Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are viruses that retro-transcribe RNA to DNA and show high rates of genetic variability. SRLV affect animals with strains specific for each host species (sheep or goats), resulting in a series of clinical manifestations depending on the virulence of the strain, the host’s genetic background and farm production system. The aim of this work was to present an up-to-date overview of the genomic epidemiology and genetic diversity of SRLV in Italy over time (1998–2019). In this study, we investigated 219 SRLV samples collected from 17 different Italian regions in 178 geographically distinct herds by CEREL. Our genetic study was based on partial sequencing of the gag-pol gene (800 bp) and phylogenetic analysis. We identified new subtypes with high heterogeneity, new clusters and recombinant forms. The genetic diversity of Italian SRLV strains may have diagnostic and immunological implications that affect the performance of diagnostic tools. Therefore, it is extremely important to increase the control of genomic variants to improve the control measures.
Highlights
Peck Toung OoiSmall ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are heterogenic retroviruses belonging to the Lentivirus genus of the Retroviridae family [1].SRLV include two related retroviruses, Visna-maedi virus (VMV) and caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAEV), which were considered separately until a few years ago, while today they represent the prototypes of the two predominant genotypes (A and B1).SRLV are capable of infecting both sheep and goats, especially in mixed flocks; some subtypes show a certain specific target adaptation, they are not considered strictly host-associated [2,3,4].SRLV induce a multi-systemic disease with progressive inflammatory lesions in the mammary gland, lungs, joints and brain
We described three samples that were characterized by recombination events
SRLV infection has a considerable economic effect on sheep and goat breeding; its impact on small ruminant production is largely underestimated by local farmers
Summary
Peck Toung OoiSmall ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are heterogenic retroviruses belonging to the Lentivirus genus of the Retroviridae family [1].SRLV include two related retroviruses, Visna-maedi virus (VMV) and caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAEV), which were considered separately until a few years ago, while today they represent the prototypes of the two predominant genotypes (A and B1).SRLV are capable of infecting both sheep and goats, especially in mixed flocks; some subtypes show a certain specific target adaptation, they are not considered strictly host-associated [2,3,4].SRLV induce a multi-systemic disease with progressive inflammatory lesions in the mammary gland, lungs, joints and brain. SRLV include two related retroviruses, Visna-maedi virus (VMV) and caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAEV), which were considered separately until a few years ago, while today they represent the prototypes of the two predominant genotypes (A and B1). SRLV are capable of infecting both sheep and goats, especially in mixed flocks; some subtypes show a certain specific target adaptation, they are not considered strictly host-associated [2,3,4]. In one-third of infected animals, symptoms such as pneumonia, arthritis and mastitis have been commonly observed [5]. These single-stranded RNA viruses are responsible for a persistent and lifelong infection by targeting the monocytes of the host and stem cells located in the bone marrow [2]
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