Genetic and antigenic characterization of Bungowannah virus, a novel pestivirus

- We describe the full genome sequence and arrangement for Bungowannah pestivirus.
- Bungowannah virus is genetically the most divergent of the pestiviruses.
- Characteristics of this virus meet the criteria for a new pestivirus species.
- This virus is antigenically remote and does not react with pan-reactive mAbs.
- mAbs against Bungowannah virus have been developed for use in diagnostic assays.

Bungowannah virus, a possible new species within the genus Pestivirus, has been associated with a disease syndrome in pigs characterized by myocarditis with a high incidence of stillbirths. The current analysis of the whole-genome and antigenic properties of this virus confirms its unique identity, and further suggests that this virus is both genetically and antigenically remote from previously recognized pestiviruses. There was no evidence of reactivity with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are generally considered to be pan-reactive with other viruses in the genus, and there was little cross reactivity with polyclonal sera. Subsequently, a set of novel mAbs has been generated which allow detection of Bungowannah virus. The combined data provide convincing evidence that Bungowannah virus is a member of the genus Pestivirus and should be officially recognized as a novel virus species.