vsv

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an enveloped, bullet-shaped virus in the genus Vesiculovirus of the family Rhabdoviridae. It has a nonsegmented, negative-sense RNA genome of about 11 kilobases that encodes five core proteins in the order N-P-M-G-L. The virus particle is coated by a lipid envelope studded with the glycoprotein G, which mediates cell entry. VSV replicates entirely in the cytoplasm.

VSV primarily affects livestock, including cattle, horses, and swine, causing vesicular lesions on the oral mucosa, tongue, gums, teats, and hooves, along with fever and depression. The disease can be mistaken for other vesicular diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, so rapid differential diagnosis is important. Transmission occurs by direct contact with infected tissue or excretions, contaminated equipment, or insect vectors; outbreaks can cause trade restrictions and significant economic impact. In most cases, animals recover, but losses arise from production downtime and culling in severe outbreaks.

Humans can be infected, usually with mild, flu-like illness or no symptoms; transmission to humans is uncommon. Occupational exposure is a risk for veterinarians, farm workers, and laboratory personnel.

In research and biotechnology, VSV serves as a versatile expression vector and oncolytic agent. Replication-competent VSV and its recombinant derivatives can efficiently deliver genes and induce tumor cell lysis. The VSV glycoprotein G determines cell tropism, and vectors lacking G (VSV-ΔG) or pseudotyped with other glycoproteins are used for safety and targeting. Work with VSV is conducted at BSL-2 facilities with appropriate biosafety practices.

Control measures include vaccination in some endemic regions, movement controls, surveillance, and rapid laboratory confirmation. Public health authorities emphasize training and biosecurity to prevent cross-species transmission.