Abstract

Isolation and Characterization of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus from Field Outbreaks in Pakistan

Authors: Atta ur Rehman, M. Imran Arshad and Misbah Ijaz

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2024.019

Abstract
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cattle, with significant implications for livestock health, trade, and food security. This study was done to provide a comprehensive analysis of LSD, focusing on its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and current control strategies. The epidemiology of LSD was explored, outlining the geographic distribution, affected host species, and modes of transmission. The disease was caused by the LSDV, a member of the Capripoxvirus genus. Factors influencing the spread of LSD, such as climatic conditions, vector involvement, and animal movement were also discussed. The clinical manifestations of LSD were diverse and ranged from mild to severe. Classical signs were fever, swollen lymph nodes, and characteristic skin lesions, which progress from small nodules to large, ulcerative lumps on the skin and mucous membranes. Characterization methods were employed for LSD that involve various approaches to identify and study the causative agent LSDV and to understand the disease's clinical manifestations. Virus isolation was done by collecting samples of blood, skin nodules, or other affected tissues from suspected animals and inoculating them onto suitable cell cultures. The virus's presence and replication within the cells were then observed through various laboratory techniques. PCR is a sensitive and specific molecular method done to detect and amplify specific DNA sequences of the LSDV. Genetic sequencing of the virus's genome was done to provide critical information about its genetic makeup and variability. Comparative analyses of different LSDV strains shed light on its evolution and help in developing targeted vaccines through phylogenetic sequence.

Keywords: Characterization, Isolation, Lumpy Skin Disease virus, Field outbreaks, Pakistan.