Detection and identification of a gammaherpesvirus in Antechinus spp. in Australia

J Wildl Dis. 2014 Apr;50(2):334-9. doi: 10.7589/2013-07-165. Epub 2014 Feb 5.

Abstract

We detected herpesvirus infection in a male yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) and male agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis) during the period of postmating male antechinus immunosuppression and mortality. Histopathologic examination of tissues revealed lesions consistent with herpesvirus infection in the prostate of both animals. Herpesvirus virions were observed by transmission electron microscopy in the prostate tissue collected from the male yellow-footed antechinus. Herpesvirus DNA was detected in prostate, liver, lung, kidney, spleen, and ocular/nasal tissues using a pan-herpesvirus PCR targeting the viral DNA polymerase. Nucleotide sequencing identified a novel herpesvirus from the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily that we have tentatively designated dasyurid herpesvirus 1 (DaHV-1).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Gammaherpesvirinae / classification*
  • Gammaherpesvirinae / isolation & purification*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Male
  • Marsupialia / virology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Viral Proteins