Molecular Characterization of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Serotype A from Mizoram

Background: Foot and mouth disease virus serotype A has been reported from different states of India and is considered to be the third most commonly encountered serotype besides serotype O and Asia1. Serotype A viruses are most diverse in nature and have been globally grouped into 26 different types. Methods: Foot and mouth disease virus serotype A could be detected from an outbreak in Mizoram that occurred in April 2020. The virus could be confirmed by performing a polymerase chain reaction targeting the 5' UTR region and subsequent serotype-specific multiplex PCR. The full-length VP1 capsid protein gene of the virus could be amplified, cloned and sequenced. Result: Sequence analysis revealed the virus belonging to genotype VII of serotype A. Deduce amino acid sequence comparison it has been observed that the 144R-G-D146tripeptidein the G-H loop remains conserved. However, the present sequence (OL419371), when compared with the Indian vaccine strain of serotype-A(HM854025) as well as the 2001 Mizoram outbreak (AF390659) revealed 11 amino acid differences with the Indian vaccine strain and almost 36 amino acid differences with Mizoram 2001 isolate in different amino acid positions. This indicates the diverse nature of the virus within a geographical area.Background: Foot and mouth disease virus serotype A has been reported from different states of India and is considered to be the third most commonly encountered serotype besides serotype O and Asia1. Serotype A viruses are most diverse in nature and have been globally grouped into 26 different types.