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Complete genome sequence of a novel paramyxovirus, Tailam virus, discovered in Sikkim rats
Patrick C Y Woo1, Susanna K P Lau, Beatrice H L Wong
1State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong.
Abstract:
We discovered a novel paramyxovirus, Tailam virus, of subfamily Paramyxovirinae, in the kidneys and spleens of Sikkim rats. The coding potential of its genome (3'-N-P/V/C-M-F-SH-TM-G-L-5') is similar to those of Beilong virus and J virus, with putative proteins having 59.1 to 94.4% and 23.8 to 80.1% amino acid identities to those of Beilong virus and J virus, respectively.
Insights
Researchers identified a new paramyxovirus, Tailam virus, in Sikkim rats. This discovery expands our understanding of paramyxovirus diversity and evolution in rodent populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Mammalian Pathogens
Background:
- Paramyxoviruses are a diverse group of RNA viruses known to infect various hosts, including mammals.
- Rodents are recognized as potential reservoirs for novel viral agents, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
- The subfamily Paramyxovirinae includes significant human and animal pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery and initial characterization of a novel paramyxovirus identified in Sikkim rats.
- To determine the genomic and proteomic relatedness of the novel virus to known paramyxoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Viral isolation and identification from kidney and spleen tissues of Sikkim rats.
- Genome sequencing and analysis to determine gene order and homology.
- Amino acid sequence comparison of putative viral proteins with related paramyxoviruses.
Main Results:
- A novel paramyxovirus, designated Tailam virus, was discovered in Sikkim rats.
- Tailam virus belongs to the subfamily Paramyxovirinae.
- Its genome organization (3'-N-P/V/C-M-F-SH-TM-G-L-5') is similar to Beilong virus and J virus.
- Putative proteins showed significant amino acid identities to Beilong virus (59.1–94.4%) and J virus (23.8–80.1%).
Conclusions:
- Tailam virus represents a newly identified member of the Paramyxovirinae subfamily.
- The genetic and protein similarities suggest a close evolutionary relationship with Beilong virus and J virus.
- This finding highlights the importance of rodent reservoirs in the emergence and diversity of paramyxoviruses.
