Diversity of Marek's Disease Virus Strains in Infections in Backyard and Ornamental Birds.

ABSTRACT: Marek's disease is caused by Mardivirus gallidalpha2, commonly known as Marek's disease virus (MDV). This pathogen infects various bird species resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. The meq gene, which is crucial for oncogenesis, has been extensively studied, but molecular investigations of MDV in noncommercial South American birds are limited. This study detected MDV in backyard and ornamental birds from Brazil and Peru and characterized the meq gene. MDV was confirmed in all seven outbreaks examined. Three isoforms of meq (S-meq, meq, and L-meq) and two to seven proline repeat regions (PRRs) were detected among the sequenced strains. At the amino acid level, genetic profiles with low and high virulence potential were identified.

SUBMITTER: Chacon RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11482489 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature