engleski

High prevalence and genetic variability of porcine astroviruses in pigs on backyard holdings in Croatia

Astroviruses comprise a group of emerging, primarily enteropathogenic RNA viruses, distributed worldwide in numerous species of mammals and birds. Recently they have been acknowledged to have extra-intestinal implications in humans, mink and pigs. Porcine astrovirus (PoAstV) is a highly prevalent pathogen of domestic pigs. Its vast genetic diversity has been recognized, with strains being assorted into five distinct lineages, possibly representing individual species. In the present research we have collected 48 composite fecal samples originating from 11 small backyard pig holdings in Croatia. Samples were distributed over six age categories of healthy domestic pigs and were processed by using a pan astrovirus molecular approach. We report high astrovirus prevalence (83.3%) in pigs bred on backyard holdings, with all age categories being affected. Furthermore, PoAstV is present in all tested holdings. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of selected astrovirus strains indicate the presence of four PoAstV lineages, with lineage 3 detected for the first time outside of North America. Lineage 2 was found to be the most prevalent among PoAstV strains in Croatian domestic pigs. Additionally, representatives of lineage 2 and 4 suggest the presence of potential sub lineages. We conclude that PoAstV is a highly prevalent and potentially persistent enteropathogen in domestic pigs bred on backyard holdings in Croatia, but their clinical significance remains doubtful. By detecting the circulation of four potential lineages, our results support previous knowledge of the immense genetic variability of PoAstV. Furthermore, this is the first evidence of PoAstV lineage 3 circulation outside of North America.

Porcine astrovirus; pig; feces; genetic diversity; Croatia

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