Recent Progress in Studies of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 1 in China

Due to the high incidence of PRRSV mutation and recombination, PRRSV infection is difficult to prevent and control in China and worldwide. Two species of PRRSV, Betaarterivirus suid 1 (PRRSV-1) and Betaarterivirus suid 2 (PRRSV-2), exist in China, and PRRSV-1 has always received less attention in China. However, the number of PRRSV-1 strains detected in China has increased recently. To date, PRRSV-1 has spread to more than 23 regions in China. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of ORF5 and the whole genome of PRRSV-1, Chinese PRRSV-1 can be divided into at least seven independent subgroups. Among them, BJEU06-1-like has become the mainstream subgroup in some regions of China. This subgroup of strains has a 5-aa (4 + 1) characteristic discontinuous deletion pattern at aa 357~aa 360 and aa 411 in Nsp2. Previous studies have indicated that the pathogenicity of PRRSV-1 in China is mild, but recent studies found that the pathogenicity of PRRSV-1 was enhanced in China. Therefore, the emergence of PRRSV-1 deserves attention, and the prevention and control of PRRSV-1 infection in China should be strengthened. PRRSV infection is usually prevented and controlled by a combination of virus monitoring, biosafety restrictions, herd management measures and vaccination. However, the use of PRRSV-1 vaccines is currently banned in China. Thus, we should strengthen the monitoring of PRRSV-1 and the biosafety management of pig herds in China. In this review, we summarize the prevalence of PRRSV-1 in China and clarify the genomic characteristics, pathogenicity, vaccine status, and prevention and control management system of PRRSV-1 in China. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to provide a basis for further development of prevention and control measures for PRRSV-1.