Isolation and Characterization of a Frog Virus 3 Strain from a Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) in Wood Buffalo National Park

A novel Frog Virus 3 (FV3)-like ranavirus, Rana sylvatica ranavirus (RSR), was isolated from a wood frog (Rana sylvatica) during an amphibian die-off in Wood Buffalo National Park. Genomic sequencing revealed high similarity to FV3 (99.98%) and a Maine salamander isolate (SSME; 99.64%), but RSR contained unique genomic elements, including a 13-amino acid insertion in ORF 49/50L. While growth kinetics were comparable in vitro, differences in non-core genes suggest potential roles in nucleic acid metabolism and immune evasion. This study underscores the significance of viral isolation and genomic analysis for understanding ranavirus distribution, host tropism, and pathogenicity.

Logan, S. R., Vilaça, S. T., Bienentreu, J.-F., Schock, D. M., Lesbarrères, D., & Brunetti, C. R. (2024). Isolation and Characterization of a Frog Virus 3 Strain from a Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) in Wood Buffalo National Park. Viruses, 16(9), 1411. https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091411