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Reptile adenoviruses in cattle?
1Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1581 Budapest, P.O. Box 18, Hungary. harrach@vmri.hu
Acta Veterinaria Hungarica
|June 14, 2001
Summary
This study proposes Atadenovirus, a type of adenovirus infecting various animals, originated from a common ancient source. Separate evolution in different hosts followed by host switching explains their distinctness from other adenoviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Comparative Genomics
Background:
- The adenovirus genus Atadenovirus infects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, deer, ducks, and poultry.
- Atadenoviruses exhibit significant genetic divergence compared to other adenoviruses found in similar host species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a hypothesis regarding the evolutionary origin of Atadenovirus.
- To explain the phylogenetic distinctness of Atadenovirus from other adenoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of phylogenetic trees of adenoviruses.
- Comparison of adenovirus phylogenetic trees with those of their respective hosts.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis suggests a very ancient and common origin for Atadenoviruses.
- The significant genetic differences are explained by separate evolutionary paths in distinct hosts (e.g., reptiles, mammals, birds).
Conclusions:
- Atadenoviruses likely evolved separately in different host lineages before undergoing host switching.
- This evolutionary model accounts for the observed diversity and host range of Atadenoviruses.