Phylogenetic analysis of a novel reassortant orthoreovirus strain detected in partridge (Perdix perdix)

Avian orthoreoviruses cause various diseases in wild birds and domesticated poultry. In this study we report the detection and genomic characterization of a partridge (Perdix perdix) origin reovirus strain, D1007/2008. The virus was isolated on cell culture from acute pneumonia and infra-orbital sinusitis. The 23,497 nucleotide long genome sequence was obtained by combined use of semiconductor and capillary sequencing. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the partridge reovirus strain was related to orthoreoviruses of gallinaceous birds. In fact, five (λB, λC, μB, σC, σNS) and one (σB) out of 10 genes clustered definitely with turkey or chicken origin orthoreoviruses, respectively, whereas in the λA, μA, μNS and σA phylogenies a more distant genetic relationship was observed. Our data indicate that the identified reovirus strain is composed of a mixture of chicken and turkey orthoreovirus related alleles. This finding implies that partridges may serve as natural reservoirs for orthoreoviruses of domesticated poultry.