Whole-genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis of pigeon circovirus in racing pigeons from Heilongjiang, China.

ABSTRACT: Pigeon circovirus (PiCV), a globally distributed pathogen, is associated with immunosuppression and high mortality in racing pigeons. Despite its endemicity in Chinese pigeon populations, molecular epidemiological data on PiCV in Northeast China remain scarce. This study reports the first complete genome sequence of PiCV isolated from racing pigeons in Heilongjiang Province. Through next-generation sequencing (NGS) for whole-genome assembly and systematic PCR-Sanger sequencing for validation, we obtained the complete 2,035-bp genome (designated HLJ2024). Homology analysis revealed nucleotide identities of 72.9-97.7% with other PiCV reference strains; notably, the cap (Capsid) protein of HLJ2024 exhibited a signature mutation (isoleucine [I]-leucine [L]) at residue 222 relative to its close

SUBMITTER: Sun J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12812675 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature