The genetic variability of small-ruminant lentiviruses and its impact on tropism, the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines and the effectiveness of control programmes
| Dec 19, 2023
Published Online: Dec 19, 2023
Page range: 479 - 502
Received: Jun 19, 2023
Accepted: Nov 13, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jvetres-2023-0064
Keywords
© 2023 Monika Olech, published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.
Introduction
Maedi-visna virus and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus are two closely related lentiviruses which cause multisystemic, progressive and persistent infection in goats and sheep. Because these viruses frequently cross the species barrier, they are considered to be one genetic group called small-ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV). They have
Material and Methods
Subject literature was selected from the PubMed and the Google Scholar databases.
Results
The high genetic diversity of SRLV affects the performance of diagnostic tools and therefore control programmes. For the early and definitive diagnosis of SRLV infection, a combination of serological and molecular tests is suggested. Testing by PCR can also be considered for sub-yearling animals. There are still significant gaps in our knowledge of the epidemiology, immunology and biology of SRLV and their impact on animal production and welfare.
Conclusion
This information may aid selection of the most effective SRLV spread reduction measures.