Phylogenetic Analyses of Texas Isolates Indicate an Evolving Subtype of the Clade B Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses

Abstract

Rigorous phylogenetic analyses were used to compare the nucleotide sequences of feline immunodeficiency virus strains isolated from Texas and throughout the world. The envelope V3-V4 sequences and capsid gene of the Texas isolates formed a cluster between subtypes B and E. Statistical comparisons with other published sequences confirmed that the Texas group is a unique cluster, possibly a new subtype, arising from subtype B.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in Feral and Companion Domestic Cats of New Zealand

“…Five distinct FIV subtypes have been identified, based on sequence diversity within the V3 to V5 region of the envelope gene (13,20,29). A recent study identified a distinct group of FIV isolates from Texas that possibly represent a new subtype (32). In addition, intersubtype recombination has been detected in natural populations (1,4,23).…”

Genetic diversity of Brazilian isolates of feline immunodeficiency virus

“…On the basis of the analysis of envelope glycoprotein variable regions 3-5, FIV has been classified into five subtypes [17], [27,35], a number that can be expected to increase as further studies reveal additional diversity. Recent studies identified distinct groups of FIV isolates from the Unites States and New Zealand [40,10]. Although genetic subtyping, in general, is based on nucleotide sequences from gag [4], [12], the high varia bility of the lentiviral env gene makes it the preferred region for subtyping [18].…”

Caracterização filogenética de amostras do vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) do Estado de São Paulo

“…Como observado neste trabalho, a existência de subgrupos dentro do subtipo B já havia sido descrita (Steinrigl & Klein 2003, Weaver et al 2004, inclusive no Brasil (Caxito et al 2006). A maior implicação para a formação de subgrupos dentro de um subtipo consiste na dificuldade de se utilizar diagnóstico baseado em biologia molecular (Steinrigl & Klein 2003).…”

“…Os subtipos A e B têm sido os mais freqüentemente identificados (Duarte & Tavares 2005) e estudos recentes demonstraram a ocorrência de subgrupos dentro do subtipo B (Steinrigl & Klein 2003, Weaver et al 2004, Duarte & Tavares 2005, refletindo a diversidade genética observada nos diferentes subtipos do FIV (Sodora et al 1994, Bachmann et al 1997.…”