Mutation of the S and 3c genes in genomes of feline coronaviruses

The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science

Keisuke OGUMA¹  Megumi OHNO² 

[1] Laboratory of Veterinary Epizootiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan;Present address: Okinawa Zoo and Museum Foundation, 5-7-1 Goya, Okinawa-shi, Okinawa 904-0021, Japan

关键词: 3c gene;    feline coronavirus;    multi-cat environment;    mutation;    S gene;   

DOI  :  10.1292/jvms.17-0704

学科分类：兽医学

来源: Japanese Society of Veterinary Science

【 摘 要 】

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is classified into two biotypes based on its pathogenicity in cats: a feline enteric coronavirus of low pathogenicity and a highly virulent feline infectious peritonitis virus. It has been suspected that FCoV alters its biotype via mutations in the viral genome. The S and 3c genes of FCoV have been considered the candidates for viral pathogenicity conversion. In the present study, FCoVs were analyzed for the frequency and location of mutations in the S and 3c genes from faecal samples of cats in an animal shelter and the faeces, effusions, and tissues of cats that were referred to veterinary hospitals. Our results indicated that approximately 95% FCoVs in faeces did not carry mutations in the two genes. However, 80% FCoVs in effusion samples exhibited mutations in the S and 3c genes with remainder displaying a mutation in the S or 3c gene. It was also suggested that mutational analysis of the 3c gene could be useful for studying the horizontal transmission of FCoVs in multi-cat environments.

【 授权许可】

Unknown