Reptarenavirus S Segment RNA Levels Correlate with the Presence of Inclusion Bodies and the Number of L Segments in Snakes with Reptarenavirus Infection—Lessons Learned from a Large Breeding Colony

Abstract

Boid inclusion body disease (BIBD) is caused by reptarenavirus infection, and while reptarenavirus nucleoprotein is the main component of the inclusion bodies (IBs) characteristic of BIBD, not all reptarenavirus-infected snakes demonstrate IBs in their cells. Identification of infected individuals is critical for controlling the spread of the disease; however, the genetic divergence of reptarenaviruses complicates reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)-based diagnostics.