ABSTRACT: Cetacean poxvirus (CePV) is the causative agent of tattoo skin disease (TSD) in dolphins, porpoises and whales, a condition characterized by pinhole, ring-like lesions or generalized tattoo-like skin lesions. This study genetically characterized cetacean poxviruses from stranded animals along mainland Portugal. Samples from skin lesions compatible with TSD were obtained from 4 odontocete species (Delphinus delphis, Stenella coeruleoalba, Phocoena phocoena, and Tursiops truncatus) and analyzed using a conventional PCR assay targeting the DNA polymerase gene partially. Among the positive samples (n = 29, 65.9%), a larger DNA polymerase gene fragment was obtained, allowing a robust phylogenetic analysis. Nineteen samples (43.2%) were successfully amplified and sequenced using Sanger sequencing. By combining 11 of these sequences with those from public databases, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed, revealing high heterogeneity within the group. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity, epidemiology, phylogenetics, and evolution of CePV.
KEY WORDS: Cetacean poxvirus · PCR · Environmental monitoring · Molecular phylogenetic analysis · Odontocetes
Full text in pdf format | Cite this article as: Jorge DV, Ferreira M, Eira C, Duarte M and others (2024) Molecular characterization of cetacean poxviruses along the coast of mainland Portugal. Dis Aquat Org 158:55-64. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03784
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