Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Lumpy skin disease virus from outbreaks in Uganda 2017-2018

Abstract

Background Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease of cattle caused by a capripox virus. LSD has substantial economic implications, with infection resulting in permanent damage to the skin of affected animals which lowers their commercial value. In Uganda, LSD is endemic and cases of the disease are frequently reported to government authorities. This study was undertaken to molecularly characterize lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) strains that have been circulating in Uganda between 2017 and 2018. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the phylogenetic relatedness of Ugandan LSDV sequences with published sequences, available in GenBank.Results A total of 7 blood samples and 16 skin nodule biopsies were screened for LSDV using PCR to confirm presence of LSDV nucleic acid. PCR positive samples were then characterised by amplifying the GPCR gene. These amplified genes were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Out of the 23 samples analysed, 15 were positive for LSDV by PCR (65.2%). The LSDV GPCR sequences analysed contained the unique signatures of LSDV (A11, T12, T34, S99, and P199) which further confirmed their identity. Sequence comparison with vaccine strains revealed a 12bp deletion unique to Ugandan outbreak strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the LSDV sequences from this study clustered closely with sequences from neighboring East African countries and with LSDV strains from recent outbreaks in Europe. It was noted that the sequence diversity amongst LSDV strains from Africa was higher than diversity from Eurasia.Conclusion The LSDV strains circulating in Uganda were closely related with sequences from neighboring countries. Comparison of GPCR gene showed that vaccine strains were not responsible for outbreaks. This means that vaccination with the currently used vaccine will probably be effective for the control of LSD in Uganda. This information is necessary to understand LSDV molecular epidemiology and to contribute knowledge towards the development of more appropriate control strategies by the Government of Uganda.

Diagnosis of naturally occurring lumpy skin disease virus infection in cattle using virological, molecular, and immunohistopathological assays

“…Thus, there was no need to test more samples. The detection of LSDV via PCR is considered an accurate and rapid confirmatory test, as results were obtained within 24 h after sample collection, whereas VI takes several weeks and may require several passages [28]. By contrast, previous studies supported using realtime PCR assay as it offers more advantages.…”

First Molecular Characterization of Poxviruses in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Botswana

“…Moreover, the Botwana LSDVs sequences presented similar features to common eld isolates of LSDV encountered in Africa, Europe and Asia, including the presence of the 12-nucleotide deletion in their GPCR gene (12,14,(25)(26)(27).…”

Lumpy skin disease outbreaks in vietnam, 2020

“…Further analysis, including virus isolation using MDBK cells and PCR based on sequencing, was performed for evaluation of genetic profiles of this pathogen. Four primer sets were used to amplify the p32 gene (LSDV074) according to the OIE recommendation, using RP030 (LSDV036) gene, thymidine kinase (LSDV066) gene and ORF103 (LSDV103) gene as previously described (Alexander et al., 2019; Kononov et al., 2019; Ochwo et al., 2020; OIE, 2017; Sameea Yousefi et al., 2017; Zhu et al., 2013). The nucleotide identity of the LSDV strains in Vietnam compared with other sequences was performed using the BLAST tool at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database and published sequences.…”