The gag gene of 5 CAEV samples, isolated from naturally infected goats from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were analised by PCR and restriction endonuclease (DdeI, HaeIII e NdeI) digestion. Fragments of about 600 bp were amplified by PCR and submitted to enzymatic digestion. The patterns observed were compared with the corresponding gag sequences from 6 small ruminant lentiviruses. The results obtained allowed the separation of 3 distinct groups. The restriction fragment profiles observed were different from those previously described.
Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus; lentivirus; PCR; RFLP
