Sequence analysis of the CVR of B602L
Sequence analysis of the CVR of the B602L gene recovered six ASFV
variants with distinct TRS named as: Tet-15, Tet-20a, Tet-21, Tet-27b,
Tet-31 and Tet-34 (Table 2). ASF variants Tet-15, Tet-20a, Tet-27 had
been previously reported in Nigeria (Table 2). While, Tet-21b, Tet-31,
and Tet-34 were the new variants that are being reported for the first
time in Nigeria and West Africa in this study. The Nigerian Isolates
KASIT_2, recovered from a live pig market in Katsit, Kaduna State is
similar to Cameroonian ASFV (AF513045) (Table 2). Plateau State had the
highest number (3) of co-circulating ASFV TRS variants (Tet-15, Tet-27,
Tet-34) followed by Benue State with two (Tet-15 and Tet-27).
Interestingly, Tet-34 that was circulating in pig farms between April
and November 2018 in Plateau State was also recovered in Zing, Taraba
State in September 2018 possibly introduced from Plateau State via
movement of live pigs. ASFV TRS variant Tet-31 recovered from Enugu
State has not been previously reported in Nigeria, but the source of
infection is unknown due to limited epidemiological information. Tet-15
was the only ASFV genotype I variant recovered in two separate years of
this study, it was circulating in two States (Plateau and Benue).
Tet-21b recovered from Imo State was reported to have been introduced
from Cameroon, but it was different from ASF variants reported in
Cameroon. Tet-15 and Tet-27 variants were recovered in Benue and Plateau
States, while Tet-34 was were circulating in two States each within the
study period and restricted to the North Central geographical region.
While Tet-21b and Tet-31 were restricted to southeast geographical
region of Nigeria.