Recombination between the Fostera MLV-like Strain and the Strain Belonging to Lineage 1 of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Korea

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most important pathogens in the swine industry worldwide. In Korea, Fostera PRRS commercial modified live virus (MLV) vaccines have been used since 2014 to control the PRRSV infection. In this study, two PRRSV-2 strains (20D160-1 and 21R2-63-1) were successfully isolated, and their complete genomic sequences were determined. Genetic analysis showed that the two isolates have recombination events between the P129-like strain derived from the Fostera PRRS MLV vaccine and the strain of lineage 1. The 20D160-1 indicated that partial ORF2 to partial ORF4 of the minor parental KNU-1902-like strain, which belongs to Korean lineage C (Kor C) of lineage 1, was inserted into the major parental P129-like strain. The 21R2-63-1 revealed that partial ORF1b of the P129-like strain was inserted into the backbone of the NADC30-like strain. This study is the first to report natural recombinant strains between Fostera PRRS MLV-like strain and the field strain in Korea. These results may have significant implications for MLV evolution and the understanding of PRRSV genetic diversity, while highlighting the need for continuous surveillance of PRRSV.