emerging branch in China. This study provides novel epidemiological information of APPV in China.

Association of Batai Virus Infection and Encephalitis in Harbor Seals, Germany, 2016

We isolated Batai virus from the brain of a euthanized, 26-year-old, captive harbor seal with meningoencephalomyelitis in Germany. We provide evidence that this orthobunyavirus can naturally infect the central nervous system of a mammal. The full-genome sequence showed differences from a previously reported virus isolate from a mosquito in Germany.

Detection of Porcine Bocavirus From a Child With Acute Respiratory Tract Infection

Porcine bocavirus is a recently discovered virus classified within the Bocavirus genus. We present a case of upper respiratory tract infection associated with porcine bocavirus in a 3-year-old child who was in close contact with hogs in northeastern Iran. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the human porcine bocavirus infection.

Development of an in-situ hybridization assay using riboprobes for detection of viral haemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) mRNAs in a cell culture model

An in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) assay has been developed and optimized to detect viral haemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), an OIE listed piscine rhabdovirus, in infected fish cells using fathead minnow (FHM) as a model cell line. Two antisense riboprobes (RNA probes) targeting viral transcripts from a fragment of nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes were generated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using VHSV specific primers followed by a transcription reaction in the presence of digoxigenin dUTP. The synthesized RNA probes were able to detect viral mRNAs in formalin fixed VHSV infected FHM cells at different time points post inoculation (pi). To correlate the signal intensity, a time dependent quantitation of the viral mRNA transcript and infectivity titer was done by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and 50% tissue culture infectivity dose (TCID₅₀), respectively, from the infected cells and culture supernatants. Further, we compared the diagnostic sensitivity of ISH assay with immunocytochemistry (ICC). Both the riboprobes used in the ISH assay detected VHSV as early as 6 hpi in the FHM cells inoculated with a multiplicity of infection (moi) of 2. Also, the signal detection in ISH was at an early stage in comparison to ICC, wherein, signal was first detected at 12 hpi. Our results clearly highlight that current ISH assay can be of value as a diagnostic tool to localize and detect VHSV in conjunction with conventional virus isolation in cell culture.

A TaqMan-based real-time PCR assay for the detection of Ungulate bocaparvovirus 2

Ungulate bocaparvoviruses (UBoV) 2-5 are recently discovered porcine bocaparvoviruses belonging to the family Parvoviridae, and are considered to be a potentially major cause of swine diseases. In order to detect local UBoV2 epidemics in China, we developed a TaqMan-based real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the UBoV2 VP1 gene and compared the results of qPCR with conventional PCR (cPCR). The qPCR reproducibly detected a recombinant DNA plasmid containing the VP1 gene over a range of eight orders of magnitude, from 9.97 × 10^-1-10⁶ copies/μL, with a lower limit of detection of 9.97 copies/μL, compared with approximately 9.97 × 10² copies/μL for cPCR. The qPCR assay showed no cross-reactivity with other UBoVs or other porcine viruses. This qPCR assay detected UBoV2 in 18.1% (84/463) of pig samples collected from Chinese swine herds, with the highest infection rate of 35.3% (53/150) in loose stools. UBoV2 was not detected in liver samples. The TaqMan-based qPCR assay established in this study was highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis and quantification of UBoV2. The results of this study will further our understanding of the etiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of UBoV2 infection.

Comparison of Different In Situ Hybridization Techniques for the Detection of Various RNA and DNA Viruses

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a technique to determine potential correlations between viruses and lesions. The aim of the study was to compare ISH techniques for the detection of various viruses in different tissues. Tested RNA viruses include atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) in the cerebellum of pigs, equine and bovine hepacivirus (EqHV, BovHepV) in the liver of horses and cattle, respectively, and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in the cerebrum of goats. Examined DNA viruses comprise canine bocavirus 2 (CBoV-2) in the intestine of dogs, porcine bocavirus (PBoV) in the spinal cord of pigs and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in cerebrum, lymph node, and lung of pigs. ISH with self-designed digoxigenin-labelled RNA probes revealed a positive signal for SBV, CBoV-2, and PCV-2, whereas it was lacking for APPV, BovHepV, EqHV, and PBoV. Commercially produced digoxigenin-labelled DNA probes detected CBoV-2 and PCV-2, but failed to detect PBoV. ISH with a commercially available fluorescent ISH (FISH)-RNA probe mix identified nucleic acids of all tested viruses. The detection rate and the cell-associated positive area using the FISH-RNA probe mix was highest compared to the results using other probes and protocols, representing a major benefit of this method. Nevertheless, there are differences in costs and procedure time.

