Molecular characterization and the first full sequencing genome of chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) in Iran

Background: The chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an important pathogen that causes severe immunosuppression in young chickens. Aims: The study aims to characterize the genotype and full-length sequencing of CIAV strains in Iran. Methods: First, the collected thymus samples were investigated by conventional PCR for CIAV detection. Second, one of the CIAV positive samples (UT-Zahraee) was chosen for full genome sequencing. Results: Throughout 2017, we detected 13 CIAVs isolated from 40 broiler flocks of different provinces of Iran. A comparison of the complete sequences of the genome and homologies of the nucleotides revealed that UT- Zahraee had a high similarity with American and Egyptian CIAV isolates. Moreover, VP1 sequence analysis showed that UT-Zahraee shared high homology with previously reported Iranian CIAV strains, Chinese, and Egyptian isolates. Conclusion: This study is the first report of full genome sequencing of CIAV strain from Iran. It will be beneficial to understand better the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of CIAV circulating in Iran.