Phylogenetic characterization of genes encoding for viral envelope glycoprotein of porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome virus found in Malaysia in 2013 and 2014

• Published in: BMC veterinary research 2017-01, Vol.13 (1)
• Main Authors: King, Seetha Jaganathan, Ooi, Peck Toung, Phang, Lai Yee, Allaudin, Zeenathul Nazariah Binti, Loh, Wei Hoong, Tee, Chiou Yan, How, Shiao Pau, Yip, Lai Siong, Choo, Pow Yoon, Lim, Ban Keong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Genetic aspects; Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome; Viral envelopes; Viral genetics
• ISSN: 1746-6148; 1746-6148
• DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0933-z

Background Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most expensive diseases of modern swine production & results in annual economic losses and cost the industry over 600 million USD in U.S. alone and billions of dollars worldwide. Two atypical PRRS cases were observed in 2013 and 2014 characterized by late-term abortion, fever and sudden increase in sow mortality which persisted for a prolonged period of time. Methods Lungs, lymph nodes and other samples were collected for disease investigation. Sequencing of the viral envelope glycoprotein (ORF5) and nucleocapsid protein (ORF7) of PRRSV was done using the BigDye Terminator v3.1 cycle sequencing kit chemistry. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by using the Maximum Likelihood method, generated by Mega 6.06[R]. Results Analysis of the ORF5 and ORF7 showed high degree of sequence homology to PRRSV parent vaccine strain VR-2332, RespPRRSV and other mutant/chimeric virus strains. Conclusions Our study suggests that recombination events between vaccine strains and field isolates may contribute to PRRSV virulence in the field. Keywords: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, PRRSV, Genetic characterization, ORF5 gene, ORF7 gene