Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of orf virus isolated from goats in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize orf virus isolated from clinical infections in goats in Sokoto metropolis.

Materials & methods: Embryonated chicken eggs were used to isolate orf virus according to the established protocol. Viral DNA was extracted and full coding region of B2L gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced and blasted for identification and phylogenetically analyzed.

Results and discussion: The B2L gene sequences of the isolate showed slight variability (96-98.7%) with the reference sequences as it clustered within the same clade with Korean, Zambian and Ethiopian strains, signifying a close genetic relationship. Unique amino acid substitutions were noted. This is the first genetic characterization of B2L gene of orf virus circulating in Nigeria.

Conclusion: This study has provided in sight into the genetic diversity of orf virus in the study area.