Molecular detection of novel astroviruses in wild and laboratory mice

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genomics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Picornaviruses and astroviruses are RNA viruses with diverse hosts.
• Rodents, including wild and laboratory mice, can harbor various viral pathogens.
• Understanding viral diversity in animal models is crucial for interpreting research findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of picornaviruses and astroviruses in wild and laboratory mice.
• To genetically characterize detected viral strains, focusing on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and capsid protein (ORF2).
• To determine if the detected astroviruses represent novel species within the Mamastrovirus genus.

Main Methods:

• Fecal and stool samples from striped field mice, yellow-necked mice, bank voles, and laboratory mice were collected.
• Viral RNA was extracted and tested for picornaviruses and astroviruses using molecular methods.
• Partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and complete ORF2 (capsid precursor) gene sequences were amplified and analyzed for homology.
• A complete genome segment of a novel astrovirus strain was sequenced.

Main Results:

• Picornavirus RNA was found in one striped field mouse sample.
• Astrovirus RNA was detected in yellow-necked mice and laboratory mice.
• Wild mouse picornavirus showed high homology to canyon mouse kobuvirus.
• Astroviruses from yellow-necked mice and laboratory mice exhibited significant genetic diversity and distinctness from known strains, suggesting novel species.
• A novel research mouse astrovirus strain (TF18LM) shared low homology with other Mamastrovirus members.

Conclusions:

• Astroviruses detected in this study represent a novel species within the Mamastrovirus genus.
• The genetic distinctness of these astroviruses highlights the need for further investigation.
• The potential impact of astrovirus infection on the reliability of biomedical research using mice warrants further study.