Investigation of the Clinical and Diagnostic Aspects of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Sheep from the Southern Region of Iraq.

In the southern region of Iraq, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) has been identified and diagnosed. The study was done on (300) local sheep breeds of varying ages and sexes exhibiting PPR symptoms, while (25), healthy sheep breeds served as the control group. Additionally, the diagnosis of PPRV was confirmed by PCR. Infected sheep exhibit a variety of clinical symptoms. However, DNA sequencing was used to detect genetic links and genetic variation, and the results revealed a closed genetic relationship with the NCBI BLAST PPRV India isolate (GU014574.1) at total genetic variation (0.02-0.01%). Results indicate a large rise in PCV and ESR in conjunction with leukocytopenia and lymphocytopenia, a significant difference in clotting factor indices, and a significant increase in ALT, AST, and CK. In addition, there was a substantial variation in acute phase response. Postmortem examinations revealed various erosive lesions on the upper and lower gums, severe hemorrhagic enteritis, particularly of the small intestine, and obvious congestion of the lungs. Histopathological changes revealed an obvious flattening of the intestinal mucosa as well as an enlargement of the villi. In addition to a granuloma in the sub-mucosa, chronic inflammatory cells, primarily lymphocytes, were seen invading the mucosa. It has been determined that the sickness was circulating in the southern region of Iraq and severely afflicted sheep, which might result in significant economic losses owing to the detrimental effects of the virus that causes the disease on the various bodily parts.

Molecular detection of mixed infection with peste des petits ruminants and retroviruses in Egyptian sheep and goats.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious viral disease causing massive economic loss to animal industries in endemic countries including Egypt. Although a vaccine is available, coinfections can overwhelm the animal immune system and interfere with vaccine protection. Small ruminant retrovirus (SRR), including enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) and Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), is responsible for coinfections with PPR. Investigation of clinical cases in this study confirmed the presence of PPR virus by RT-PCR among four flocks. Sequence of five PPR amplicons revealed that all strains had 100% aa similarity and belonged to lineage IV. In addition, these strains had 98-99% nt similarity with all previous Egyptian and African strains from Sudan (MK371449) and Ethiopia (MK371449). Illumina sequencing of a representative sample showed a genome of 5753 nt compatible with ENT-2 virus with 98.42% similarity with the Chinese strain (MN564750.1). Four ORFs representing gag, pro, pol, and env genes were identified and annotated. Pro gene was highly stable while gag, pol, and env showed eight, two, and three aa differences with the reference strains. Sanger sequencing revealed that two amplicons were ENT-2 virus, and one was JSRV. ENT-2 sequences had 100% similarity with KU258870 and KU258871 reference strains while JSRV was 100% similar to the EF68031 reference strain. The phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship between the ENT of goats and the JSRV of sheep. This study highlights the complexity of PPR molecular epidemiology, with SRR that was not molecularly characterized previously in Egypt.

Global ecological niche modelling of current and future distribution of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRv) with an ensemble modelling algorithm.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats that negatively impacted the farmers and pastoralists' livelihood in Africa and Asia. To overcome the disease's consequences, the OIE and FAO are collaborating efforts to eradicate the disease once and for all. We developed a predictive model that delineates suitable territories for the virus globally in support of this eradication programme. To achieve this, we used an ecological niche modelling with an ensemble algorithm. AUC-ROC curve, true skill statistics (TSS) and Kappa values were used to evaluate the model's performance. A TSS value greater than 0.7 was used to pool outputs of the nine model. The ensemble model has better performance than individual models by every evaluation metrics (Kappa = 0.82, TSS = 0.88 and ROC = 0.99). Annual minimum temperature (24.92%), annual maximum temperature (21.37%), goat density (18.03%) and solar radiation (14.04%) have the highest overall contribution in the ensemble model. The model indicates that India, Mongolia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Angola, Nigeria, DRC, Ghana, Sierra Leon, Southern Spain, France, Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia, Italy, Armenia and Azerbaijan are highly suitable for PPRv. In 2040, suitable territories for PPRv will diminish, indicating the odds are with us in eradicating disease by 2030. We believe that this model can be used as an epidemiological tool to facilitate the global eradication programme of the disease set by the OIE and FAO.

