Aspectos relevantes en la caracterización y variabilidad genética virus de la fiebre aftosa: una revisión

Pamela Rodríguez Huera; Maritza M. D. Ruiz Medina; David Fabricio Martínez Matamoros

doi:10.30972/vet.3719152

Authors

Pamela Rodríguez Huera Universidad politécnica estatal del Carchi- Medicina veterinaria, Tulcán, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9293-2985
Maritza M. D. Ruiz Medina Universidad Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4526-4195
David Fabricio Martínez Matamoros Universidad Nacional de Loja, Loja, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5582-7679

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30972/vet.3719152

Keywords:

Pathogen, FMDV, genetic variability, VP1, animal health, vaccines

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious pathogen that affects cloven-hoofed animals and represents a major threat to both animal health and the global livestock economy. This review focuses on the molecular characterization of FMDV, with particular emphasis on virion structure, transmission routes, viral genome organization, genetic variability, vaccination strategies, and virus distribution in Ecuador. The high genetic variability of FMVD- mainly associated with the VP1 capsid protein and the lack of proofreading activity of the viral RNA polymerase during replication- favors the emergence of quasispecies, complicating vaccine-based control and hindering virus eradication efforts. Additionally, this review discusses the main molecular tools used for diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance, including RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS), which enable the identification of serotypes, lineages, and geographic distribution patterns. Finally, the importance of updating vaccination strategies and strengthening genetic surveillance systems is highlighted to improve outbreak containment and enhance the immunogenicity of current vaccines.

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