Coding-complete genome sequences of group B equine rotavirus from central Kentucky, USA, reveal circulation of a single genome constellation.
Abstract: Equine rotavirus B (ERVB) has caused foal diarrhea in central Kentucky since 2021. Coding-complete genome sequences from 14 strains circulating in 2024 revealed >99% nucleotide identity to the 2021 prototype ERVB strain RVB/Horse-wt/USA/KY1518/2021, with a conserved genomic constellation (G3-P[3]-I3-R3-C3-M3-A4-N3-T3-E3-H3).
Publication Date: 2025-10-31 PubMed ID: 41170985PubMed Central: PMC12697121DOI: 10.1128/mra.00744-25Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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Coding-complete genome sequencing of equine rotavirus B strains from central Kentucky shows that a single, highly conserved genome constellation has been circulating among foals since 2021, indicating genetic stability of the virus in this region.
Background and Purpose
- Equine rotavirus B (ERVB) is a viral pathogen causing diarrhea in foals.
- Outbreaks in central Kentucky began in 2021, raising concerns about the nature and evolution of the virus.
- The study aimed to characterize the genetic makeup of ERVB strains circulating in the region during 2024.
- Understanding the genome sequences helps assess viral diversity, evolution, and potential vaccine or therapeutic targets.
Methods
- Samples were collected from foals diagnosed with ERVB diarrhea in central Kentucky.
- Complete coding genome sequences of 14 ERVB strains from 2024 were obtained, ensuring comprehensive genetic analysis.
- Sequence data were compared against the 2021 prototype ERVB strain from the same region (RVB/Horse-wt/USA/KY1518/2021).
- Genomic constellation— the combination and arrangement of gene segments in the virus genome—was determined to identify patterns of genetic variation or conservation.
Findings
- All 14 ERVB strains from 2024 exhibited greater than 99% nucleotide identity to the 2021 prototype strain, indicating minimal genetic drift or variation over three years.
- The genome constellation was conserved among all strains, identified as G3-P[3]-I3-R3-C3-M3-A4-N3-T3-E3-H3. Each letter-number set corresponds to specific viral gene segments, showing that their type and organization have remained stable.
- This conservation suggests a single lineage of ERVB is responsible for the ongoing infections in central Kentucky.
Significance and Implications
- The genetic stability of ERVB over multiple years implies limited evolutionary pressure or successful adaptation to the equine host environment in this region.
- Consistency in viral genome simplifies efforts in diagnostic testing since assays developed for the 2021 strain remain relevant.
- Understanding the conserved genome constellation can inform vaccine development by targeting stable viral proteins, potentially enhancing vaccine efficacy.
- Tracking this stable lineage helps veterinarians and researchers monitor the epidemiology of ERVB and may assist in controlling the spread of foal diarrhea outbreaks.
Cite This Article
APA
Gamage C, Graves A, Li G, Thieulent CJ, Balasuriya UBR, Morrow J, Vissani A, Parreño V, Matthijnssens J, Carossino M.
(2025).
Coding-complete genome sequences of group B equine rotavirus from central Kentucky, USA, reveal circulation of a single genome constellation.
Microbiol Resour Announc, 14(12), e0074425.
https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.00744-25 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
- Equine Diagnostic Solutions, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
- Equine Diagnostic Solutions, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
- Instituto de Virología, CICVyA, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, KU Leuven, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Grant Funding
- GR-00010866 / U.S. Department of Agriculture
- 863,1072 / Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation
- PG009641 / School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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This article includes 9 references
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