First Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 From Cattle in Pakistan

The study was aimed to isolate BoHV-1 circulating in Lahore, Pakistan and its genetic characterization. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from different areas of district Lahore through convenient sampling technique. Out of 100 blood samples, 69 (69%, 95% CI: 58.86-77.66) samples have shown seropositivity against BoHV-1 through ELISA. For the isolation of BoHV-1, nasal swab samples were collected from 69 seropositive cattle and buffalo. Out of 69 nasal swab samples, only 6 samples have shown the visible cytopathic effect and confirmed through nested polymerase chain reaction by targeting glycoprotein B (gB). The phylogenetic analysis showed that local isolates showed similarity to subtype 1.1 of BoHV-1 and had 99-100% homology with Cooper strain. It was concluded that BoHV-1.1 is being circulating in Pakistan and further studies are needed which will help for clear understanding of virus characterization and development of effective local vaccine