Antigenic diversity of bovine viral diarrhoea viruses (BVDV) isolated in Turkey

Abstract

Sixty BVDV field strains isolated from different regions of Turkey were antigenically characterised with a panel of 16 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to viral proteins E2 and NS2-3. MAb recognition patterns were detected by an indirect peroxidase-linked antibody assay and data were subjected to computer analysis for discussing herd specificity of viral strains isolated from immunotolerant, persistently infected (IPI) cattle. For that purpose, phylogenic and statistical analyses were performed. A high level of antigenic diversity was detected among the isolates. Diversity was also exhibited in IPI strains originating from the same herd. In some herds, viruses were divided into 2 viral subpopulations that were antigenically distinct from each other. The viruses in the subpopulations were significantly different from the viruses in the twin-subpopulation, as well as from viruses in other herds. This study demonstrated epitopic properties of Turkish BVDV field strains; yet, the results of this study do not support the concept of herd specificity of the virus.