A novel real-time PCR to detect Cetacean morbillivirus in Atlantic cetaceans

Author(s)

Groch, Katia R. ; Taniwaki, Sueli Akemi ; Favero, Cintia Maria ; Brandao, Paulo Eduardo ; Diaz-Delgado, Josue ; Fernandez, Antonio ; Catao-Dias, Jose Luiz ; Sierra, Eva

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Virological Methods; v. 285, p. 6-pg., 2020-11-01.

Abstract

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV, family Paramyxoviridae) is a re-emergent pathogen associated with severe epizootic outbreaks causing high mortality among cetaceans worldwide. Recently, CeMV caused an unusual mortality event of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Brazil. Partial sequence of the viral phosphopmtein (P) gene showed that the Guiana dolphin morbillivirus (GDMV) might represent a new lineage of CeMV. This study aimed to develop a molecular technique to detect the most common CeMV strains known to circulate in the Atlantic Ocean: GDMV, Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) and Pilot-whale morbillivirus (PWMV). A sensible real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method based on intercalating dye, targeting the P gene was described. This assay successfully detected GDMV, PWMV and DMV from field samples. Its performance was compared to a RT-qPCR method that specifically detects GDMV. Both assays had high sensibility and excellent intra- and inter-assay reproducibility. A total of 109 field samples from 32 Guiana dolphins were screened for CeMV by conventional RT-PCR in parallel with the RT-qPCR assay. The detection rate increased from 32% to 60% by use of the novel RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR assay described herein allows rapid and sensitive detection of Atlantic CeMV strains, and is potentially suitable for screening of CeMV globally. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/05043-5 - Pathology of Morbillivirus and assessment of selected co-infections in cetaceans From the Brazilian coast
• Grantee: Kátia Regina Groch
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 17/02223-8 - Comparative immunopathology of cetacean morbillivirus infection: histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies
• Grantee: Josué Díaz Delgado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/24932-2 - Research and characterization of Morbiliviruses of cetaceans in Brazil
• Grantee: Kátia Regina Groch
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/00735-6 - Research and characterization of Morbiliviruses of cetaceans in Brazil
• Grantee: Jose Luiz Catao Dias
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants