Co-circulation of distinct shrew-borne hantaviruses in the far east of Russia

Virus Res. 2019 Oct 15:272:197717. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197717. Epub 2019 Aug 15.

Abstract

Insectivores are the new emerging reservoir of hantaviruses. Here, we describe Lena virus (LENV), a novel hantavirus harbored by the Laxmann`s shrew (Sorex caecutiens), which is also the host of Artybash virus (ARTV). Genetic analysis of the complete genomic sequence shows that LENV is in distant relation to ARTV and other Sorex-borne hantaviruses, suggesting that LENV has emerged from cross-species transmission. Additionally, new genetic variant of ARTV, designated as ARTV-St, was identified in tundra shrews (Sorex tundrensis). Finally, distinct insectivore-borne hantaviruses are co-circulating in the same localities of far eastern Russia: LENV, ARTV and Yakeshi in the forest site, while ARTV, ARTV-St, and Kenkeme virus in the meadow field site.

Keywords: Co-circulation; Hantavirus; Novel viruses; Russia; Shrews.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asia, Eastern
  • Genome, Viral
  • Hantavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Hantavirus Infections / transmission
  • Hantavirus Infections / virology*
  • Orthohantavirus* / classification
  • Orthohantavirus* / genetics
  • Orthohantavirus* / isolation & purification
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prevalence
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • RNA, Viral
  • Russia / epidemiology
  • Shrews / virology*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral