Whole Genome Sequence-Based Analysis of Bovine Gammaherpesvirus 4 Isolated from Bovine Abortions

Abstract

Bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoGHV4) is a member of the Gammaherspivirinae subfamily,Rhadinovirus genus. Its natural host is the bovine, and it is prevalent among the global cattle popula-tion. Although the complete genome of BoGHV4 has been successfully sequenced, the functions ofmost of its genes remain unknown. Currently, only six strains of BoGHV4, all belonging to Genotype 1,have been sequenced. This is the first report of the nearly complete genome of Argentinean BoGHV4strains isolated from clinical cases of abortion, representing the first BoGHV4 Genotype 2 and 3genomes described in the literature. Both Argentinean isolates presented the highest nt p-distancevalues, indicating a greater level of divergence. Overall, the considerable diversity observed in thecomplete genomes and open reading frames underscores the distinctiveness of both Argentineanisolates compared to the existing BoGHV4 genomes. These findings support previous studies thatcategorized the Argentinean BoGHV4 strains 07-435 and 10-154 as Genotypes 3 and 2, respectively. The inclusion of these sequences represents a significant expansion to the currently limited pool ofBoGHV4 genomes while providing an important basis to increase the knowledge of local isolates.