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Molecular characterisation and recent evolution of myxoma virus in Spain

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Abstract

Myxoma virus and the European rabbit are one of the best-studied examples of coevolution of pathogen virulence and host resistance. Since the introduction of the virus in Spain in 1953, a decrease in its virulence has been observed; however, most strains are still considered highly virulent. To determine whether this attenuation is due to molecular differences, and to characterise the field strains in Spain and the genetic changes that have occurred since the introduction of the virus, we analysed 7,741 bp in 97 virus samples from 12 localities. We found an extremely low genetic variability and an absence of a geographic structure. We defined 35 haplotypes, none of which were identical to the original Lausanne strain. Three genetic groups were determined and were found to occur at different frequencies in different locations. Overall, virus evolution deviated from neutrality and did not conform to a strict molecular clock, probably due to the existence of a strong selective pressure that acts differently across the viral genome.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank F. Guil, J. Layna and the members of Fundación CBD-Habitat, and the Hunters Society from Ajalvir for their help providing samples. L. Alcaraz assisted with the laboratory work, and E. Bulmer reviewed the English text. We also thank R. Zardoya for helpful discussions. F. A. benefitted from a FPU pre-doctoral grant from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. This study was funded by projects MAM/2484/2002-65/2002 and 010203030003.

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  1. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain

    Fernando Alda & Ignacio Doadrio

  2. Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    Tania Gaitero & Mónica Suárez

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  1. Fernando Alda
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Correspondence to Fernando Alda.

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Alda, F., Gaitero, T., Suárez, M. et al. Molecular characterisation and recent evolution of myxoma virus in Spain. Arch Virol 154, 1659–1670 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-009-0494-6

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