Detection and molecular characterization of peste des petits ruminants virus from slaughtered domestic small ruminants in Sudan.

Abstract

Obtaining a better overview of peste des petits ruminants epidemiology in North-East Africa is critical for guiding the ongoing PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy. This study demonstrated PPRV exposure and potential endemic circulation among small ruminants through the identification and characterization of PPRV strains in lung tissues from slaughtered SR in Sudan. Lung tissues displaying pneumonia, comprising 83 cases (65 sheep and 18 goats), were collected from slaughterhouses in five Sudanese states. An IC-ELISA screening indicated an overall estimated antigenic prevalence of 24.1%, with a significantly higher prevalence in goats (66.7%) compared to sheep (12.3%). Northern Sudan had the highest antigenic prevalence (80%). PPRV-positive samples, confirmed by IC-ELISA and N-gene-based RT-PCR. Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of PPRV N-gene fragments assigned Sudanese strains to lineage IV genotype, revealing substantial sequence identity (100-96.58%) with strains from North Africa, East Africa, and Europe. The study suggests subclinical PPRV infections or co-infections with other respiratory pathogens affected slaughtered SR, contributing to the observed lung gross pathology. In summary, the endemic transmission of lineage IV PPRV strains in Sudan highlights the need for intensified PPR control strategies at the national level and serves to inform the Global PPR Control initiative led by WOAH/OIE and FAO.