Genomic characterization of two avian paramyxovirus type 2 isolates from chickens in China.

The complete genome sequences were determined for avian paramyxovirus type 2 (APMV-2) strains F8 and NK isolated from chickens in China. Both strains had a genome of 14,904 nucleotides (nt) in length, which followed the "rule of six". Each genome consisted of six genes in the order 3'-N-P-M-F-HN-L-5', with a 55-nt leader at the 3' end and a 154-nt trailer at the 5' end. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that APMV-2 strains F8 and NK shared the highest sequence identity with APMV-2 prototype strain Yucaipa, being classified in the same subgroup as strains Yucaipa, England and Kenya, while strain Bangor represented another subgroup of APMV-2. Among the APMVs, APMV-2 strains F8 and NK exhibited a closer evolutionary relationship with APMV-7 and APMV-8 representative strains.