[이미디어= 황원희 기자] The Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock Quarantine Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Quarantine Headquarters) developed ‘chicken pox virus2) whole genome analysis technology3)’ using the latest next generation sequencing (NGS1) analyzed for the time being first in the world.
The results of this research were published in the latest issue of the online version of the international journal (Microbiology spectrum4, influence index IF 9.0435)) on 9 September.
Fowlpox virus belongs to the same family as the recently common monkeypox virus, and is the largest and most complex animal virus known to date. Like the common smallpox virus, it causes skin lesions such as rashes, pustules, and crusts in animals, but does not infect humans.
In this study, using ‘smallpox virus whole genome analysis technology’, the entire gene sequence of all 21 chickenpox viruses was revealed and around 260 unique genes were compared and analysed. For the first time in the world, it was discovered that there is a genotype difference according to region and pathogenicity.
In addition, it was confirmed that all current vaccines are of one genotype, and the scientific basis was prepared for the development of vaccines for each genotype in the future. For reference, the first chicken pox vaccine was developed in the United States in 1918 and has been in use ever since. Meanwhile, the developed technology is expected to be usefully applied to the whole genome analysis of smallpox viruses derived from other animals such as monkeypox.
Kwon Yong-guk, head of the Avian Disease Department at the Quarantine Headquarters, said, “This research has achieved a breakthrough in answering many questions that we have been curious about, such as gene size, genetic characteristics, and factors pathogenic, at the level of active administration.” It is expected to greatly help strengthen quarantine and disease control policies on farms, such as laying the groundwork for the development of a smallpox vaccine.”
[ⓒ 이미디어. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