Pathophysiology of peste des petits ruminants in sheep (Dorper & Kajli) and goats (Boer & Beetal).

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), an economically important viral transboundary disease of small ruminants is not only prevalent in Pakistan but also in other countries where people rely on agriculture and animal products. The present study was aimed at describing the pathology and antigen localization in natural PPR infections in local (Kajli sheep; Beetal goats) as well as imported small ruminant breeds (Dorper sheep; Australian Boer goat). Morbidity and mortality rates were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in indigenous Kajli sheep (75.37 and 32.80%) and Beetal goats (81.10 and 37.24%) as compared to Dorper sheep (6.99 and 1.48%) and Australian Boer goat (5.01 and 2.23%). Affected animals exhibited high fever, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, respiratory distress and nodular lesions on lips and nostrils. Thick mucous discharge was oozing out from nostrils. On necropsy, lungs were congested and pneumonic, with nodular and cystic appearance. Intestines were hemorrhagic with zebra stripping. Characteristic histopathological lesions of PPR were noted in intestines, lymphoid organs and lungs. In GI tract, stunting and blunting of villi, necrotic enteritis, and infiltration of mononuclear cells in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Small intestines exhibited diffuse edema of the submucosa along with proliferation of fibrocytes leading to thickened submucosa which has not been reported previously. Lymphoid organs showed partial to complete destruction of lymphoid follicles. Lesions of the respiratory tract included depictive of bronchopneumonia, severe congestion of trachea and apical lobe of lungs with deposition of fibrinous materials. Histopathological lesions of respiratory tract were severe and characteristic of broncho-interstitial pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, interstitial pneumonia and fibrinous pneumonia. The alveoli were filled with edematous fluid mixed with fibrinous exudate, numerous alveolar macrophages, mononuclear cells along with thickened interalveolar septa and presence of intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies. One-Step RT-PCR using NP3 and NP4 primers confirmed a PPR virus of 352 bp size in spleen, lungs and mesenteric and brachial lymph node samples. It was concluded that morbidity and mortality due to PPR were significantly higher in indigenous breeds of sheep and goat as compared to imported sheep and goat breeds. PPR has rendered various lesions in GI and respiratory tract which are characteristic in nature for the diagnosis of the disease under field condition.

Confirmation and Sequence analysis of N gene of PPRV in South Xinjiang, China / Confirmação e análise de sequência do gene N de PPRV em Xinjiang do Sul, China

In China, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was officially first reported in 2007. From 2010 until the outbreak of 2013, PPRV infection was not reported. In November 2013, PPRV re-emerged in Xinjiang and rapidly spread to 22 P/A/M (provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities) of China. In the study, suspected PPRV-infected sheep in a breeding farm of South Xinjiang in 2014 were diagnosed and the characteristics of complete sequence of N protein gene of PPRV was analyzed. The sheep showed PPRV-infected signs, such as fever, orinasal secretions increase, dyspnea and diarrhea, with 60% of morbidity and 21.1% of fatality rate. The macroscopic lesions after autopsy and histopathological changes were observed under light microscope including stomatitis, broncho-interstitial pneumonia, catarrhal hemorrhagic enteritis and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions in multinucleated giantcell in lung. The formalin-fixed mixed tissues samples were positive by nucleic acid extraction and RT-PCR detection. The nucleotide of N protein gene of China/XJNJ/2014 strain was extremely high homology with the China/XJYL/2013 strain, and the highest with PRADESH_95 strain from India in exotic strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete sequence of N protein gene of PPRV showed that the China/XJNJ/2014 strain, other strain of 2013-2014 in this study and Tibetan strains all belonged to lineage Ⅳ, but the PPRV strains of 2013-2014 in this study and Tibetan strains were in different sub-branches.(AU)

