Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
Mosquito-Associated Virus Isolation from Field-Collected Mosquitoes
Published on: August 31, 2022
Isolation, preliminary characterization, and full-genome analyses of tick-borne encephalitis virus from Mongolia
Stefan Frey1, Ilona Mossbrugger, Damdin Altantuul
1Department of Virology & Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes one of the most important inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, namely severe encephalitis in Europe and Asia. Since the 1980s tick-borne encephalitis is known in Mongolia with increasing numbers of human cases reported during the last years. So far, however, data on TBEV strains are still sparse. We herein report the isolation of a TBEV strain from Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected in Mongolia in 2010. Phylogenetic analysis of the E-gene classified this isolate as Siberian subtype of TBEV. The Mongolian TBEV strain showed differences in virus titers, plaque sizes, and growth properties in two human neuronal cell-lines. In addition, the 10,242 nucleotide long open-reading frame and the corresponding polyprotein sequence were revealed. The isolate grouped in the genetic subclade of the Siberian subtype. The strain Zausaev (AF527415) and Vasilchenko (AF069066) had 97 and 94 % identity on the nucleotide level. In summary, we herein describe first detailed data regarding TBEV from Mongolia. Further investigations of TBEV in Mongolia and adjacent areas are needed to understand the intricate dispersal of this virus.
Insights
This study reports the first detailed analysis of a tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) strain isolated in Mongolia. The findings provide crucial insights into TBEV genetic diversity and properties in the region.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Central Nervous System Diseases
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant cause of inflammatory central nervous system disease in Europe and Asia.
- TBEV has been recognized in Mongolia since the 1980s, with a recent increase in reported human cases.
- Limited data exists on TBEV strains circulating in Mongolia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a TBEV strain from Mongolia.
- To determine the phylogenetic classification of the Mongolian TBEV isolate.
- To analyze the genetic and biological properties of the isolated TBEV strain.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of TBEV from Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected in Mongolia in 2010.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the TBEV E-gene.
- Sequencing of the viral open-reading frame and polyprotein.
- Assessment of virus titers, plaque sizes, and growth in human neuronal cell lines.
Main Results:
- A TBEV strain was successfully isolated from Mongolian ticks.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolate within the Siberian subtype of TBEV.
- The Mongolian strain exhibited distinct virus titers, plaque sizes, and growth characteristics in neuronal cell lines compared to other strains.
- The complete genome sequence revealed high nucleotide identity to other Siberian subtype strains.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first detailed characterization of a TBEV strain from Mongolia.
- The findings highlight the genetic diversity within the Siberian subtype of TBEV.
- Further research on TBEV in Mongolia and surrounding areas is essential for understanding its spread and impact.
