A Genome-Wide Association Study for the Incidence of Persistent Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection in Cattle

Abstract Text: Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is a diverse group of viruses causing disease in ruminants. The objective was to determine genomic regions harboring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with presence or absence of persistent BVDV infections. A genome wide association approach based on 777,000 SNP markers was used. Samples of animals identified as positive for BVDV (n= 1,200), and animals negative for the presence of the BVDV (n= 1,200) were used. DNA samples were incorporated in 24 pools (100 animals per pool). A strong association (P < 5x10^-7) was detected on chromosome 14, located at 80,675,176 megabases (Mb).  Fifteen SNP were moderately associated (P < 1x10^-5). These last SNP reside on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 15, and 18. Results support the hypothesis that genomic regions identified in the present study are involved in suppression of the immune system.

Keywords:

Bovine Viral Diarrhea,

Cattle,

Genome-Wide Association Study.