In this study, we isolated a group of viruses that can cause a cytopathic effect in BHK-21 cells from sandfly specimens collected in Yangquan County, Shanxi Province, central China. The representative virus strain is SXYQ1860 and, with increased viral injection, the suckling mice became ill and died, with viral titers continually increasing. The results of molecular genetic evolution analysis of the three gene segments of the virus, L, M, and S, indicate that the newly isolated viruses from Yangquan County are the same as the Wuxiang virus (WUXV) previously isolated from sandflies collected in Wuxiang county, China. This is the first time that the WUXV was also isolated outside Wuxiang County. Therefore, strengthening the surveillance of neglected sandflies and the viruses they transmit to help prevent and control arboviruses and the associated diseases is essential for public health.
Keywords: Phlebovirus; Wuxiang virus; evolution; sandfly.