High detection rates of Torque teno sus virus in co-infection with important viral pathogens in porcine kidneys on St. Kitts Island, Lesser Antilles

Abstract

We report here high rates of detection (50.8%, 31/61 pigs) of Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) in kidneys of slaughter-age, apparently healthy pigs on St. Kitts island, Lesser Antilles. TTSuV1 and TTSuVk2a were detected in 23 (37.7%) and 13 (21.3%) pigs, respectively, including mixed infection in five animals. By nucleotide sequence identities and phylogenetic analysis, significant genetic diversity was observed among both TTSuV1 and TTSuVk2a on St. Kitts, with TTSuVk2a showing higher genetic diversity than TTSuV1. Fourteen (45.2%) and 10 (32.2%) of the TTSuV infected pigs tested positive for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV), respectively, revealing high rates of co-infection of TTSuV with PCV2 and PPV. This is the first report on detection and genetic diversity of TTSuV from the Lesser Antilles. Also, PCV2 and PPV were detected for the first time in the Lesser Antilles. Considering the impact of pig farming on the regional livestock economy, the increasing demand for local pork and lack of information on emerging and re-emerging porcine viruses in the Lesser Antilles, the present findings have important implications on swine health.

High rates of detection and complete genomic analysis of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in the Lesser Antilles island of St. Kitts: Identification of PCV2b‐PCV2d recombinants

“…Four of the porcine faecal samples tested positive for RVA (Navarro et al., 2017). On the other hand, kidneys showing gross lesions (foci of discoloration scattered on the cortical surface) were obtained from 61 slaughter age, clinically healthy pigs (as certified by the veterinarian during ante‐mortem examination) at the St. Kitts abattoir between July 2012 and March 2013 (Ghosh et al., 2018) (Figure 1). In a previous study, we reported high rates of detection and molecular characterization of torque teno sus virus (TTSuV), and co‐infection of TTSuV with PCV2 and porcine parvovirus (PPV) in the kidney samples (Ghosh et al., 2018).…”

“…In this retrospective study, we report high rates of detection and complete genomic analysis of (Ghosh et al, 2018) (Figure 1). In a previous study, we reported high rates of detection and molecular characterization of torque teno sus virus (TTSuV), and co-infection of TTSuV with PCV2 and porcine parvovirus (PPV) in the kidney samples (Ghosh et al, 2018).…”

“…In this retrospective study, we report high rates of detection and complete genomic analysis of PCV2 strains in faecal and kidney samples from pigs on the Lesser Antilles island of St. Kitts. ples (Ghosh et al, 2018).…”

A viral metagenomic analysis reveals rich viral abundance and diversity in mosquitoes from pig farms

“…PPVs are host‐specific to pigs. Among PPVs, PPV1 causes major reproductive failure in sows characterized by the stillbirth, mummification, embryonic death and infertility (Karniychuk & Nauwynck, ) and is an economically important viral pathogen for pig industry worldwide (Zhou & Yang, ), while other PPVs are usually co‐infected with other pathogens, and may play associated role in disease development (Ghosh et al, ; Saekhow et al, ). Recently, a number of novel PPVs, such as PPV5, PPV6 and PPV7, have been discovered using advanced molecular and biological techniques (Palinski, ; Schirtzinger, Suddith, Hause, & Hesse, ; Xiao, Halbur, & Opriessnig, ).…”

Detection of torque teno sus virus infection in Indian pigs

“…Considering the variable prevalence (17-100%) of TTSuVs globally [6], screening of a larger number of samples from the above states would be required to accurately assess their prevalence in these regions. It is worth noting that although TTSuVs have been detected in different organs, relatively high detection rates have been found in the kidneys of apparently healthy slaughterhouse aged pigs [21]. Among the various types of samples screened, 35.3, 28.7, 16.3, and 34.8% of tissue specimens, blood, serum, and nasal swabs, respectively, were positive for the presence of TTSuVs.…”