Pathology and Molecular Characterization of Porcine Sapelovirus in Indian Pigs

Abstract

Background: The porcine sapelovirus (PSV) is a small, non-enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense, RNA virus of the family Picornaviridae. The PSV infections in pigs have been found associated with diarrhoea, polioencephalomyelitis, pneumonia and reproductive disorders with a high morbidity rate. Despite of its economical importance very few studies are available on the pathology of PSV. The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the PSV infection and associated pathology in Indian pigs. Methods: Tissue samples along with intestinal content were collected from a total of 78 necropsied cases for histopathological examination and molecular investigation during April 2019 to August 2020. The amplification of 5́ UTR region of PSV was carried out via RT-PCR and confirmed by sequencing. The Genetic characterization of Indian isolate of the PSV was done on the basis of viral 5́ UTR gene. Result: A total of eight out of 78 cases were found positive for the PSV. Catarrhal and haemorrhagic enteritis, thickening and clouding of brain meninges along with congestion of brain and pneumonia was observed as common gross lesions. Microscopic lesions included perivascular cuffing, focal gliosis, neuronophagia, congestion of meningeal and cerebral vessels, interstitial pneumonia, inflammatory changes in the intestinal mucosa and sloughing of villi. The genetic characterization revealed maximum identity of 96.89% with PSV-1 strain PSV-46-V (LC508233) and PSV-1 strain PSV-26-B (LC508232) of Zambia. This study reported the pathological and molecular investigation of PSV from Indian pigs. Further explorative surveillance along with experimental studies in suitable animal model and cell lines are highly warranted for better understanding of PSV pathology in Indian pigs. © 2023 Agricultural Research Communication Centre. All rights reserved.