Genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea virus 1: Italian isolates clustered in at least seven subgenotypes

J Vet Diagn Invest. 2008 Nov;20(6):783-8. doi: 10.1177/104063870802000611.

Abstract

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an economically important pathogen of cattle. Two approved species are recognized, namely BVDV-1 and BVDV-2. To date, only 4 subgenotypes of BVDV-2 are known, and at least 11 distinct subgenotypes have been detected for BVDV-1. In a previous study, the genetic characteristics of 38 field isolates of BVDV from northern Italy were investigated, and all 38 isolates were classified as BVDV-1 and could be assigned to 5 different subgenotypes, namely BVDV-1b, BVDV-1d, BVDV-1e, BVDV-1h, and BVDV-1f. However, the circulation of BVDV-2 has been reported in Italy as well. The aim of the current study was to type 88 BVD viruses found throughout Italy. Genetic study was based on the 5'-UTR, supported by select comparison within the N(pro) coding region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 5 isolates could be typed as BVDV-2a. The remaining 83 isolates were typed as BVDV-1 and were found to belong to 7 distinct subgenotypes, namely BVDV-1a (n = 8), BVDV-1b (n = 37), BVDV-1d (n = 3), BVDV-1e (n = 22), BVDV-1f (n = 4), BVDV-1g (n = 4), and BVDV-1h (n = 5). The majority of cattle farms in the current study were predominantly infected by BVDV-1b and BVDV-1e isolates, whereas the other BVDV subgenotypes occurred only sporadically. The results also provided evidence for circulation of additional subgenotypes BVDV-1a and BVDV-1g. The occurrence of BVDV-2 was also reconfirmed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5' Untranslated Regions
  • Animals
  • Blood / virology
  • Cattle / microbiology*
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Diarrhea Virus 1, Bovine Viral / classification
  • Diarrhea Virus 1, Bovine Viral / genetics*
  • Diarrhea Virus 1, Bovine Viral / isolation & purification
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genotype
  • Italy
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Serum / virology

Substances

  • 5' Untranslated Regions
  • DNA, Complementary
  • RNA, Viral