Evolutionary Diversity of Suid Herpesvirus 1 Based on Ul44 Partial Sequences.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use partial Ul44 sequences (glycoprotein C) of Suid herpesvirus 1 to examine the evolution and dynamics of the virus in different periods and hosts. METHODS: Phylogenetic trees were constructed using the software MrBayes after analysis in the software jModelTest to evaluate the best phylogenetic models. The software SplitsTree 4.0 was used to create phylogenetic networks, and the BEAST program was used to generate data on phylogeography. Replication kinetics and serum neutralization tests were applied to tree strains from different phylogenetic groups. RESULTS: Ul44 sequences derived from domestic swine and wild swine clustered in different clades and had different selective pressures depending on the host. We found no differences in replication kinetics and serum neutralization tests in the strains tested. Data show that the evolution of herpesviruses is complex, and different genetic groups may be evolving at different rates. Ul44 is an important marker for molecular evolution and epidemiology studies, but it is not useful for biological information.

Genomic variations among wildtype and mutant strains of pseudorabies virus.

Both wild-type virulent and mutant strains of pseudorabies virus (PrV) were used in this study. Mutants used were derived from the plaque purified strain PrVmAIP. A total of six drug resistant mutants, three bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) resistant and three iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) resistant, respectively, were isolated and passaged in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells. The DNA of these PrVs were compared with the wild-type isolates by means of the restriction fragment pattern (RFP) findings produced with Bam HI, Kpn I, Hind III and Bgl II restriction enzymes (RE). Compared to the wild-type PrVs (PrV-VBA1-parental strain of PrVmAIP; PrV-VBA2; PrV-VBA3), the RFP of PrVmAIP showed the presence of mutations within the RE sites studied. Both PrV-VBA1 and PrV-VBA2 appeared to be closely related but their RFPs differed from PrV-VBA3. Significant differences either in the number, size or migrations of the DNA fragments could also be detected in the BUdR resistant strains. Even though different features of cytopathic effect (GPE) were observed in the IUdR resistant PrVs, the RFP findings remained identical. The PrVs studied showed considerable differences from the reference PrV (PrV-CD).

Persistence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Aujeszky's Disease virus and Blue Eye Disease virus in ensilages based on the solid fraction of pig faeces.

AIMS: This study was carried out to determine the survival time of Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Aujeszky's Disease virus and Blue Eye Disease virus in ensilages based on the solid fraction of pig faeces. METHODS AND RESULTS: The four micro-organisms were inoculated into microsilos based on the solid fraction of pig faeces, sorghum and molasses. They were left for 0, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days, after which the state of each microsilo was evaluated, and isolation of the inoculated agents was attempted. The four inoculated agents were isolated only on day 0 of ensilage. The viral agents were identified through the cytopathic effect and fluorescence. CONCLUSIONS, SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: It is concluded that ensilages based on the solid fraction of pig faeces appear to reduce the risk of the transmission of the agents inoculated in this study and help to reduce the environmental impact by using the solid in animal feed.

Non-pathogenic strains of Aujeszky's disease virus are not reactivated in swine after corticosteroid treatment.

1. The Bartha-K and NIA-4 strains of Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) were readily isolated from oropharyngeal swabs up to 7 days after intranasal vaccination of young piglets. 2. Neither strain could be reisolated 14 days after starting treatment with 10 mg of the corticosteroid isoflupredone acetate per kg of body weight, administered intramuscularly for 4 consecutive days when pigs were 7-9 months of age. 3. Similar treatment with corticosteroid pigs infected with two virulent ADV strains resulted in the reactivation of infection and recovery of ADV from oropharyngeal swabs. 4. Serum neutralizing antibodies were present in all piglets vaccinated twice (2 week interval) intranasally with the attenuated ADV strains, 4 weeks after primary vaccination. However, these antibodies were no longer detectable in some pigs at 12 (NIA-4) and 20 (Bartha-K) weeks of age even in undiluted sera. 5. Neutralizing antibodies resulting from infection with virulent ADV were always detectable, were higher in titer than those produced by the vaccine strains and did not vary in a clear pattern after corticosteroid treatment. 6. These results indicate that the Bartha-K and NIA-4 strains undergo little or no latency in swine and confirm the latency of virulent strains of ADV.