Na China, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) foi relatado oficialmente em 2007. De 2010 até o surto de 2013, não houve relato de infecção por PPRV. Em Novembro de 2013, PPRV ressurgiu em Xinjiang e rapidamente se espalhou para 22 P/A/M (províncias, regiões autônomas e municípios) da China. No estudo, ovelhas com suspeita de infecção por PPRV em uma fazenda de reprodução no sul de Xinjiang form diagnosticadas em 2014 e as características da sequência completa da proteína N do gene do PPRV foi analisada. As ovelhas tinham sinais de infecção pelo PPRV, como febre, aumento de secreções oro-nasais, dispneia e diarreia, com 60% de morbidade e 21.1% de fatalidade. As lesões macroscópicas após mudanças histopatológicas foram observadas sob microscópio, incluindo estomatite, pneumonia bronco-intersticial, enterite hemorrágica catarral e inclusões eosinofílicas intracitoplasmáticas em células gigantes multinucleares no pulmão. As amostras de tecido fixadas em formalina testaram positivo para detecção de RT-PCR por extração de ácido nucleico. Os nucleotídeos da proteína N do gene da linhagem China/XJNJ/2014 apresentou extrema homologia com o China/XJYL/2013, e homologia ainda maior com a variedade PRADESH-95 da Índia. Análise filogenética baseada na sequencia completa da proteína N do gene de PPRV mostrou que as variedades China/XJNJ/2014, outra de 2013-2014 mostrada nesse estudo e as Tibetanas todas pertenciam à linhagem Ⅳ, mas as PPRV de 2013-2014 nesse estudo e as Tibetanas estavam em diferentes agrupamentos.(AU)

Mixed infection of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and other respiratory viruses in dromedary camels in Sudan, an abattoir study.

This study was intended to determine the role played by peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in causing respiratory infections in camels and its association with other respiratory viruses. A total of 474 lung specimens showing pneumonia were collected from clinically healthy camels in slaughterhouses at five different areas in Sudan. Using immunocapture ELISA (IcELISA), 214 specimens (45.1 %) were found to be positive for PPR antigen. The highest prevalence was found in central Sudan (59.9 %) then northern Sudan (56.6 %) and eastern Sudan (26.6 %). Parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV 3), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), and adenovirus were detected in 4.4, 2.9, 2.0, 9.0, and 1.3 % of the specimens, respectively. PPR antigen was found in about 50 % of specimens that showed positive result for other viral antigens. Twenty-five of 28 BVD, 15 of 16 PIV3, 8 of 12 RSV, 4 of 4 adenovirus, and 4 of 5 BHV-1 were found in association with other respiratory antigens. Results revealed the existence of PPRV infection in dromedary camels in Sudan and present evidence for mixed virus infection, suggesting that respiratory infections in camels might be exacerbated by PPRV.

Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the structural genes of virulent isolates and vaccine strains of peste des petits ruminants virus from India.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, highly contagious, notifiable and economically important transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats. In this study, sequence and phylogenetic analyses of structural protein genes, namely the nucleocapsid (N), the matrix (M), the fusion (F) and the haemagglutinin (H) coding sequences of virulent and vaccine strains of PPR virus (PPRV), were undertaken to determine the genetic variations between field isolates and vaccine strains. The open reading frame (ORF) of these genes of the isolates/strains was amplified by RT-PCR, cloned and sequenced. The ORF of N, M, F and H genes was 1578, 1008, 1641 and 1830 nucleotides (nt) in length and encodes polypeptides of 525, 335, 546 and 609 amino acids (aa), respectively, as reported earlier. Comparative sequence analyses of these four genes of isolates/strains were carried out with published sequences. It revealed an identity of 97.7-100% and 97.7-99.8% among the Asian lineage IV and 89.6-98.7% and 89.8-98.9% with other lineages of PPRV at nt and aa levels, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses of these isolates based on the aa sequences showed that all the viruses belonged to lineage IV along with other Asian isolates. This is in agreement with earlier observations that only PPRV lineage IV is in circulation in India since the disease was first reported. Further, sequence analysis of the thermostable/thermo-adapted vaccine strains showed no significant changes in the functional or structural surface protein-coding gene sequences. It is important to monitor the circulation of the PPRV in susceptible animals by H gene-based sequence comparisons in addition to the F gene- and N gene-based approaches to identify the distribution and spread of virus in the regular outbreaks that occur in endemic countries like India.

