The Comparative Full-Length Genome Characterization of African Swine Fever Virus Detected in Thailand.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) has been responsible for the globally devastating epidemics in wild and domesticated pigs. Of the 24 identified ASFV genotypes, genotype II is the primary cause for the pandemic occurring in Europe and Asia since its emergence in Georgia in 2007. The current study aimed to characterize the full-length genomic pattern of the ASFV strain from Thailand, TH1_22/CR (Accession No. PP915735), which was then compared with genomic diversity across other Asian isolates using Georgia 2007/1 (Accession No. FR682468) as the reference. Viral DNA was isolated from the pig spleen sample following library preparation and paired-end sequencing using the MiSeq Illumina platform. The sequenced TH1_22/CR isolate spanned 189,395 nucleotides encoding 193 open reading frames (ORFs), exhibiting maximum nucleotide similarity (99.99%) with Georgian (Georgia 2007/1) and Chinese (Wuhan 2019-1 and China HLJ) isolates. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the TH1_22/CR isolate (Accession No. PP915735) was characterized as genotype II, serogroup 8, and IGR-II due to the presence of three tandem repeat sequences (TRSs). Genetic variations including SNPs and single and polynucleotide indels were identified in TH1_22/CR in agreement with other Asian isolates. For comprehensive analysis, the genome was divided into four regions (I-IV) based on gene location. Overall, the TH1_22/CR isolate demonstrated eight SNPs and indels in its genome. Two unique SNPs were reported in the coding regions of the TH1_22/CR isolate, out of which, a C-591-T substitution was seen in MGF 360-4L and a C-297-T was found in A238L, and four unique SNPs were reported in non-coding regions (NCRs). Furthermore, a 29 bp deletion was observed in the IGR between MGF 110-13La and MGF 110-13Lb, as well as 52 bp deletion in the ASFV G ACD 00350 gene. This comparative analysis establishes the foundational information for future studies on the diversity and phylogeography of this regionally significant genetic sub-group of ASFV.

Long-term monitoring of immune response to recombinant lumpy skin disease virus in dairy cattle from small-household farms in western Thailand.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) was firstly reported in Thailand in 2021 which affected the cattle industry. However, there is limited information on the immune response of LSDV infection in Thailand where recombinant vaccine strain circulated. The aim of this research was to study the duration of LSD immune response of subclinical and clinical animals after natural infection in dairy cattle. Sixty-six dairy cattle from ten farms in central and western regions of Thailand were investigated. Antibody was detected by virus neutralization test and ELISA. Cell mediated immunity (CMI)-related cytokine gene expressions were evaluated. Antibody was detected until at least 15 months after the noticeable symptom. Cattle with subclinical disease had lower antibody levels compared to animals which had clinical disease. IFN-γ and TNF-α levels were increased, while IL-10 level was decreased in the infected animals compared to the controls. This study elucidated immune responses in dairy cattle herd affected by recombinant LSDV.

Complete Genomic Characterization of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Isolates from Beef Cattle in Lopburi Province, Central Thailand, during 2021-2022.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral infection that impacts the cattle industry. The most efficient approach to prevent disease involves the utilization of live-attenuated LSD vaccines (LAVs), which stands out as the most successful method. However, LAVs might be subjected to changes to their genomes during replication that increase viral infectivity or virulence. The objective of this study was to monitor alterations in the genetic characteristics of the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) in beef cattle following the administration of LAVs in Lopburi Province of Central Thailand. A total of four skin samples from LSD cases were collected from non-vaccinated animals that exhibited LSD clinical symptoms from two distinct districts, spanning three subdistricts within the region. The samples of cattle were analyzed using real-time PCR targeting the LSDV074 p32 gene, the virus was isolated, and the entire genome sequences were evaluated through a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis, and phylogenetic trees were assembled. The investigations revealed that LSDVs from two isolates from Chai Badan district exhibited significant mutations in the open reading frame (ORF) 023 putative protein, while another two isolates from Lam Sonthi district had a change in the untranslated region (UTR). For a result, the most proficient disease diagnosis and control should be evaluated on viral genetics on a regular basis.