Circovirus sequences associated with piglet weight loss disease (pwd)

Abstract

The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection is further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

1 . A vaccine for the prevention or treatment of a viral infection by a piglet weight loss disease circovirus. 
     
     
         2 . A vaccine for the prevention or treatment of a viral infection by a piglet weight loss disease circovirus, wherein said vaccine comprises a nucleotide sequence from the genome of porcine circovirus type B, or a homolog or fragment thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The vaccine of  claim 2 , wherein said nucleotide sequence is selected from SEQ ID NO. 15, SEQ ID NO. 19, SEQ ID NO. 23, and SEQ ID NO. 25. 
     
     
         4 . The vaccine of  claim 2 , wherein said homolog has at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO. 15, SEQ ID NO. 19, SEQ ID NO. 23, or SEQ ID NO. 25. 
     
     
         5 . A vaccine comprising a polypeptide encoded by a nucleotide sequence from the genome of porcine circovirus type B. 
     
     
         6 . The vaccine of  claim 5 , further comprising a pharmaceutical or veterinary vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The vaccine of  claim 5 , wherein said polypeptide has the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 24 and SEQ ID NO. 26. 
     
     
         8 . A method of immunizing an animal against piglet weight loss disease, comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of a vaccine, wherein said vaccine comprises a nucleotide sequence from the genome of porcine circovirus type B. 
     
     
         9 . A method of immunizing an animal against piglet weight loss disease, comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of a vaccine, wherein said vaccine comprises a polypeptide encoded by a nucleotide sequence from the genome of porcine circovirus type B. 
     
     
         10 . An immunogenic agent comprising a polypeptide selected from SEQ ID NO. 29, SEQ ID NO. 30, SEQ ID NO. 31, and SEQ ID NO. 32. 
     
     
         11 . A medicament comprising the immunogenic agent of  claim 10 . 
     
     
         12 . The vaccine of  claim 1 , comprising at least one antigen of a porcine circovirus type B.