Ranavirus genotypes in Netherlands and their potential association with virulence in water frogs (Pelophylax spp.)

Ranaviruses are pathogenic viruses for poikilothermic vertebrates worldwide. The identification of a common midwife toad virus (CMTV) associated with massive die-offs in water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) in Netherlands has increased awareness for emerging viruses in amphibians in the country. Complete genome sequencing of 13 ranavirus isolates collected from ten different sites in the period 2011-2016 revealed three CMTV groups present in distinct geographical areas in Netherlands. Phylogenetic analysis showed that emerging viruses from the northern part of Netherlands belonged to CMTV-NL group I.... Mehr ...