Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5675346 | Virus Research | 2017 | 7 Pages |
â¢This is the first description of a novel sub-genotype of NDV (VIk).â¢Genotype VIk strains are present in China and Europe, calling for strict control strategies.â¢Inconsistencies exist in pathogenicity indexes in chickens in comparison to other pigeon viruses.â¢Genotype VIk strains are pathogenic to pigeons.
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can lead to a devastating disease to various avian species including pigeons. Genotype VI NDV is a major cause of Newcastle disease (ND) in Columbiformes (i.e. pigeons and doves). Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of genotype VI based on the complete F gene sequences of 2 pigeon-origin isolates in northeastern China in 2015, along with 238 genotype VI strains available in GenBank. The phylogenetic tree and evolutionary distances revealed that the 2 new isolates were clustered into a new sub-genotype herein proposed as VIk. Although the 2 isolates contain the 113RQKRF117 cleavage site, a feature generally associated with virulent NDV strains, the values of ICPI and MDT showed lentogenic characteristics. The challenge experiment demonstrated that the isolate Pigeon/China/Jilin/NG05/2015 was pathogenic to pigeons, causing lesions in multiple tissues and organs. The emergence and spread of the sub-genotype VIk viruses illustrated that the genotype VI NDV was undergoing evolutionary changes. It is necessary to pay close attention and carry out epidemiological surveillance in pigeons.