Genetic analyses of feline foamy virus isolates from domestic and wild feline species in geographically distinct areas

To know the genetic diversities and phylogenetic relationship among feline foamy virus (FeFV) isolates from domestic cats (Felis c catus) and FeFV-rel ated viruses from the Iriomote cats (FL lis iriomotensis) and leopard cats (Fe]is bengalensis) in geographically distinct areas, we sequenced a partia l gag-pol region of 17 strains and a partial env region of nine strains, an d the U3 region of long terminal repeat of three strains of the viruses. Fe FV-related viruses from the feral cats were quite similar to the FeFV from domestic cats in the sequenced regions. In the partial gag region, the iden tities of nucleotide sequences among the isolates were from 94 to 99%. In t he partial mt gene, the isolates were divided into two distinct genotypes ( F17- and FUV-types) as reported by Winkler et al. (Virology 247 (1999) 144- 151). More than 94%, nucleotide identities were observed in the the region within a particular c env genotype and about 75% nucleotide identities were noted between the two genotypes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.