# Genetic and Biological Characteristics of Gruid Herpesvirus 1 Isolated From Wild Cranes Affected by Inclusion Body Disease of Cranes

## TL;DR

Scientists identified and classified a deadly crane herpesvirus, GrHV-1, and found it can replicate in bird embryos, suggesting potential for cross-species spread.

## Contribution

The first genetic classification of Gruid herpesvirus 1 (GrHV-1) and evidence of its replication in avian embryos.

## Key findings

- GrHV-1 was confirmed with 99.98% sequence homology to a prior strain.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed GrHV-1 in the genus Mardivirus.
- GrHV-1 replicates effectively in duck and chicken embryo cells.

## Abstract

Inclusion body disease of cranes (IBDCs) is fatal in many cases and reportedly caused by a herpes-like virus labeled as gruid herpesvirus 1 (GrHV-1). Although GrHV-1 has been isolated from IBDC-affected cranes, it has not been genetically classified because its genome has not been partially or fully sequenced. In this study, we isolated an alphaherpesvirus from hooded cranes (Grus monacha) diagnosed with IBDC in Japan. Next-generation sequencing revealed that this virus isolate was GrHV-1, based on the 99.98% sequence homology with a previously isolated GrHV-1 strain. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of eight conserved herpesvirus genes supported the taxonomic assignment of GrHV-1 to the genus Mardivirus of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. Based on these results, GrHV-1 can be more accurately classified and diagnostic tools to investigate suspected cases of IBDC can be developed. Furthermore, GrHV-1 showed effective replication in primary cultured cells derived from duck and chicken embryos and embryo tissues, highlighting the importance of further studies to evaluate its interspecies transmission.