In Silico Characterization of Infectious Bronchitis Coronavirus (Qx Strain) Circulating in Iraq

Abstract

Infectious bronchitis belongs to Coronavirus group causes an important loss in poultry industry in Iraq, QX variant has been detected as the causative agent recently. Efforts to develop vaccines against this variant are in progress. This study aimed to investigate the characters of accused strain NL/L-1449/T/04 in comparison with other strains mainly those used and authorized for vaccination in Iraq (H120, Ma5, 4/91 strains), in addition to variant 2 which is found in many areas of Iraq. The results revealed that QX strain is far away from the vaccine strains and cannot infer protection, it has different type of N-glycosylation and phosphorylation of S1 glycoprotein, in
addition to differences in the secondary structure of S1 protein responsible for infection. It has been recommended to change the vaccines used and changing the vaccination program.