New Avian Hepadnavirus in Palaeognathous Bird, Germany

In 2015, we identified an avian hepatitis B virus associated with hepatitis in a group of captive elegant-crested tinamous (Eudromia elegans) in Germany. The full-length genome of this virus shares <76% sequence identity with other avihepadnaviruses. The virus may therefore be considered a new extant avian hepadnavirus.

Viral Diversity of House Mice in New York City

The microbiome of wild Mus musculus (house mouse), a globally distributed invasive pest that resides in close contact with humans in urban centers, is largely unexplored. Here, we report analysis of the fecal virome of house mice in residential buildings in New York City, NY. Mice were collected at seven sites in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx over a period of 1 year. Unbiased high-throughput sequencing of feces revealed 36 viruses from 18 families and 21 genera, including at least 6 novel viruses and 3 novel genera. A representative screen of 15 viruses by PCR confirmed the presence of 13 of these viruses in liver. We identified an uneven distribution of diversity, with several viruses being associated with specific locations. Higher mouse weight was associated with an increase in the number of viruses detected per mouse, after adjusting for site, sex, and length. We found neither genetic footprints to known human viral pathogens nor antibodies to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.IMPORTANCE Mice carry a wide range of infectious agents with zoonotic potential. Their proximity to humans in the built environment is therefore a concern for public health. Laboratory mice are also the most common experimental model for investigating the pathobiology of infectious diseases. In this survey of mice trapped in multiple locations within New York City over a period of 1 year, we found a diverse collection of viruses that includes some previously not associated with house mice and others that appear to be novel. Although we found no known human pathogens, our findings provide insights into viral ecology and may yield models that have utility for clinical microbiology.

Identification and characterization of a novel rodent bocavirus from different rodent species in China

Members in the genus Bocaparvovirus are closely related to human health and have a wide host range. The diverse hosts raise the possibility of crossing species barrier, which is a feature of emerging viruses. Among the mammalian hosts, rodents are generally acknowledged to be important reservoirs of emerging viruses. Here, rodent samples collected from six provinces and autonomous regions of China (Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang, Guangxi and Yunnan) were used to investigate the prevalence and distribution of bocaparvoviruses. By using next-generation sequencing first, a partial non-structural protein 1 (NS1) gene belonging to a possible novel bocaparvovirus was discovered. Following this, PCR-based screening of NS1 gene was conducted in 485 rodent samples, with 106 positive results found in seven rodent species (Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, Apodemus agrarius, Cricetulus barabensis, Rattus flavipectus, Rattus rattus and Rhombomys opimus). Finally, six nearly full-length genomes and three complete CDS were obtained and the newly identified bocaparvovirus was tentatively named rodent bocavirus (RoBoV). RoBoV has three ORFs: NS1, NP1, and VP, which are characteristics of bocaparvoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that porcine bocavirus isolate PBoV-KU14, a member of Ungulate bocaparvovirus 4, was the most related virus to RoBoV, with 92.1-92.9% amino acid identities in NS1 protein. Alignments of RoBoV-related sequences showed RoBoV isolates could be classified into two clades, demonstrating an inter-host genetic diversity. The results indicate a potential interspecies transmission of RoBoV between rodents and swine and expand our knowledge on bocaparvoviruses in rodent populations.

