ARS | Publication request: Molecular Epidemiology of PRRSV: A Phylogenetic Perspective

Submitted to: Virus Research
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: September 15, 2010
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Citation: Shi, M., Lam, T.T., Hon, C.C., Hui, R.K., Faaberg, K.S., Wennblom, T., Murtaugh, M.P., Stadejek, T., Leung, F.C. 2010. Molecular epidemiology of PRRSV: a phylogenetic perspective. Virus Research. 154(1-2):7-17.

Interpretive Summary: Since its first discovery two decades ago, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been the subject of intensive research due to its major impact on the worldwide swine industry. This manuscript describes the diversity and transmission dynamics of two major evolutionary groups of PRRSV. The evolutionary history of PRRSV is discussed and a hypothesis of viral origin is presented. The potential impact of viral recombination in the epidemiology of PRRSV is summarized. This information may be beneficial in the control and prevention of PRRSV in the pork industry.

Technical Abstract: Since its first discovery two decades ago, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been the subject of intensive research due to its huge impact on the worldwide swine industry. Thanks to phylogenetic analyses, much has been learned about the genetic diversity and evolution history of the virus. In this review, we focused on the evolutionary and epidemiological aspects of PRRSV from a phylogenetic perspective. We first described the diversity and transmission dynamics of Type 1 and 2 PRRSV, respectively. Then, we focused on the more ancient evolutionary history of PRRSV: the time of onset of all existing PRRSV and an original hypothesis were discussed. Finally, we summarized the results from previous recombination studies to assess the potential impact of recombination on the virus epidemiology.