The emergence of a novel recombinant porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus with an amino acid insertion in GP5 protein

As an economic devastating virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has spread globally, and seriously hinders the healthy development of the swine industry worldwide. In recent years, however, recombinant PRRSV strains are continuously emerging, resulting in the death of a large number of pigs in China. In this study, we reported a NADC30-like PRRSV strain GD1909, a recombinant virus, which may originate from NADC30-like and HUN4-like strains. The GP5 protein of GD1909 strain has an asparagine insertion at position 60 and has more complex glycosylation pattern. This should be helpful for a better understanding of PRRSV molecular epidemiology and the prevention of PRRSV infection in the future. •The genomic characterization of one novel PRRSV strain (GD1909) was analyzed.•One amino acid insertion was observed in GP5 at position 60.•GP5 protein of GD1909 strain has more complex glycosylation patterns compared with NADC30 strain.•GD1909 strain may originate from the recombination events among NADC30 and the Chinese HP-PRRSV HUN4 isolates.