Vet university decodes genome sequence of lumpy skin virus in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Researchers of PVNR Veterinary University and the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology at Hyderabad have put together the first complete genome sequence of lumpy skin disease virus directly from a clinical sample in South India. A notifiable disease listed by the World Organization for Animal Health, it is a fast-spreading virus infecting cattle.

Researchers sequenced and analysed the genome of the pathogenic virus obtained by direct sequencing a suspected clinical sample using Illumina and nano-pore sequencing technologies. Ganji Vishweshwar Kumar, assistant professor of the department of veterinary biotechnology, said, "The unique features found in the LSD virus, isolated from the recent outbreaks in other parts of Asia, were also found in the isolates at PVNR Veterinary University. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome sequence of our sample revealed its close relation with Kenyan strains. Further analysis showed that there are no recombination events."

He added that the data presented in the study could be useful in designing effective strategies to fight the disease. "It will be helpful for developing rapid diagnostics and vaccines to control the virus," he said.

Researchers collected a skin biopsy sample of a cutaneous nodule from a cow showing symptoms of lumpy skin disease in Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh and shifted them on dry ice to the sequencing facility in Bengaluru. "Genomic DNA was extracted by us from the skin biopsy sample. The gene protein prediction analysis was done. The phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome of lumpy skin disease virus was performed," said Kumar.