Journal article
Changes in endogenous and exogenous Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) subtype expression over time reflects koala health outcomes
Journal of Virology, Vol.93(18), pp.1-15
2019
PMCID: PMC6714790
PMID: 31243137
Abstract
Koala retrovirus (KoRV) is unique in that it exists as both an exogenous and actively endogenizing gamma-retrovirus of koalas. While nine subtypes of KoRV have been recognized, focused study of these subtypes in koalas over time and with different health outcomes has been lacking. Therefore, in this study, three wild koala cohorts were established and monitored to examine KoRV proviral and expression data from koalas that either remained healthy over time, began healthy before developing chlamydial cystitis or presented with chlamydial cystitis and were treated with antibiotics. Deep sequencing of the proviral KoRV envelope gene revealed KoRV-A, -B, -D and -F to be the major subtypes in this population and allowed for subtype-specific assays to be created. Quantification of KoRV transcripts revealed that KoRV-D expression mirrored the total KoRV expression levels (106 copies/ml of plasma), with KoRV-A and KoRV-F expression being ∼10-fold less and KoRV-B expression being ∼100-fold less, when detected. Strikingly, there was significantly higher expression of KoRV-D in healthy koalas compared to koalas that developed chlamydial cystitis, with healthy koalas expressing a major KoRV-D/minor KoRV-A profile, whereas koalas that developed cystitis had variable KoRV expression profiles. Total anti-KoRV IgG antibody levels were found not to correlate with the expression of total KoRV or any individual KoRV subtype. Finally, KoRV expression was consistent between systemic and mucosal body sites and during antibiotic treatment. Collectively, this gives a comprehensive picture of KoRV dynamics during several important koala health states.
Details
- Title
- Changes in endogenous and exogenous Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) subtype expression over time reflects koala health outcomes
- Authors
- Bonnie L Quigley (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastSamuel Phillips (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastSolomon Olusola Olagoke (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastAmy Robbins (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastJon Hanger (Author) - Endeavour Veterinary CollegePeter Timms (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication details
- Journal of Virology, Vol.93(18), pp.1-15
- Publisher
- American Society for Microbiology
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1128/JVI.00849-19
- ISSN
- 0022-538X; 1098-5514
- PMID
- 31243137; PMC6714790
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2019 American Society for Microbiology. The author's accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy. The definitive version is available at http://aem.asm.org/
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Thompson Institute; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450801302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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