Abstract
Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) include at least 4 viral highly divergent genotypes. Genotypes A and B are widely distributed and genotypes C and E have been recognized in restricted geographic areas. New phylogroups have been identified targeting conserved regions. However, this approach suffers from the potential risk to misamplify highly divergent strains. Pathogenic strains are easily adapted to fibroblastic cells, but non-pathogenic strains isolation may require a different approach. We developed a fast and effective method for SRLV full genome characterization after cell culture isolation. Spleen samples were collected during regular slaughter from sheep and goats in northwestern Italy. Spleen-derived macrophage cultures were monitored for reverse transcriptase activity and RNA was extracted from the supernatant of positive cultures. Using Illumina MiSeq platform 22 new full genome sequences were obtained. The success of this approach is based on the following features: spleen is one of the main target for SRLV persistence; red pulp is a reserve of resident macrophages, the main target for SRLV replication in vivo; RTA is a sensitive assay for any replicating retrovirus; de novo sequencing do not require genetic knowledge in advance.
Highlights
Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) include, to date, 4 highly divergent viral genotypes
Visna Maedi virus (MVV) and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis virus (CAEV) were first isolated from sheep and goat respectively, and have been considered for long time to be strictly associated to specific clinical features and host
Keeping in mind that low pathogenic SRLVs may have a restricted cell tropism and may be difficult to isolate from standard tissue explantation, we developed a fast and effective method for SRLV full genome characterization after cell culture isolation
Summary
Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) include, to date, 4 highly divergent viral genotypes. The genetic differences among viral strains are related to antigenic and biological properties both in vitro and in vivo. Visna Maedi virus (MVV) and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis virus (CAEV) were first isolated from sheep and goat respectively, and have been considered for long time to be strictly associated to specific clinical features and host. While those viruses are still considered prototypes of the widely distributed genotypes A and B, a number of subgenotypes, within group A and B, and new genotypes (C and E) have been recognized. The differences defined in the past [1] are becoming less clear due to the increasing number of available sequences
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
