Virological and molecular investigation on specimens from buffaloes suspected to be infected by buffalopox virus in Egypt 2019

In this study, skin lesions from buffaloes showing clinical signs of buffalopox infection were tested to isolate and identify the buffalopox virus (BPXV). Clinical examination of infected buffaloes was performed and visible clinical signs recorded. Skin scabs from infected buffaloes were collected and used for virus isolation on embryonated chicken egg (ECE) and tissue culture cell lines. The isolated BPXV was identified and characterized using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The infected buffaloes displayed fever, skin eruptions, enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, emaciation and drop in milk yield. The ECE inoculated with the prepared skin scab samples showed clear raised white pock lesions on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The inoculated tissue cultures (VERO and BHK cell lines) revealed a cytopathic effect (CPE) including rounding, clumping with cytoplasmic granulation and cluster formation. PCR for the C18L specific BPXV gene was carried out on the virus infected tissue culture produced 368 bp bands. Human infection with BPXV was also recorded. It was concluded that BPXV is circulating in Egyptian buffaloes, causing economical losses and infection in contact humans.