Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Goat Pox Virus of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study includes molecular confirmation and understanding the phylogenetic relationships of circulating goat pox virus (GTPV) strains in clinical cases of goat pox in Uttar Pradesh. Viral DNA was amplified for P32 gene using the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. To evaluate genetic relatedness, the phylogenetic tree construction and multiple sequence alignment were carried out. The examined sequences exhibited high nucleotide identity (>98%) and confirmed the genetic conservation and regional distribution of GTPV strains. The examined sequences were closely clustered within recognised GTPV clades, suggesting little sequence divergence. These results contribute to the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of GTPV and also support the development of an indigenous virus-based vaccine to prevent and control GTPV.