Abstract

The aim of this study was the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of Avian (Pigeon) Paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1) isolated from clinically affected pigeons suspected to be infected with PPMV-1 in Egypt between 2016 and 2017. Twenty-five field samples were collected and inoculated into the allantoic cavity of ECE. Allantoic fluids were tested for haemagglutinating (HA) activity followed by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for virus identification. Molecular confirmation was done by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers specific to the fusion (F) gene. Results revealed 12 out of 25 positive samples. Two samples were selected for sequencing and phylogenetic analysis which revealed that two different amino acid motifs were found at the cleavage site of F protein: 112 KRQKRF117 (associated with virulent strains) and 112GRQGRL117 (associated with lentogenic strains).To our knowledge, this is the first reported PPMV-1 isolates that possess the sequences of 112GRQGRL117 within the F0 protein.

Key words: Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1, F gene, Phylogenetic analysis, Amino acid motifs