Outbreak of Fatal PRRSV Variants in China
Author Information
Author(s): Tian Kegong, Yu Xiuling, Zhao Tiezhu, Feng Youjun, Cao Zhen, Wang Chuanbin, Hu Yan, Chen Xizhao, Hu Dongmei, Tian Xinsheng, Liu Di, Zhang Shuo, Deng Xiaoyu, Ding Yinqiao, Yang Lu, Zhang Yunxia, Xiao Haixia, Qiao Mingming, Wang Bin, Hou Lili, Wang Xiaoying, Yang Xinyan, Kang Liping, Sun Ming, Jin Ping, Wang Shujuan, Kitamura Yoshihiro, Yan Jinghua, Gao George F.
Primary Institution: China Animal Disease Control Center, Beijing, China
Hypothesis
What caused the large-scale outbreaks of atypical PRRS in China in 2006?
Conclusion
The 2006 outbreak of atypical PRRS in China was caused by highly pathogenic PRRSV infection, leading to significant mortality in pigs.
Supporting Evidence
- The outbreak affected over 2,000,000 pigs and resulted in about 400,000 fatalities.
- Clinical symptoms included high fever, neurological symptoms, and severe pathological changes in multiple organs.
- Whole-genome analysis revealed a unique 30 amino-acid deletion in the NSP2 protein of the PRRSV isolates.
Takeaway
A new pig disease called 'high fever' spread across China, making many pigs sick and causing a lot of them to die. Scientists found that a specific virus was responsible for this outbreak.
Methodology
The study involved epidemiological surveys, autopsies, immunohistochemical analysis, and whole-genome sequencing of PRRSV isolates.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential confounding factors influencing the outbreak.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on pig populations across more than 10 provinces in China.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website