Browsing by Author "Kebede Debebe"

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    Detection, Isolation, Molecular Characterization, And Phylogenetic Analysis Of Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV) Circulating In Afar Region, North Eastern Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2025) Kebede Debebe; Dr. Hika Waktole; Dr. Olana Merere
    Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants, causing significant economic losses in endemic regions like Ethiopia. This study aimed to detect, isolate, and molecularly characterize PPR virus (PPRV) in suspected outbreaks across six districts of the Afar region. A total of 64 clinical samples were collected from ocular and nasal swabs, and 2 tissue samples were collected from suspected cases in goats and sheep. Immunocapture ELISA (Ic-ELISA) revealed an overall antigen positivity rate of 31.25% (20/64), all from goats (46.5%, 20/43), while sheep samples were uniformly negative. Virus isolation on Vero cell lines confirmed active viral replication in 7/20 swab and 2 tissue samples, as evidenced by characteristic cytopathic effects (CPE). RT-qPCR further validated PPRV in 80% (16/20) of the ELISA-positive samples, with Ct values ranging from 21.06 to 33.51, indicating variable viral loads. Twelve RNA extracts with low Ct values were submitted for partial nucleocapsid (N) gene sequencing; four yielded high-quality amplicons. Phylogenetic analysis of a 278 bp N gene fragment revealed that three isolates (ETH-7, ETH-8, ETH-12) clustered within Lineage IV, closely related to East African strains (e.g., ETH-PPRV2019, Tanzania-PPRV 2018). One isolate (ETH-11), however, was genetically indistinguishable from the Nigeria 75/1 vaccine strain (Lineage II), suggesting potential vaccine virus shedding or exposure. These findings confirm the endemic circulation of PPRV predominantly Lineage IV in goats in Afar, with occasional detection of vaccine-like strains. The study highlights the need for DIVA compatible diagnostics, thermo stable vaccine formulations, and enhanced molecular characterization to support Ethiopia’s PPR control and eradication efforts.