Molecular characterization of a recently identified circovirus in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) associated with immunosuppression and opportunistic infections.

Molecular characterization of a recently identified circovirus in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) associated with immunosuppression and opportunistic infections.
Avian Pathol. 2016 Aug 22;:1-30
Authors: Rinder M, Schmitz A, Peschel A, Wörle B, Gerlach H, Korbel R
Abstract
A recently identified circovirus (family Circoviridae) was detected in 14 zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) from seven aviaries and hobbyist breeders using PCR followed by sequencing. Full genome sequences of virus strains from six zebra finches consistently revealed characteristic circoviral genomic features like a stem-loop structure and two major open reading frames encoding the replication-associated protein and the putative capsid protein. One further open reading frame encoding a protein of unknown function was additionally identified in all six genomes. Based on full genome nucleotide comparison, zebra finch circovirus was most similar to Finch circovirus originating from a Gouldian finch (Chloebia gouldiae) sharing 78% nucleotide identity. High genetic diversity was detected in the circoviruses from individual zebra finches. Comparison of the six full genome sequences revealed two genetic subgroups which chaired pairwise nucleotide identities between 91.4% and 92.7%. Analyses including partial sequences of the replication-associated protein gene of the zebra finch circovirus strains from all 14 birds supported the existence of two main clusters. Clini...

Source: Avian Pathology - August 21, 2016 Category: Pathology Authors: Rinder M, Schmitz A, Peschel A, Wörle B, Gerlach H, Korbel R Tags: Avian Pathol Source Type: research