Identification of a novel nidovirus associated with a neurological disease of the Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula).

ABSTRACT: A novel, fatal neurological disease of the Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was first identified in 1995 in a research facility and subsequently in free-living possums in New Zealand and termed wobbly possum disease (WPD). The results of previous transmission studies suggested that the aetiological agent of WPD is most likely a virus. However, the identity of the presumed viral agent had not been elucidated. In the current report, we describe identification of a novel virus from tissues of WPD-affected possums using a combination of next generation sequencing and traditional molecular methods. The proportion of possums positive for the novel virus by PCR was significantly higher (p<0.0001) among animals with WPD than clinically healthy possums, strongly suggesting an aet

SUBMITTER: Dunowska M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7117198 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature