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Simple Summary: This study evaluated the molecular prevalence and genetic characterization of equine EHV-1/4 in equids populations in Morocco. Among 154 samples analyzed, 27% tested positive for EHV-4, while only 1.94% were positive for EHV-1. Virus isolation was unsuccessful in EHV-4-positive samples but EHV-1 was isolated from a positive donkey sample. Phylogenetic and molecular analyses reclassified the EHV-1 isolate from the donkey as EHV-8, while the EHV-1 isolate from aborted fetal tissue was identified as clade 1 EHV-1. This study confirms the active circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in Moroccan equines, reports the first detection of EHV-8 in a donkey in Africa, and highlights EHV-4′s prevalence and its association with respiratory disorders, abortions, and neonatal deaths. This study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence and genetic characterization of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in equid populations in Morocco. A total of 154 equids (114 horses, 9 donkeys, and 31 mules) were sampled, with nasal swabs and tissue samples subjected to multiplex real-time PCR for the detection of EHV-1 and EHV-4. Additionally, an isolate from the tissue of an aborted horse fetus was included in the analysis. A subset of EHV-positive samples underwent virus isolation followed by whole-genome sequencing. PCR assays revealed that 42 samples (27%) tested positive for EHV-4, while only 3 samples (1.94%) were positive for EHV-1. Attempts to isolate the virus from EHV-4-positive samples were unsuccessful. However, virus isolation was successful in an EHV-1-positive nasopharyngeal sample from a donkey. Phylogenetic and molecular characterization reclassified the EHV-1 isolated from the donkey as an EHV-8. Meanwhile, the EHV-1 isolated from the aborted fetal tissue was classified as a clade 1 EHV-1 virus. This study is the first to report the molecular prevalence and genetic characterization of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in equid populations in Morocco, providing valuable insights into the distribution and genetic diversity of these viruses in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study conducted in Morocco focused on addressing the challenges posed by canine parvovirus (CPV-2) through comprehensive research, vaccine development, and efficacy assessment. Through real-time PCR screening and genotyping, CPV-2 variants were identified circulating in the region. An inactivated vaccine, derived from a CPV-2 strain isolated from a symptomatic dog, was produced and evaluated for safety and efficacy. The vaccine, from the strain named "CaPV M/3-2022", demonstrated safety in vaccinated puppies, with no adverse reactions observed during the trial period. Efficacy trials showed that vaccinated puppies remained healthy and exhibited lower viral excretion post-challenge compared to unvaccinated controls. These results indicate that the vaccine effectively protects against illness related to CPV-2 and reduces viral shedding. The study provides valuable insights into CPV-2 epidemiology in Morocco, offers a promising vaccine solution, and underscores the importance of vaccination in controlling CPV-2 outbreaks and protecting canine health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Here, we describe the characterization of the VP7 and VP4 genes of rotavirus group A (RVA) strains isolated from Moroccan infants with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) after receiving the Rotarix. Methods: Stool samples were collected from seven infants suffering with AGE. Vesikari 20-point was used while collecting the AGE information. RT-PCR followed by sequencing was employed to determine partial sequences from VP7 and VP4 encoding genes. RVA genotypes were determined using the RotaC online classification tool.The Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree was performed in the MEGA 6.06 software as well as the amino acid (aa) alignments of VP7 and VP8* antigenic epitopes. Results: Five children had gastroenteritis episodes defined as severe on the Vesikari scale. Analysis of VP7 gene sequences revealed five G2 and two G9 genotypes. These genotypes were associated with P[4] and P[8], respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that G2 and G9 sequences grouped together with Italian strain belonging to lineage II and III respectively. Their P[4] sequences showed only 65-73% identity and grouped into two separate sub-clusters. The Moroccan P[8] isolates did not display this correlation and segregate to lineage III. The VP8* aa of P[8] when compared with that of the Rotarix vaccine, has a six aa differences. Conclusion: Although, this study does not reveal prevalence rates of RVA in infants after the vaccine introduction, it reports the detection and genetic characteristics of the G2P[4] and G9P[8] RVA types in vaccinated children in Morocco. The findings are suggestive of continuous surveillance program on rotavirus evolution in the vaccinated population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Sheeppox virus causes systemic disease in sheep that is often associated with high morbidity and mortality. Protection against sheep pox is mainly based on medical prophylaxis, vaccination being the only way. In Morocco, and up to now, there is no available information about local challenge strain to use for controlling the efficiency of vaccines produced against sheep pox. Hence, the objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the pathogenicity of seven Sheeppox virus (SPVs) isolates from 1993-1995 in Morocco. Materials and Methods: These seven SPV isolates have undergone various tests to evaluate their pathogenicity: Passages and titration on cell culture, Experimental inoculation on sheep, Virus-neutralization, In vivo titration and viral re-isolation by real-time PCR assay. Results: All infected lambs showed severe clinical signs, while most of them have been reproduced on 5 dpi and persisted until 21 dpi. The lambs infected by Oj1P4, Oj2P4 and BerP5 appeared lethargic, reluctant to move compared to those infected by other isolates. The results also revealed that all isolates were able to induce serological response. Virus isolation from infected organs and blood and amplification of the viral DNA by real-time PCR proved the presence of the virus in tissues and blood of infected lambs. These Moroccan SPVs demonstrated that the three isolates Oj1P4, Oj2P4 and BerP5 have a high pathogenicity; especially the BerP5 isolate which has an important infectious titer. