Molecular characterization of cetacean poxviruses along the coast of mainland Portugal

Dis Aquat Organ. 2024 Apr 25:158:55-64. doi: 10.3354/dao03784.

Abstract

Cetacean poxvirus (CePV) is the causative agent of tattoo skin disease (TSD) in dolphins, porpoises and whales, a condition characterized by pinhole, ring-like lesions or generalized tattoo-like skin lesions. This study genetically characterized cetacean poxviruses from stranded animals along mainland Portugal. Samples from skin lesions compatible with TSD were obtained from 4 odontocete species (Delphinus delphis, Stenella coeruleoalba, Phocoena phocoena, and Tursiops truncatus) and analyzed using a conventional PCR assay targeting the DNA polymerase gene partially. Among the positive samples (n = 29, 65.9%), a larger DNA polymerase gene fragment was obtained, allowing a robust phylogenetic analysis. Nineteen samples (43.2%) were successfully amplified and sequenced using Sanger sequencing. By combining 11 of these sequences with those from public databases, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed, revealing high heterogeneity within the group. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity, epidemiology, phylogenetics, and evolution of CePV.

Keywords: Cetacean poxvirus; Environmental monitoring; Molecular phylogenetic analysis; Odontocetes; PCR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cetacea* / virology
  • Phylogeny*
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Poxviridae Infections* / epidemiology
  • Poxviridae Infections* / veterinary
  • Poxviridae Infections* / virology
  • Poxviridae* / classification
  • Poxviridae* / genetics
  • Poxviridae* / isolation & purification