Isolation and characterization of Indian isolates of camel pox virus

Abstract

In this study, we isolated and identified three camel pox viruses (CMLV) from two outbreaks of camel pox infection in camels associated with eruptions on cheeks, nostrils, limbs, scrotum, and sheath that occurred at different places of Bikaner district, Rajasthan (India). The scab specimens collected were subjected for virus isolation in Vero cell culture, and the isolated viruses were characterized by employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The causative agent was identified as CMLV, based on A-type inclusion, B5R and C18L genes-specific PCRs and partial sequencing of these genes, which clearly confirmed that the outbreaks were caused by CMLV and identity of CMLV isolates. Further, phylogenetic analysis of partial C18L gene sequences have showed that Indian CMLV are clustered together with other reported isolates/strains.

Camelpox and Buffalopox: Two Emerging and Re-emerging Orthopox Viral Diseases of India

“…The severity of the infection ranges from localized mild form to the infrequent severe generalized form. The infection poses economic impact due to reduced milk yield resultant from mastitis in milch animal and reduced working capacity in draft animals (Bhanuprakash et al, 2010c). Although buffaloes are commonly infected, cattle and human beings are infrequently get infection.…”

“…Buffalopox is endemic with increasing trend in India (Prabhu et al, 2012) and outbreaks are reported from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka states in India (Figure 3) Bhanuprakash et al, 2010c;Chandranaik et al, 2011;Gurav et al, 2011). Apart from Egypt, India, it is also been reported from several other countries namely Italy, Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal .…”

“…Buffaloes of all age groups and both sexes are affected, but the disease is severe in young and old animals (Bhanuprakash et al, 2010c). Experimentally, the buffalopox can be transmitted to buffaloes, cows (high dose of virus), guinea pigs, rabbits, suckling mice of Swiss white and Balb/C strain and chickens.…”

“…The influence of environment and predisposing factors in the occurrence of buffalopox infection has not been extensively studied and established. An increased transmission of BPXV in variable species, cows, buffaloes and human beings, suggests the re-emergence of buffalopox zoonoses (Bhanuprakash et al, 2010c;). The outbreaks observed in different remote location of India may represent abundant of natural BPXV reservoir wild animals especially rodents.…”

“…BPXV lesions are similar to cowpox vesicular lesions, but less painful, in some cases may appear like VACV lesions. The gross lesions observed in face, forehead, hands, buttocks and legs with lymphadenopathy of dependent parts Transmissions between humans are not been documented (Bhanuprakash et al, 2010c;Gurav et al, 2011). However, after detailed analysis Kolhapure and his colleagues (1997) reported that the presence of serum antibodies in more than 70% of in-contact individuals and 17% of persons with no history of association with infected humans or buffaloes is a public health alarm and finding of antibodies in these persons may be the signal of subclinical infection which may act as reservoir common human…”