Distribution and genetic diversity of Feline calicivirus in Moscow metropolitan area

Abstract

Background Feline calicivirus (FCV) is widespread throughout the world. An FCV infection is associated with conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and mouth ulcers that can lead to the animal’s death. Because vaccination is not always effective, it is necessary to monitor the infection regularly. Objectives This study examined the FCV epizootic situation in the Moscow metropolitan area by conducting a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the virus isolates. Methods Samples from 6213 animals were examined by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. For phylogenetic analysis, 12 nucleotide sequences obtained from animal samples were selected. Sequencing was performed using the Sanger method. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the Maximum Likelihood method. Results The FCV genome was detected in 1,596 (25.7%) samples out of 6,213. In 2018, calicivirus was detected in 18.9% of samples, 27.8% in 2019, 21.4% in 2020, and 32.6% in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis of the F ORF2 region and the ORF3 start region led to division into two FCV genogroups. Most of the isolates (8 out of 12) were close to the Chinese strains. On the other hand, there were isolates closely related to European and American strains. The isolates circulating in Moscow were not included in clusters with vaccine strains; their nucleotide similarity varied from 77% to 83%. Conclusions This study revealed a high prevalence and genetic diversity of the FCV in Moscow. The epizootic situation remains stably tense because 24 viruses were detected in 25% of animals annually.

Use of cutting-edge RNA-sequencing technology to identify biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in canine and feline cancers and other diseases

“…Specifically, the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is known as the coronavirus receptor, was detected [ 59 60 ]. The studies on infectious diseases in cats also include the analysis of feline calicivirus (FCV), which is a common viral pathogen in cats and causes respiratory tract disease [ 61 62 ]. RNA-seq studies have revealed that the junctional adhesion molecule-1 gene, which is a cellular binding molecule of the FCV, was not expressed in FCV-infected cats [ 63 64 ].…”

Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of feline calicivirus in Kunshan, China

“…FCV was first reported in 1957 and has since been isolated in many countries in Asia, America, and Europe [ 2 – 4 ]. Typical clinical syndromes of FCV infection include upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), oral ulcers, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, fever, diarrhea, and lethargy [ 5 – 7 ]. Without vaccine protection kittens are more susceptible to severe pneumonia following FCV infection [ 1 , 8 ].…”

“…Conventionally, phylogenetic analysis was performed on VP1 gene [ 10 ]. Considering the genetic diversity of the VP1 gene, FCVs worldwide can be classified into two groups: genogroup I and genogroup II [ 5 , 16 ]. According to previous studies, most FCV strains found in China belong to genogroup II [ 11 ].…”