Phylogenetic analysis of classical swine fever virus isolated from Taiwan.

By analyzing the E2 sequences of classical swine fever virus from field outbreaks in Taiwan during 1993-2001, three virus populations with distinct genotypes were determined including one historical (subgroup 3.4) and two exotic (subgroup 2.1) strains. The first subgroup 2.1 virus was isolated in 1994 and further sporadic outbreaks occurred after 1996. Phylogenetic analysis using the E2 region has segregated the Taiwanese strains of 2.1 virus into two different genotypes (termed 2.1a and 2.1b). The 2.1b viruses were only isolated in 2001 and shared approximately 94.8% nucleotide identities to the 2.1a viruses in the total genomic sequences. The results suggest that the 2.1a and 2.1b viruses may be introduced from different origins.