Phylogenetic analyses of P32, RPO30, GPCR, ORF117, and Kelch-like genes of Tunisian sheeppox virus isolates

Abstract

Sheeppox is an economically important disease of small ruminants caused by the sheeppox virus (SPPV). Sheeppoxvirus (SPPV), goatpox virus, and lumpy skin disease virus are capripoxviruses, antigenically related but genetically distinct. Theirdifferentiation requires analysis at a molecular level. Eleven sheeppox virus isolates from five different regions of Tunisia were collectedbetween 2010 and 2016. SPPV was detected by real-time PCR using SYBR Green technology. Primers amplifying the entire Kelch-likegene were designed. Then the GPCR, RPO30, P32, ORF117, and Kelch-like genes were molecularly analyzed to show the different specificlineage patterns of each species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three monophyletic and distinct specific lineage clusters as per their hostorigins. Our study proved the efficiency of using these five genes for the identification and differentiation of capripoxvirus species, andthe GPCR gene is recommended for phylogenetic studies.