Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) env recombinants are common in natural infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recombination is a common feature of retroviral biology and one of the most important factors responsible for generating viral diversity at both the intra-host and the population levels. However, relatively little is known about rates and molecular processes of recombination for retroviruses other than HIV, including important model viruses such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Results

We investigated recombination in complete FIV env gene sequences (n = 355) isolated from 43 naturally infected cats. We demonstrated that recombination is abundant in natural FIV infection, with over 41% of the cats being infected with viruses containing recombinant env genes. In addition, we identified shared recombination breakpoints; the most significant hotspot occurred b

SUBMITTER: Beczkowski PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4180853 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature