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Annalise Williamson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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influence of the lumpy skin disease virus lsdv superoxide dismutase homologue on host transcriptional activity apoptosis and histopathology
Journal of General Virology, 2020Co-Authors: Nicola Douglass, Henry Munyanduki, Kristy Offerman, Olivia Carulei, Annalise WilliamsonAbstract:Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a Capripoxvirus, is of economic importance in the cattle industry and is controlled by vaccination. A comparison was made of the host response to the two LSDV vaccines Neethling and Herbivac LS, with reference to the well-studied Orthopoxvirus, modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA), in a mouse model. Because the vaccines differ at the superoxide dismutase homologue (SOD) gene locus, recombinant SOD knock-out and knock-in nLSDV vaccines were constructed and all four vaccines were tested for the induction and inhibition of apoptosis. The SOD homologue was associated both with induction of apoptosis as well as inhibition of camptothecin-induced apoptosis. Histological analysis of chorioallantoic membranes of fertilized hens' eggs infected with the four different vaccines indicated marked mesodermal proliferation associated with vaccines containing the full-length SOD homologue as well as increased immune cell infiltration. Our findings suggest that the SOD homologue may influence vaccine immunogenicity.
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a novel candidate hiv vaccine vector based on the replication deficient Capripoxvirus lumpy skin disease virus lsdv
Virology Journal, 2011Co-Authors: Yenju Shen, Enid G Shephard, Nicola Douglass, Nicolette Johnston, Craig Adams, Carolyn Williamson, Annalise WilliamsonAbstract:Background The Capripoxvirus, Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) has a restricted host-range and is being investigated as a novel HIV-1 vaccine vector. LSDV does not complete its replication cycle in non-ruminant hosts.
Shawn Babiuk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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emerging viral vectored technology future potential of Capripoxvirus and african swine fever virus as viral vectors
2021Co-Authors: Shawn BabiukAbstract:The ability to generate recombinant viruses allows for the development of more effective live-attenuated vaccines. Furthermore, these vaccines can also be used a viral vector to induce immune responses against expressed protective antigens to generate multivalent vaccines. Capripoxviruses and African swine fever virus are becoming increasingly important due to their spread into new regions. This chapter will describe these viruses, the clinical disease they cause, and the impact of the disease as well as how recombinant viruses are constructed. The current state of the art for Capripoxvirus and African swine fever viruses as vaccines and viral vectors will be presented. Finally, future areas of research for improving Capripoxvirus and African swine fever virus vectors will be discussed.
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Potential of Using Capripoxvirus Vectored Vaccines Against Arboviruses in Sheep, Goats, and Cattle.
Frontiers in veterinary science, 2019Co-Authors: Mahder Teffera, Shawn BabiukAbstract:The genus Capripoxvirus consists of sheeppox virus, goatpox virus, and lumpy skin disease virus, which affect sheep, goats, and cattle, respectively. Together Capripoxviruses cause significant economic losses to the sheep, goat, and cattle industry where these diseases are present. These diseases have spread into previously free bordering regions most recently demonstrated with the spread of lumpy skin disease virus into the Middle East, some Eastern European countries, and Russia. This recent spread has highlighted the transboundary nature of these diseases. To control lumpy skin disease virus, live attenuated viral vaccines are used in endemic countries as well as in response to an outbreak. For sheeppox and goatpox, live attenuated viral vaccines are used in endemic countries; these diseases can also be contained through slaughter of infected animals to stamp out the disease. The thermostability, narrow host range, and ability of Capripoxviruses to express a wide variety of antigens make Capripoxviruses ideal vectors. The ability to immunize animals against multiple diseases simultaneously increases vaccination efficiency by decreasing the number of vaccinations required. Additionally, the use of Capripoxvirus vectored vaccines allows the possibility of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals. Arboviruses such as bluetongue virus and Rift Valley fever viruses are also responsible for significant economic losses in endemic countries. In the case of Rift Valley fever virus, vaccination is not routinely practiced unless there is an outbreak making vaccination not as effective, therefore, incorporating Rift Valley fever vaccination into routine Capripoxvirus vaccination would be highly beneficial. This review will discuss the potential of using Capripoxvirus as a vector expressing protective arboviral antigens.
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Extended sequencing of vaccine and wild-type Capripoxvirus isolates provides insights into genes modulating virulence and host range.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Siddhartha Biswas, Shawn Babiuk, Oliver Lung, Lorne A. Babiuk, Ryan S. Noyce, Timothy R. Bowden, David B. Boyle, Dieter M. Bulach, David H EvansAbstract:: The genus Capripoxvirus in the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae, family Poxviridae, comprises sheeppox virus (SPPV), goatpox virus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which cause the eponymous diseases across parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. These diseases cause significant economic losses and can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods and food security of small farm holders. So far, only live classically attenuated SPPV, GTPV and LSDV vaccines are commercially available and the history, safety and efficacy of many have not been well established. Here, we report 13 new Capripoxvirus genome sequences, including the hairpin telomeres, from both pathogenic field isolates and vaccine strains. We have also updated the genome annotations to incorporate recent advances in our understanding of poxvirus biology. These new genomes and genes grouped phenetically with other previously sequenced Capripoxvirus strains, and these new alignments collectively identified several recurring alterations in genes thought to modulate virulence and host range. In particular, some of the many large Capripoxvirus ankyrin and kelch-like proteins are commonly mutated in vaccine strains, while the variola virus B22R-like gene homolog has also been disrupted in many vaccine isolates. Among these vaccine isolates, frameshift mutations are especially common and clearly present a risk of reversion to wild type in vaccines bearing these mutations. A consistent pattern of gene inactivation from LSDV to GTPV and then SPPV is also observed, much like the pattern of gene loss in orthopoxviruses, but, rather surprisingly, the overall genome size of ~150 kbp remains relatively constant. These data provide new insights into the evolution of Capripoxviruses and the determinants of pathogenicity and host range. They will find application in the development of new vaccines with better safety, efficacy and trade profiles.
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generation of recombinant Capripoxvirus vectors for vaccines and gene knockout function studies
Methods of Molecular Biology, 2016Co-Authors: Hani Boshra, Jingxin Cao, Shawn BabiukAbstract:The ability to manipulate Capripoxvirus through gene knockouts and gene insertions has become an increasingly valuable research tool in elucidating the function of individual genes of Capripoxvirus, as well as in the development of Capripoxvirus-based recombinant vaccines. The homologous recombination technique is used to generate Capripoxvirus knockout viruses (KO), and is based on the targeting a particular viral gene of interest. This technique can also be used to insert a gene of interest. A protocol for the generation of a viral gene knockout is described. This technique involves the use of a plasmid which encodes the flanking sequences of the regions where the homologous recombination will occur, and will result in the insertion of an EGFP reporter gene for visualization of recombinant virus, as well as the E. coli gpt gene as a positive selection marker. If an additional gene is to be incorporated, this can be achieved by inserting a gene of interest for expression under a poxvirus promoter into the plasmid between the flanking regions for insertion. This chapter describes a protocol for generating such recombinant Capripoxviruses.
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pathology and viral antigen distribution following experimental infection of sheep and goats with Capripoxvirus
Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2012Co-Authors: Carissa Emburyhyatt, Shawn Babiuk, Lisa Manning, Timothy R. Bowden, Shelley Ganske, David L Boyle, John CoppsAbstract:Summary Current understanding of Capripoxvirus pathogenesis is limited since there have been no detailed studies examining cell tropism at well-defined intervals following infection. We undertook time-course studies in sheep and goats following inoculation of sheeppox or goatpox viruses in their respective homologous hosts, and examined tissues by light microscopy. A monoclonal antibody generated to a sheeppox virus core protein was used for immunohistochemical detection of viral antigen in tissue sections. Lesions and virus antigen were observed consistently in the skin, lung and lymph nodes. Antigen was detected at 6 and 8 days post inoculation for skin and lung, respectively, within cells which appeared to be of monocyte/macrophage lineage. In sheep skin Capripoxvirus immunoreactivity was detected within previously unreported large multinucleated cells. In the lung, double immunolabelling detected the simultaneous expression of Capripoxvirus antigen and cytokeratin indicating the presence of virus within pneumocytes. Lung double immunolabelling also detected the expression of Capripoxvirus antigen in CD68+ cells, confirming the presence of viral antigen within macrophages. Based on early detection of infected macrophages, dissemination of virus within the host and localization to tissues likely occurred through cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Histological findings revealed similarities with both monkeypox and smallpox, thus Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goats may represent useful models with which to study strategies for poxvirus-specific virus vaccine concepts and therapeutics.
D. N. Black - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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development of a dual recombinant vaccine to protect small ruminants against peste des petits ruminants virus and Capripoxvirus infections
Journal of Virology, 2003Co-Authors: G Berhe, D. N. Black, Thomas Barrett, Cecile Minet, Le C Goff, A Ngangnou, Colette Grillet, Genevieve Libeau, M Fleming, Adama DialloAbstract:A recombinant Capripoxvirus vaccine containing a cDNA of the peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) fusion protein gene was constructed. A quick and efficient method was used to select a highly purified recombinant virus clone. A trial showed that a dose of this recombinant as low as 0.1 PFU protected goats against challenge with a virulent PPRV strain.
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long term immunity in african cattle vaccinated with a recombinant capripox rinderpest virus vaccine
Epidemiology and Infection, 2002Co-Authors: C. K. Ngichabe, D. N. Black, H. M. Wamwayi, E. K. Ndungu, C. J. Bostock, P K Mirangi, Thomas BarrettAbstract:Cattle were vaccinated with a recombinant capripox-rinderpest vaccine designed to protect cattle from infection with either rinderpest virus (RPV) or lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). Vaccination did not induce any adverse clinical responses or show evidence of transmission of the vaccine virus to in-contact control animals. Approximately 50% of the cattle were solidly protected from challenge with a lethal dose of virulent RPV 2 years after vaccination while at 3 years approx. 30% were fully protected. In the case of LSDV, all of 4 vaccinated cattle challenged with virulent LSDV at 2 years were completely protected from clinical disease while 2 of 5 vaccinated cattle were completely protected at 3 years. The recombinant vaccine showed no loss of potency when stored lyophylized at 4 degrees C for up to 1 year. These results indicate that Capripoxvirus is a suitable vector for the development of safe, effective and stable recombinant vaccines for cattle.
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Trial of a Capripoxvirus-rinderpest recombinant vaccine in African cattle.
Epidemiology and infection, 1997Co-Authors: C. K. Ngichabe, D. N. Black, Thomas Barrett, H. M. Wamwayi, E. K. Ndungu, C. J. BostockAbstract:Cattle were vaccinated with differing doses of an equal mixture of capripox-rinderpest recombinant viruses expressing either the fusion protein (F) or the haemagglutinin protein (H) of rinderpest virus. Animals vaccinated with 2 x 10(4) p.f.u. or greater of the combined viruses were completely protected against challenge, 1 month later, with both virulent rinderpest and lumpy skin disease viruses. Vaccination with any of the doses did not induce any adverse clinical response in the animals or transmission of the vaccine virus between animals. All cattle challenged 6 or 12 months after vaccination with 2 x 10(5) p.f.u. of the mixture of recombinant viruses were protected from severe rinderpest disease. Ten out of 18 were completely protected while the remaining 8 developed mild clinical signs of rinderpest. Cattle vaccinated with the recombinant vaccines after prior infection with the parental capripox virus showed more marked clinical signs of rinderpest after challenge with virulent rinderpest, but 9 out of 10 recovered, compared with 80% mortality in the unvaccinated controls.
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erratum to use of a recombinant antigen in an indirect elisa for detecting bovine antibody to Capripoxvirus j virol methods 49 1994 285 294
Journal of Virological Methods, 1995Co-Authors: V.m. Carn, R.p. Kitching, J M Hammond, P Chand, J Anderson, D. N. BlackAbstract:Abstract The gene coding for the Capripoxvirus structural protein P32 was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with glutathione- S -transferase, and purified on glutathione Sepharose. An indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using this antigen was developed to screen bovine sera for antibodies to Capripoxvirus. Sequential serum samples from experimentally infected animals tested by ELISA and by virus neutralisation test (VNT) showed that the ELISA was more sensitive and detected antibodies to Capripoxvirus earlier post-infection than the VNT.
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sequence analysis of hindiii q2 fragment of Capripoxvirus reveals a putative gene encoding a g protein coupled chemokine receptor homologue
Virology, 1995Co-Authors: Jing X Cao, Paul D. Gershon, D. N. BlackAbstract:Abstract The DNA sequence of the Hind III Q2 fragment near the left terminus of the Capripoxvirus (KS-1 strain) genome was determined. The sequence contains two complete open reading frames (ORFs) and a part of a third. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of one of these ORFs, Q2/3L, revealed that this gene has the capacity to encode a protein which is related to members of the G-protein coupled chemokine receptor subfamily, the swinepoxvirus K2R and the human cytomegalovirus US28 ORFs. It has the key structural characteristics of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, e.g., seven hydrophobic regions, predicted to span the cell membrane, and the cysteine residues in the first and second extracellular loops that are implicated in formation of a disulfide bond. Southern blot analysis showed that all three species of the Capripoxvirus genus, i.e., sheep pox, goat pox, and lumpy skin disease of cattle, contain copies of this putative G-proteincoupled chemokine receptor homologue.
Amel Omani - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An HRM assay to differentiate sheeppox virus vaccine strains from sheeppox virus field isolates and other Capripoxvirus species
Scientific Reports, 2019Co-Authors: Tesfaye Rufael Chibssa, Angelika Loitsch, Reingard Grabherr, Tirumala Bharani Kumar Settypalli, Nick Nwankpa, Karim Tounkara, Hafsa Madani, Francisco J. Berguido, Amel OmaniAbstract:Sheep poxvirus (SPPV), goat poxvirus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) affect small ruminants and cattle causing sheeppox (SPP), goatpox (GTP) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) respectively. In endemic areas, vaccination with live attenuated vaccines derived from SPPV, GTPV or LSDV provides protection from SPP and GTP. As live poxviruses may cause adverse reactions in vaccinated animals, it is imperative to develop new diagnostic tools for the differentiation of SPPV field strains from attenuated vaccine strains. Within the Capripoxvirus (CaPV) homolog of the variola virus B22R gene, we identified a unique region in SPPV vaccines with two deletions of 21 and 27 nucleotides and developed a High-Resolution Melting (HRM)-based assay. The HRM assay produces four distinct melting peaks, enabling the differentiation between SPPV vaccines, SPPV field isolates, GTPV and LSDV. This HRM assay is sensitive, specific, and provides a cost-effective means for the detection and classification of CaPVs and the differentiation of SPPV vaccines from SPPV field isolates.
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A gel-based PCR method to differentiate sheeppox virus field isolates from vaccine strains
Virology Journal, 2018Co-Authors: Tesfaye Rufael Chibssa, Angelika Loitsch, Reingard Grabherr, Tirumala Bharani Kumar Settypalli, Nick Nwankpa, Karim Tounkara, Hafsa Madani, Amel Omani, Mariane DiopAbstract:Background: Sheeppox (SPP) and goatpox (GTP) caused by sheeppox virus (SPPV) and goatpox virus (GTPV), respectively of the genus Capripoxvirus in the family Poxviridae, are severely afflicting small ruminants' production systems in Africa and Asia. In endemic areas, SPP and GTP are controlled using vaccination with live attenuated vaccines derived from SPPV, GTPV or Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). Sometimes outbreaks occur following vaccination. In order to successfully control the spread of the virus, it is essential to identify whether the animals were infected by the field strain and the vaccine did not provide sufficient protection. Alternatively, in some cases the vaccine strain may cause adverse reactions in vaccinated animals or in rare occasions, re-gain virulence. Thus, diagnostic tools for differentiation of virulent strains from attenuated vaccine strains of the virus are needed. The aim of this study was to identify an appropriate diagnostic target region in the Capripoxvirus genome by comparing the genomic sequences of SPPV field isolates with those of the most widely used SPP vaccine strains. Results: A unique 84 base pair nucleotide deletion located between the DNA ligase gene and the VARV B22R homologue gene was found only in SPPV vaccines derived from the Romanian and Yugoslavian RM/65 strains and absent in SPPV field isolates originated from various geographical locations of Asia and Africa. In addition, we developed and evaluated a conventional PCR assay, exploiting the targeted intergenic region to differentiate SPPV vaccine virus from field isolates. The assay produced an amplicon size of 218 bp for the vaccine strains, while the SPPV field isolates resulted in a 302 bp PCR fragment. The assay showed good sensitivity and specificity, and the results were in full agreement with the sequencing data of the PCR amplicons. Conclusion: The developed assay is an improvement of currently existing diagnostic tools and, when combined with a capripox virus species-specific assay, will enhance SPP and GTP diagnosis and surveillance and facilitate epidemiological investigations in countries using live attenuated SPP vaccines. In addition, for laboratories with limited resources, the assay provides a simple and cost-effective alternative for sequencing.
Timothy R. Bowden - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Extended sequencing of vaccine and wild-type Capripoxvirus isolates provides insights into genes modulating virulence and host range.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Siddhartha Biswas, Shawn Babiuk, Oliver Lung, Lorne A. Babiuk, Ryan S. Noyce, Timothy R. Bowden, David B. Boyle, Dieter M. Bulach, David H EvansAbstract:: The genus Capripoxvirus in the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae, family Poxviridae, comprises sheeppox virus (SPPV), goatpox virus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which cause the eponymous diseases across parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. These diseases cause significant economic losses and can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods and food security of small farm holders. So far, only live classically attenuated SPPV, GTPV and LSDV vaccines are commercially available and the history, safety and efficacy of many have not been well established. Here, we report 13 new Capripoxvirus genome sequences, including the hairpin telomeres, from both pathogenic field isolates and vaccine strains. We have also updated the genome annotations to incorporate recent advances in our understanding of poxvirus biology. These new genomes and genes grouped phenetically with other previously sequenced Capripoxvirus strains, and these new alignments collectively identified several recurring alterations in genes thought to modulate virulence and host range. In particular, some of the many large Capripoxvirus ankyrin and kelch-like proteins are commonly mutated in vaccine strains, while the variola virus B22R-like gene homolog has also been disrupted in many vaccine isolates. Among these vaccine isolates, frameshift mutations are especially common and clearly present a risk of reversion to wild type in vaccines bearing these mutations. A consistent pattern of gene inactivation from LSDV to GTPV and then SPPV is also observed, much like the pattern of gene loss in orthopoxviruses, but, rather surprisingly, the overall genome size of ~150 kbp remains relatively constant. These data provide new insights into the evolution of Capripoxviruses and the determinants of pathogenicity and host range. They will find application in the development of new vaccines with better safety, efficacy and trade profiles.
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Review: Capripoxvirus Diseases: Current Status and Opportunities for Control
Transboundary and emerging diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Estelle Hildegard Venter, Joanna L. Shisler, G. Gari, G.a. Mekonnen, Nicholas Juleff, Nicholas A. Lyons, K. De Clercq, C. Upton, Timothy R. BowdenAbstract:Lumpy skin disease, sheeppox and goatpox are high-impact diseases of domestic ruminants with a devastating effect on cattle, sheep and goat farming industries in endemic regions. In this article, we review the current geographical distribution, economic impact of an outbreak, epidemiology, transmission and immunity of Capripoxvirus. The special focus of the article is to scrutinize the use of currently available vaccines to investigate the resource needs and challenges that will have to be overcome to improve disease control and eradication, and progress on the development of safer and more effective vaccines. In addition, field evaluation of the efficacy of the vaccines and the genomic database available for poxviruses are discussed.
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a lumpy skin disease virus deficient of an il 10 gene homologue provides protective immunity against virulent Capripoxvirus challenge in sheep and goats
Antiviral Research, 2015Co-Authors: Hani Boshra, Lorne A. Babiuk, Timothy R. Bowden, Thang Truong, Charles Nfon, Volker Gerdts, Suresh K Tikoo, Pravesh Kara, Arshad Mather, David B WallaceAbstract:Sheep and goat pox continue to be important livestock diseases that pose a major threat to the livestock industry in many regions in Africa and Asia. Currently, several live attenuated vaccines are available and used in endemic countries to control these diseases. One of these is a partially attenuated strain of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), KS-1, which provides cross-protection against both sheep pox and goat pox. However, when used in highly stressed dairy cattle to protect against lumpy skin disease (LSD) the vaccine can cause clinical disease. In order to develop safer vaccines effective against all three diseases, a pathogenic strain of LSDV (Warmbaths [WB], South Africa) was attenuated by removing a putative virulence factor gene (IL-10-like) using gene knockout (KO) technology. This construct (LSDV WB005KO) was then evaluated as a vaccine for sheep and goats against virulent Capripoxvirus challenge. Sheep and goats were vaccinated with the construct and the animals were observed for 21days. The vaccine appeared to be safe, and did not cause disease, although it induced minor inflammation at the injection site similar to that caused by other attenuated sheep and goat pox vaccines. In addition, no virus replication was detected in blood, oral or nasal swabs using real-time PCR following vaccination and low levels of neutralising antibodies were detected in both sheep and goats. Leukocytes isolated from vaccinated animals following vaccination elicited Capripoxvirus-specific IFN-γ secretion, suggesting that immunity was also T-cell mediated. Following challenge with virulent Capripoxvirus, vaccinated sheep and goats were found to be completely protected and exhibited no clinical disease. Furthermore, real-time PCR of blood samples at various time points suggested that viremia was absent in both groups of vaccinated animals, as opposed to Capripoxvirus-related clinical disease and viremia observed in the unvaccinated animals. These findings suggest that this novel knockout strain of LSDV has potential as a vaccine to protect livestock against sheep pox and goat pox.
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pathology and viral antigen distribution following experimental infection of sheep and goats with Capripoxvirus
Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2012Co-Authors: Carissa Emburyhyatt, Shawn Babiuk, Lisa Manning, Timothy R. Bowden, Shelley Ganske, David L Boyle, John CoppsAbstract:Summary Current understanding of Capripoxvirus pathogenesis is limited since there have been no detailed studies examining cell tropism at well-defined intervals following infection. We undertook time-course studies in sheep and goats following inoculation of sheeppox or goatpox viruses in their respective homologous hosts, and examined tissues by light microscopy. A monoclonal antibody generated to a sheeppox virus core protein was used for immunohistochemical detection of viral antigen in tissue sections. Lesions and virus antigen were observed consistently in the skin, lung and lymph nodes. Antigen was detected at 6 and 8 days post inoculation for skin and lung, respectively, within cells which appeared to be of monocyte/macrophage lineage. In sheep skin Capripoxvirus immunoreactivity was detected within previously unreported large multinucleated cells. In the lung, double immunolabelling detected the simultaneous expression of Capripoxvirus antigen and cytokeratin indicating the presence of virus within pneumocytes. Lung double immunolabelling also detected the expression of Capripoxvirus antigen in CD68+ cells, confirming the presence of viral antigen within macrophages. Based on early detection of infected macrophages, dissemination of virus within the host and localization to tissues likely occurred through cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Histological findings revealed similarities with both monkeypox and smallpox, thus Capripoxvirus infection in sheep and goats may represent useful models with which to study strategies for poxvirus-specific virus vaccine concepts and therapeutics.
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detection of antibodies specific for sheeppox and goatpox viruses using recombinant Capripoxvirus antigens in an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
Journal of Virological Methods, 2009Co-Authors: Timothy R. Bowden, Shawn Babiuk, Barbara E H Coupar, John R White, Victoria Boyd, Christine J Duch, Brian J Shiell, Norihito Ueda, Geoff R. ParkynAbstract:Viruses in the genus Capripoxvirus, family Poxviridae, cause sheeppox, goatpox and lumpy skin disease, which are the most serious poxvirus diseases of production animals. Despite the considerable threat that these viruses pose to livestock production and global trade in sheep, goats, cattle and their products, convenient and effective serodiagnostic tools are not readily available. To develop a more effective antibody detection capability, selected open reading frames from Capripoxvirus DNA were amplified and expressed in Escherichia coli as His-tagged fusion proteins. By screening 42 candidate antigens, two sheeppox virus virion core proteins that were expressed efficiently, purified readily using affinity chromatography and reactive against Capripoxvirus immune sera in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were identified. The ELISA performed favourably when sera from sheep and goats infected experimentally with virulent Capripoxvirus isolates were tested, with sensitivity and diagnostic specificity ranging between 95 and 97%, but it was unable to detect antibodies reliably in vaccinated sheep or goats. Furthermore, no cross-reactivity with antibodies against orf virus was detected. This assay offers the prospect of a convenient and standardised ELISA-based serodiagnostic test, with no requirement for infectious reagents, that is well suited to high-throughput Capripoxvirus surveillance on a flock or herd basis.
