Abstract: A determination of the nucleotide sequence for the genome of Equine rhinovirus 1 (ERhV1), a horse-respiratory pathogen of heretofor uncertain taxonomic status, reveals a structure and predicted amino acid sequence that are more similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease viruses, the only members of the aphthovirus genus, than of other picornaviruses. These insights inform an understanding of ERhV1 virion proteins and virus-like particles, as well as the design of probes, primers, antigens, vectors, diagnostics and tests of relevance to ERhV1.

Abstract: Equine rhinovirus 1 (ERhV1) is a respiratory pathogen of horses which has an uncertain taxonomic status. The nucleotide sequence of the ERhV1 genome and amino acid sequence have been substantially determined (FIG. 2). The predicted polyprotein was encoded by 6,741 nucleotides and possessed a typical picornavirus proteolytic cleavage pattern, including a leader polypeptide. The genomic structure and predicted amino acid sequence of ERhV1 were more similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDV), the only members of the aphthovirus genus, than other picornaviruses. Nucleotide sequences coding for the complete polyprotein, the polymerase, and VP1 were analyzed separately. The phylogenetic trees confirmed that ERhV1 was more closely related to aphthoviruses than to other picornaviruses. Virion proteins and virus-like particles are described and probes, primers, antigens, vectors, diagnostics and tests developed.