Emergence of a Pseudorabies virus variant with increased virulence to piglets

Vet Microbiol. 2015 Dec 31;181(3-4):236-40. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.09.021. Epub 2015 Sep 30.

Abstract

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) causes Pseudorabies (PR), an economically important disease in domestic swine. PR outbreaks on pig farms caused by PRV variant strains in Bartha-K61-vaccinated pigs have resulted in considerable economic losses in China since 2011. In this study, the pathogenicity of the PRV variant JS-2012 strain to pigs was investigated by experimentally inoculating piglets of different ages in comparison with a classic virulent PRV SC strain. The JS-2012 strain caused an earlier onset of clinical signs and higher mortality in 15, 30, and 60-day-old pigs, as compared with a classic virulent PRV SC strain. The Bartha-K61 vaccination provided complete protection against challenge with classical virulent PRV, but only partial protection against challenge with the JS-2012 strain in piglets. In conclusion, the increased virulence of the PRV variant may have partly contributed to the PR outbreak in China.

Keywords: Pathogenicity; Pseudorabies virus; Variant.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic
  • Animals, Newborn
  • China / epidemiology
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Herpesvirus 1, Suid / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 1, Suid / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 1, Suid / pathogenicity*
  • Pseudorabies / pathology
  • Pseudorabies / prevention & control
  • Pseudorabies / virology*
  • Pseudorabies Vaccines / immunology*
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / pathology
  • Swine Diseases / prevention & control
  • Swine Diseases / virology*
  • Vaccination / veterinary
  • Vero Cells
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Pseudorabies Vaccines