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the Berkane isolate is the most pathogenic of the tested isolates and it can be an excellent challenge strain for the control of the efficiency of vaccines against sheep pox produced in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Nile virus-associated disease is one of the most widespread vector-borne diseases in the world. In Morocco, the first cases were reported in horses in 1996 and the disease re-emerged in 2003 and in 2010. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological situation of WNV-associated infection in Morocco, by quantifying the seroprevalence of anti- WNV IgM and IgG antibodies in horses in different bioclimatic regions-zones of Morocco in 2011. During the months of May, June and July 2011, 840 serum samples were collected from horses in four regions characterized by different environmental and climatic features such as altitude, temperature and precipitation. These environmental-climatic regions are: the Atlantic plateaus of the Gharb and pre-Rif region, the North Atlasic plains and plateaus region, the Atlas Mountains and pre-Atlas region and the plains and plateaus of the Oriental region. All samples were tested for the anti- WNV IgG antibodies by ELISA and positive sera were confirmed by virus neutralization ( VN). An anti- WNV antibody prevalence map was developed. A total of 261 samples (31%) were found positive by both techniques. The prevalence of the infection was higher in the Atlantic plateaus of the Gharb and pre-Rif region, in the northern part of the country. Available data concerning the previous WNV-associated disease outbreaks in Morocco and the preliminary results of this serological survey suggest that the Moroccan northwest is the region at highest risk for WNV circulation. In this region, the climate is more humid with higher rainfall than other regions and milder winter temperatures exist. In the same area, the presence of migratory bird settlements may affect the risk of virus introduction and amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are the main cause of neonatal calve diarrhea (NCD) in Morocco. In this study, we isolated RVA strains from NCD clinical samples in order to support RVA disease control in Morocco. This isolation process constitutes a first step toward vaccine development. Methods: Thirteen fecal samples were obtained from calves with a single episode of neonate calf diarrhea at three different dairies and two samples were collected from field during a severe NCD outbreak. Diagnosis of RVA infection was based on fecal immune-chromatographic rapid test and further evaluated for their hemagglutination (HA) activity. RVA isolation was carried out on MA104 cells after inoculates were treated with different concentrations of trypsin TPCK. All RVA isolates were confirmed by LSI VetMAX? Triplex Ruminant Rotavirus & Coronavirus Real-Time PCR kit. G and P typing were determined by direct sequencing of the VP4 and VP7 amplicons. Results: RVA isolation was achieved for nine clinical samples following one or two passages (60%) and was properly depended on HA activity and trypsin treatment of inoculates. The first sign of CPE detected consisted of increased cell granularity, obscure cell boundaries, cell rounding, and eventual degeneration and detachment of cells. At lower TPCK concentration (3-10 µg/inoculum), no changes at the cellular level were observed, while cells activated with 25-30 µg of trypsin/inoculums, they degenerated and trypsin cytotoxicity was enhanced. Appreciable changes in cell's morphology were detected with optimal trypsin concentration of 15-20 µg trypsin/inoculums. Data from qRTPCR confirmed that unsuccessful cultivations have No-Ct, and all nine isolates have Ct values ranged between 12.17 and 24.69. Analysis sequencing revealed that field isolates were of G6 P[5] serotype and isolates from the dairy NCD samples were of G10 P[14] serotype. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study in Morocco which reports the circulation of G10P[14] in NCD on dairy farms and G6P[5] in the field. Our study constitutes a crucial and a necessary step allowing preventive and veterinary medicine to support RVA disease controls in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a major pathogen of commercial poultry flocks, circulates in the form of several serotypes/genotypes. Only a few amino-acid changes in the S1 subunit of wild-type IBVS proteins may result in mutants unaffected by current vaccines. Methods: Partial S1 gene sequences of 3 IBV isolates of the Moroccan Italy 02 genotype from vaccinated and unvaccinated broiler chicken flocks, located in southern and central regions of Morocco, were amplified by RT-PCR, sequenced, and aligned for phylogenetic and amino-acid similarity analyses. Results: The three isolates were found genetically highly distant from known avian IBV based on partial sequences of their S1 genes: gammaCoV/chicken/Morocco/I01/2011(IBV/Morocco/01), gammaCoV/chicken/Morocco/I30/2010 (IBV/Morocco/30), and gammaCoV/chicken/Morocco/I38/2013 (IBV/Morocco/38), nucleotide sequence identities reached 89.5 % to 90.9 % among the three isolates. The deduced protein sequence identities ranged from 29.7 % (between IBV/Morocco/38 and Egypt SCU-14/2013-1) to 78.2 % (between IBV/Morocco/01 and Spain/05/866). Amino acid sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis indicated the emergence of a new Moroccan genotype, clustering with regionally related isolates from Spain (Spain/05/866) and belonging to a new sub-genotype. Conclusion: Our sequencing results demonstrate a co-circulation of wild-type infectious bronchitis viruses in broiler chickens. These results justify permanent monitoring of circulating strains in order to rationally modify vaccination strategies to make them appropriate to the evolving field situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]