Isolation and identification of virulent peste des petits ruminants viruses from PPR outbreaks in India.

In this study, three outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in goats and sheep flocks with high morbidity and considerable mortality were recorded at Jhansi and Revati in Uttar Pradesh and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, India during 2003-2006. Clinical samples were collected from the affected flocks for laboratory investigation. The PPR virus (PPRV) antigen/nucleic acid in the infected tissues/swab materials was demonstrated by using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques, and the antibody to PPRV in serum samples was detected by competitive ELISA. The causative agent of the outbreaks, PPRV, was successfully isolated in Vero cells at first passage itself, and its identity was confirmed. The isolated PPR viruses belong to lineage IV based on phylogenetic analysis of partial fusion gene sequences and are closely related to other Asian or Indian PPRV isolates/strains.

Pathological, serological, and virological findings in sheep infected simultaneously with Bluetongue, Peste-des-petits-ruminants, and Sheeppox viruses.

In this study, pathological, serological and virological examinations were performed on 15 sheep from a flock of 250 sheep and lambs that suffer from simultaneous naturally occurring BTV, PPRV and SPV outbreaks. SPV was diagnosed macroscopically and histopathologically, BTV was diagnosed by ELISA, and PPRV was diagnosed pathologically and by ELISA. Clinically fever, diarrhea, depression, polypnea, conjunctivitis, lacrimation, rhinitis, erosive stomatitis, edema of eyelids, photophobia, cutaneous eruption with erythematous areas especially noticeable in wool-free parts of the body and axilla lesions evolving into papules were observed. At necropsy, the most effected organs were lungs and gut. Subepicardial hemorrhages were also commonly seen. While typical pox lesions were observed in some lambs, usually fibrinous pleuropneumonia was more prominent lung lesion. SPV and PPRV lesions were seen at the histopathological examination of the lesioned tissues, BT lesions were mild than SPV and PPRV microscopically. Serum and leukocyte samples of 15 animals were examined for PPRV and BTV by ELISA; 5 samples were positive for PPRV and 6 BTV, 4 were positive for both PPRV and BTV simultaneously. One hundred animals died, most were lambs. Mortality rates were 100% in lambs and 80% in the herd.

Recent epidemiology of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV).

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an economically important viral disease of goats and sheep first described in west Africa in the 1940s. The virus has been circulating in parts of sub-Saharan Africa for several decades and in the Middle East and southern Asia since 1993, although the first description of the virus in India dates to 1987. To study the genetic relationship between isolates of distinct geographical origin, a selected region of the fusion (F) protein gene of the viruses was amplified using RT/PCR and the resulting DNA product sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Viruses from 27 outbreaks in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, reported between 1993 and 2000, and two recent outbreaks from the African continent were compared with the prototype African strain. Of the four known lineages of PPR virus, lineage 1 and 2 viruses have been found exclusively in west Africa. Virus from an outbreak in Burkina Faso in 1999 fell into the lineage 1 group. Viruses of lineage 3 have been found in east Africa, where an outbreak in Ethiopia in 1996 was of this type, and also in Arabia and in southern India. However, there have been no further isolations of lineage 3 virus from India since the one reported in 1992 from Tamil Nadu. A virus of this lineage was found circulating in Yemen in 2001. In the past 8 years virus exclusively of the fourth lineage has spread across the Middle East and the Asian sub-continent, reaching east as far as Nepal and Bangladesh. This virus lineage was also reported from Kuwait in 1999. The geographical source of the new lineage 4 virus is unknown although it is most closely related to African lineage 1. The possibility that its earlier presence in northern India was masked by the circulation of Rinderpest virus, a related virus of cattle, is considered unlikely.