African Swine Fever roadmap:
Control Strategies
Roadmap for the development of control strategies for ASF
Download ASF Control Strategy Roadmap13
Molecular typing
Molecular typing
Research Question
- There is a continuing need for knowledge on the molecular epidemiology of ASFV isolates mainly in relation to wild populations and ticks
Research Gaps and Challenges
- Ongoing molecular characterisation of currently circulating isolates in Africa, Europe and Asia
Dependencies
- Ongoing surveillance and sample collection in the different regions
State Of the Art
- Although there is only a single virus species, currently 24 genotypes have been described, with Genotype 23 and 24 just described in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Nevertheless, this designation is based
on the sequencing of a single gene. Full genome sequence of the p54-gene has been confirmed as a valuable additional genotyping method for molecular epidemiological studies. Enhanced discrimination is obtained by analysis of the central variable region (CVR) within the B602L-gene, described as the most variable locus to distinguish between closely related isolates and identify virus subgroups within several of the 24 genotypes. Clearly, there are significant differences in genome size, virulence and immunogenicity (no cross-protection), but little is known about the genes responsible for virulence, host range, and viral-vector-host
interactions - The PCR based genotyping might be a tool in endemic areas like sub-Saharan Africa; however, in the event of an outbreaks in new geographical areas, the single most important task is to complete the sequencing of the viral genome. This will provide essential information not only about the potential origin of the virus but possible homologies to other strains
Projects
What activities are planned or underway?
Africa's Long Depression: The Growth and Debt Crises of 1975-2000
Planned Completion date 01/03/2027
Participating Country(s):
United Kingdom
Unlocking potential: developing innovative adolescent screening visits for health promotion, prevention and treatment in low-resource settings
Planned Completion date 01/01/2028
Participating Country(s):
United Kingdom