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 are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, 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 comprising a nucleotide sequence of the genome of Porcine circovirus type B, or a homologue or fragment thereof, and an acceptable pharmaceutical or veterinary vehicle, wherein the nucleotide sequence is selected from SEQ ID No. 15 or SEQ ID No. 19. 
     
     
         2 . The vaccine of  claim 1 , wherein the homologue has at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 15 or SEQ ID No. 19. 
     
     
         3 . A vaccine comprising a polypeptide encoded by a nucleotide sequence of the genome of Porcine circovirus type B, or a homologue or fragment thereof, and an acceptable pharmaceutical or veterinary vehicle. 
     
     
         4 . The vaccine of  claim 3 , wherein the homologue has at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 15 or SEQ ID No. 19. 
     
     
         5 . The vaccine of  claim 3 , wherein the nucleotide sequence is selected from SEQ ID No. 23 or SEQ ID No. 25, or a homologue or fragment thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The vaccine of  claim 5 , wherein the homologue has at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 23 or SEQ ID No. 25. 
     
     
         7 . The vaccine of  claim 5 , wherein the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID No. 25. 
     
     
         8 . The vaccine of  claim 3 , wherein the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 24 or SEQ ID No. 26. 
     
     
         9 . The vaccine of  claim 8 , wherein the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 26. 
     
     
         10 . The vaccine of  claim 3 , wherein the homologue has at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 24 or SEQ ID No. 26. 
     
     
         11 . The vaccine of  claim 10 , wherein the homologue has at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 26. 
     
     
         12 . The vaccine of  claim 3 , wherein the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 29, SEQ ID No. 30, SEQ ID No. 31, or SEQ ID No. 32. 
     
     
         13 . A vaccine comprising a vector and an acceptable pharmaceutical or veterinary vehicle, the vector comprising a nucleotide sequence of the genome of Porcine circovirus type B, or a homologue or fragment thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A vaccine according to  claim 13 , further comprising a gene coding for an expression product capable of inhibiting or retarding the establishment or development of a genetic or acquired disease. 
     
     
         15 . A vaccine comprising a cell and an acceptable pharmaceutical or veterinary vehicle, wherein the cell is transformed with a nucleotide sequence of the genome of Porcine circovirus type B, or a homologue or fragment thereof. 
     
     
         16 . A vaccine comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and a single polypeptide, wherein the single polypeptide consists of SEQ ID No. 26.