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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Athens, Georgia » U.S. National Poultry Research Center » Avian Disease and Oncology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #336589
Title: Molecular epidemiology of J-subgroup avian leukosis virus isolated from meat-type chickens in South China between 2013 and 2014.

Author
item LIN, WENCHENG - South China Agricultural University
item LI, XINJIAN - South China Agricultural University
item DAI, ZHENKAI - South China Agricultural University
item ZHANG, XINHENG - South China Agricultural University
item CHANG, SHUANG - Shandong Agricultural University
item ZHAO, PENG - South China Agricultural University
item Zhang, Huanmin
item CHEN, FENG - South China Agricultural University
item XIE, QINGMEI - South China Agricultural University

Submitted to: Infection, Genetics and Evolution
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/26/2016
Publication Date: 8/9/2016
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5556726
Citation: Lin, W., Li, X., Dai, Z., Zhang, X., Chang, S., Zhao, P., Zhang, H., Chen, F., Xie, Q. 2016. Molecular epidemiology of J-subgroup avian leukosis virus isolated from meat-type chickens in South China between 2013 and 2014. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 161(11):3039-3046. doi:10.1007/s00705-016-3003-8.

Interpretive Summary: Subgroup J Avian leukosis virus, commonly designated as ALV-J, is one of six subgroups of avian leukosis viruses isolated from chicken. Although ALV-J reportedly has also been found in layer type of chickens, but it once predominantly brought detrimental damage to the broiler industry worldwide. Today, ALV-J, along with other subgroups, has been well under control by eradication plus good management measures in the U.S., yet it remains troubling the industry in international trades. This study isolated and molecularly characterized 12 isolates recently found in South China broiler populations. Data from this study provide additional insights on molecular characterization of additional ALV-J isolates, and should also be insightful in advancing the understanding on pathogenic mechanism of the viruses

Technical Abstract: Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) caused high mortality rate associated with tumor formation and decreased fertility, which resulted in major economic losses in poultry industry worldwide. To assess the status of ALV-J infection in meat-type chickens in south China, molecular epidemiology of ALV-J strains was investigated. A total of 265 clinical samples collected from south China during the period between 2013 and 2014 were examined and 12 ALV-J isolates were collected. Phylogenetic analysis showed 91.7% (11/12) of the ALV-J isolates possessed high homology with known Chinese layer isolates. A particular ALV-J isolate (designated GD1411-1) showed relatively closer homology with the ALV-J broiler isolates, which indicates the GD1411-1 isolate might be at a transition status. Several unique nucleotide substitutions in gp85 and U3 region were detected. This study provides interesting information on molecular characterization of new ALV-J isolates. These findings should be beneficial in elucidating pathogenic mechanism of ALV-J infection.