Propagation, Purification and Molecular Characterization of RVF virus (ZH 501) Strain for Vaccine Production in Egyptt

Abstract

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an endemic disease in Egypt causing disease in animals and humans since the 1977. Full molecular description of the national vaccine strain is a strategic concern to ensure the antigenic makeup of local vaccine is adequate to provide the required protective immunity for the vaccinated animal species and as a tool of final product quality control. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Gc gene of M segment of RVF-ZH501 strain which used in local vaccine production in veterinary serum and vaccine research institute (VSVRI) were carried out in this study. RVF-ZH501 strain was propagated by passages on BHK cell line and then purified my plaque purification technique. RT-PCR for amplification of the Gc gene of M segment. Sequence analysis of the obtained PCR product carried out by MEGA7 program. The result of the study revealed that RVF strain ZH501 Gc genomic content has 99.5 % molecular identity to the strains firstly isolated in Egypt in 1977, so still suitable for vaccine production.