Porcine Sapovirus in Northern Vietnam: Genetic Detection and Characterization Reveals Co-Circulation of Multiple Genotypes

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study investigated Sapovirus (SaV) infection in pigs farmed in northern Vietnam and conducted genetic characterization of the virus strains circulating in the country. In total, 102 samples were collected from piglets, fattening pigs, and sows with diarrhea in several cities and provinces in northern Vietnam. The porcine sapovirus (PoSaV) genome was examined using polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing of the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene region (324 bp) was performed. In total, 10 (9.8%) out of the 102 samples were positive for the PoSaV genome. Genetic analysis of the partial RdRp gene region indicated that the nucleotide identity of the 10 PoSaV strains obtained in this study ranged from 61.39% to 100%. Among the 10 strains obtained, 8 belonged to Genotype III and the remaining 2 strains were clustered in Genotype VIII. ABSTRACT: Porcine sapovirus (PoSaV) has been reported in many countries over the world, which may cause gastroenteritis symptoms in pigs with all ages. There has been no report on PoSaV infection in Vietnam up to now. In this study, a total of 102 samples were collected from piglets, fattening pigs, and sows with diarrhea in several cities and provinces in northern Vietnam. The PoSaV genome was examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequencing of the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene sequences (324 bp) was performed. Of the 102 tested samples, 10 (9.8%) and 7/20 (35%) were detected as positive for the PoSaV RdRp gene using the PCR method at the individual and farm levels, respectively. Genetic analysis of the partial RdRp gene region of about 324 bp indicated that the nucleotide identity of the current 10 Vietnamese viral strains ranged from 61.39% to 100%. Among the 10 strains obtained, 8 belonged to genotype III and the remaining 2 strains were clustered in genotype VIII. The Vietnamese genotype III viruses formed two sub-clusters. The Vietnamese PoSaV strains were closely related to PoSaVs reported in South Korea, Venezuela, and the Netherlands. This research was the first to describe PoSaV infection in northern Vietnam during 2022–2023.