Porcine teschoviruses comprise at least eleven distinct serotypes: Molecular and evolutionary aspects

Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 10 recognized prototype strains of the porcine enterovirus (PEV) cytopathic effect (CPE) group I re veals a close relationship of the viral genomes to the previously sequenced strain F65, supporting the concept of a reclassification of this virus gro up into a new picornavirus genus. Also, nucleotide sequences of the polypro tein-encoding genome region or the P1 region of 28 historic strains and rec ent field isolates were determined. The data suggest that several closely r elated but antigenically and molecular distinct serotypes constitute one sp ecies within the proposed genus Teschovirus. Based on sequence data and ser ological data, we propose a new serotype with strain Dresden as prototype. This hitherto unrecognized serotype is closely related to porcine teschovir us 1 (PTV-1, former PEV-1), but induces type-specific neutralizing antibodi es. Sequencing of field isolates collected from animals presenting with neu rological disorders prove that other serotypes than PTV-1 may also cause po lioencephalomyelitis of swine.