Influence of mutation in nucleoprotein of Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) isolated from 2016 Indian outbreak

Abstract

Abstract Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is an economically significant viral disease of small ruminants across the globe. Despite having efficacious vaccines and global eradication efforts, PRRV outbreaks still exist, particularly in developing countries. To better understand the viral isolates that circulate in India, we investigated clinical cases of PPRV outbreak that occurred in the Eastern Indian state of Odisha in the year 2016. We observed 90 % morbidity and 42 % mortality rate with the current isolates. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete viral nucleocapsid (N) genes revealed that the circulating strain belonged to lineage IV along with the other Asian Isolates of PPRVs. Interestingly we observed four unique mutations in the N gene including one mutation in the RNA binding region of the protein. As N protein plays an essential role in the protection of viral genome and subsequently coordinates viral gene transcription and genome replication, we postulate that these mutations would influence overall viral pathogenesis in its natural host.