First detection and molecular characterisation of pseudocowpox virus in a cattle herd in Zambia
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RESEARCH
First detection and molecular characterisation of pseudocowpox virus in a cattle herd in Zambia Maureen Wakwamba Ziba1* , Chanda Chitala1, Tirumala Bharani K. Settypalli2, Malama Mumba1, Giovanni Cattoli2, Paul Fandamu1 and Charles Euloge Lamien2
Abstract Background: Pseudocowpox virus (PCPV) of the genus Parapoxvirus in the family Poxviridae causes pseudocowpox in cattle worldwide and presents a zoonotic concern. Most poxviruses produce diseases of similar clinical signs in affected animals, which are impossible to differentiate clinically or by serology. It is, therefore, vital to use molecular assays to rapidly identify the causative agents of poxvirus infections. This study aimed to detect, diagnose, and characterize the causative agent of pox-like skin lesions in a cattle herd in Zambia, initially suspected to be infected with Lumpy Skin Disease virus. Methods: We used a High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis assay to detect the PCPV genome and sequenced the major envelope protein (B2L gene) for comparative sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Our field investigations showed cattle presenting atypical skin lesions and high morbidity within the herd. The laboratory diagnosis, based on the HRM assay revealed PCPV DNA in the samples. Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analyses confirmed PCPV in the samples and revealed genomic differences between samples collected in 2017 and 2018 from the same farm. Conclusion: Our work is the first documented report of PCPV in Zambia. It shows the strength of molecular methods to diagnose pox-like infections in cattle and discriminate between diseases causing similar clinical signs. This rapid and accurate diagnosis improves the response time for more accurate veterinary interventions. Keywords: Pseudocowpox virus, HRM assay, B2L gene, Parapoxvirus, Zambia Background Pseudocowpox is a pox-like disease of cattle caused by pseudocowpox virus (PCPV) of the genus Parapoxvirus (PPV) within the family Poxviridae [1]. This genus also includes bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) of cattle and orf virus (ORFV) of sheep and goats. Additional PPVs affect red deer of New Zealand (PVNZ), reindeers, seals, and musk ox [2–5]. Other poxviruses, within the *Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Department of Veterinary Services Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Central Veterinary Research Institute, P.O Box 33980, Lusaka, Zambia Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
genera Capripoxvirus and Orthopoxvirus, can also affect cattle. Parapoxviruses cause papules and erosions on the muzzle, oral mucosa, and udder [6] and may cause high morbidity and loss of productivity [7]. Parapoxvirus infections may also be asymptomatic [8], and can infect humans working in close contact with infected animals [7, 9]. Parapoxvirus infections can be clinically diagnosed, however, clinical signs may overlap with other diseases such as lumpy skin disease (LSD), bovine herpes virus (BoHV), BPSV, and orthopoxvirus. In Zambia, LSD has been docum
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