The first complete genome analysis of an African swine fever virus in
the Mekong delta revealing a novel variant of the genotype 2
Abstract
The objective of this study is to report the complete genome sequence of
a field African swine fever virus (ASFV) causing a fatal outbreak in
domestic pigs in the Mekong delta, namely ASF/VN/CanTho-OM/2021 (GenBank
accession number: ON402789). The complete genome sequencing detected an
18-bp nucleotide deletion in the EP402R gene (encoding for
serotype-specific proteins CD2v) of ASF/VN/CanTho-OM/2021 which is
determined to belong to the genotype 2 and serotype 8. This mutation
pattern was confirmed as unique in the GenBank; thus,
ASF/VN/CanTho-OM/2021 can be considered as a novel variant with
potential change of sero-characteristics within the genotype 2.
Additional unique mutation of 78-bp nucleotide insertion was also
observed in the B475L gene. Besides, four copies of tandem repeats
sequences were found in the intergenic gene (IGR) located between I73R
and I329L that is previously assigned as the IGR III variant. This study
is the first to report the complete genome of ASFV in the Mekong delta
and highlights the necessity for strengthening of molecular surveillance
in order to provide further knowledge on evolution and incursion of ASFV
in the Mekong delta and Vietnam.