First molecular detection of porcine bocavirus in Malaysia

Several strains of porcine bocaviruses have been reported worldwide since their first detection in Sweden in 2009. Subsequently, the virus has been reported to be associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory signs in weaner and grower pigs. Although Malaysia is host to a self-sufficient swine livestock industry, there is no study that describes porcine bocavirus in the country. This report is the first to describe porcine bocavirus (PBoV) in Malaysian swine herds. PBoV was identified in various tissues from sick and runt pigs using the conventional PCR method with primers targeting conserved regions encoding for the nonstructural protein (NS1) gene. Out of 103 samples tested from 17 pigs, 32 samples from 15 pigs were positive for porcine bocavirus. In addition, a higher detection rate was identified from mesenteric lymph nodes (52.9%), followed by tonsil (37.0%), and lungs (33.3%). Pairwise comparison and phylogenetic analyses based on a 658-bp fragment of NS1 gene revealed that the Malaysian PBoV strains are highly similar to PBoV3 isolated in Minnesota, USA. The presence of porcine bocavirus in Malaysia and their phylogenetic bond was marked for the first time by this study. Further studies will establish the molecular epidemiology of PBoV in Malaysia and clarify pathogenicity of the local isolates.

Genetic analysis of three porcine bocaparvoviruses and identification of a natural recombinant breakpoint in NS1

In this study, we obtained the whole genomes of three porcine bocaparvovirus (PBoV) strains (GD6, GD10, and GD23) by polymerase chain reaction. Sequence analysis showed that all three field strains belonged to PBoV group 3 (G3). The phylogenetic trees based on NS1, NP1, and VP1 differed to the extent that these PBoVs were potentially more closely related to bocaparvoviruses known to infect other animals than to other PBoVs. GD6, GD10, and GD23 all included the conserved sequences YLGPF and HDXXY, with known phospholipase A2 activity. Using recombination-detection software we identified a natural recombinant breakpoint in the NS1 region of PBoV G3. The results of this study will further the epidemiological characterization of PBoVs.

Neuronal Vacuolization in Feline Panleukopenia Virus Infection

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infections are typically associated with anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, neutropenia, and lymphopenia. In cases of late prenatal or early neonatal infections, cerebellar hypoplasia is reported in kittens. In addition, single cases of encephalitis are described. FPV replication was recently identified in neurons, although it is mainly found in cells with high mitotic activity. A female cat, 2 months old, was submitted to necropsy after it died with neurologic deficits. Besides typical FPV intestinal tract changes, multifocal, randomly distributed intracytoplasmic vacuoles within neurons of the thoracic spinal cord were found histologically. Next-generation sequencing identified FPV-specific sequences within the central nervous system. FPV antigen was detected within central nervous system cells, including the vacuolated neurons, via immunohistochemistry. In situ hybridization confirmed the presence of FPV DNA within the vacuolated neurons. Thus, FPV should be considered a cause for neuronal vacuolization in cats presenting with ataxia.

The detection and phylogenetic analysis of porcine deltacoronavirus from Guangdong Province in Southern China

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a newly discovered coronavirus that causes diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration in sucking and nursing piglets. It was first reported in Hong Kong in 2012 and has since been discovered in the United States, Canada, South Korea, mainland China, Thailand and Laos. PDCoV has been experimentally proved to lead to diarrhoea in swine and it was detected positive in pigs in Guangdong, southern China. In our study, 252 faecal and intestinal samples from sucking piglets and sows with diarrhoea were surveyed for common enteric viruses. We found a prevalence of PDCoV (21.8%), porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (65.5%), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (0%), rotavirus group A (25.0%) and porcine kobuvirus (68.7%). We isolated 13 PDCoV strains and discovered that PDCoV infections were often co‐infections with kobuvirus rather than the commonly linked porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus. Phylogenetic analysis of S gene and N gene revealed that 11 of 13 PDCoV strains belonged to Chinese lineage. As for the left two strains, one single strain (CHN‐GD16‐05) belonged to American and Korean lineages while another strain (CHN‐GD16‐03) was similar to a Thai strain, but only in the S gene. This suggested a possible recombination event between the Thai and the newly described Chinese strain.