Epidemiological survey in single-species flocks from Poland reveals expanded genetic and antigenic diversity of small ruminant lentiviruses

PLoS One. 2018 Mar 5;13(3):e0193892. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193892. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections are widespread in Poland and circulation of subtypes A1, A12, A13, B1 and B2 was detected. The present work aimed at extending previous study based on the analysis of a larger number of animals from single-species flocks. Animals were selected for genetic analysis based on serological reactivity towards a range of recombinant antigens derived from Gag and Env viral proteins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of subtypes B2 and A12 in both goats and sheep and subtypes A1 and B1 in goats only. In addition, two novel subtypes, A16 and A17, were found in goats. Co-infections with strains belonging to different subtypes within A and B groups were detected in 1 sheep and 4 goats originating from four flocks. Although the reactivity of serum samples towards the recombinant antigens confirmed immunological relatedness between Gag epitopes of different subtypes and the cross-reactive nature of Gag antibodies, eleven serum samples failed to react with antigens representing all subtypes detected up-to-date in Poland, highlighting the limitations of the serological diagnosis. These data showed the complex nature of SRLV subtypes circulating in sheep and goats in Poland and the need for improving SRLV-related diagnostic capacity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigenic Variation / genetics*
  • Epidemiologic Studies
  • Gene Products, gag / genetics
  • Genetic Variation / genetics*
  • Goat Diseases / virology
  • Goats / virology
  • Lentivirus / genetics*
  • Lentivirus Infections / virology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Poland
  • Ruminants / virology*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods
  • Sheep / virology
  • Sheep Diseases / virology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Gene Products, gag
  • Viral Envelope Proteins

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the KNOW (Leading National Research Centre) Scientific Consortium "Healthy Animal - Safe Food", Ministry of Science and Higher Education Resolution no. 05-1/KNOW2/2015 and National Science Centre project no. 2016/21/D/NZ7/00626.