Isolation and Characterization of Encephalomyocarditis Virus from Dogs in China

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is as a potential zoonotic agent with a wide host range. Here, we describe an EMC virus isolate, identified as EMCV C15, which was successfully obtained from the serum of dogs from animal hospitals. Virus production in cell culture was confirmed by EMCV-specific real-time RT-PCR, indirect immunofluorescence assays and electron microscopy. In addition, the open reading frame sequence (ORF) of the EMCV C15 virus was determined. From sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis among 24 reference EMCV strains, it appears that the EMCV C15 strain is closely genetically related to strain BEL2887A/91 (>99.0% nucleotide identity). In artificially challenged dogs, the heart and brain were important targets of EMCV C15. This study provides genetic and pathogenic characterization of the EMCV C15 strain isolated in Beijing and calls for sustained surveillance of EMCV infection in China to support better prevention and control of the disease.