A novel Orthonairovirus associated with a potential animal disease
Orthonairoviruses are tick-borne viruses that can infect humans and animals, presenting a serious zoonotic disease threat. Huangpi tick virus 1 (HpTV-1), a member of the genus Orthonairovirus, has been detected in ticks in Shandong and Hubei provinces so far. In this study, we first isolated HpTV-1 from Haemaphysalis longicornis in Hubei, China. The viral genome and phylogenetic analysis places HpTV-1 in a distinct clade close to Songling virus and Tamdy virus within the Nairoviridae family. In vitro experiments show HpTV-1 infects diverse animal and human cell lines. Importantly, all infected C57BL/6 mice survived without overt signs of severe disease, developing only minor pathological lesions in specific organs (liver, spleen, and lungs). Serological surveys revealed HpTV-1 antibodies in 15.7% of goats, including neutralizing antibodies indicating zoonotic potential. These findings identify HpTV-1 as a novel Orthonairovirus capable of infecting animals and humans, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and research, particularly in Hubei and other endemic regions.
Orthonairoviruses are tick-borne viruses that can infect humans and animals, presenting a serious zoonotic disease threat. Huangpi tick virus 1 (HpTV-1), a member of the genus Orthonairovirus, has been detected in ticks in Shandong and Hubei provinces so far. In this study, we first isolated HpTV-1 from Haemaphysalis longicornis in Hubei, China. The viral genome and phylogenetic analysis places HpTV-1 in a distinct clade close to Songling virus and Tamdy virus within the Nairoviridae family. In vitro experiments show HpTV-1 infects diverse animal and human cell lines. Importantly, all infected C57BL/6 mice survived without overt signs of severe disease, developing only minor pathological lesions in specific organs (liver, spleen, and lungs). Serological surveys revealed HpTV-1 antibodies in 15.7% of goats, including neutralizing antibodies indicating zoonotic potential. These findings identify HpTV-1 as a novel Orthonairovirus capable of infecting animals and humans, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance and research, particularly in Hubei and other endemic regions.
Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences