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Novel lyssavirus in bat, Spain
Nidia Aréchiga Ceballos1, Sonia Vázquez Morón, José M Berciano
1Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Madrid, Spain. nhyxbiogirl@gmail.com
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 8, 2013
Summary
A novel lyssavirus, tentatively named Lleida bat lyssavirus, was identified in Spain. This new virus is distinct from known groups and shows closer relation to Ikoma lyssavirus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Bat-borne Pathogens
Background:
- Lyssaviruses are RNA viruses known to cause rabies and related neurological diseases in mammals.
- Bat lyssaviruses represent a diverse group, with some posing potential risks to public health.
- Phylogenetic classification is crucial for understanding lyssavirus evolution and epidemiology.
Observation:
- A new tentative lyssavirus, Lleida bat lyssavirus, was detected in a bent-winged bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) in Spain.
- Genetic analysis revealed that this virus does not align with established lyssavirus phylogroups I or II.
- The virus exhibits closer genetic relatedness to the West Caucasian bat virus and particularly to Ikoma lyssavirus.
Findings:
- Identification of a novel lyssavirus lineage in European bats.
- The Lleida bat lyssavirus represents a distinct genetic entity within the Lyssavirus genus.
- Phylogenetic placement suggests potential for novel evolutionary pathways and geographic distribution of bat lyssaviruses.
Implications:
- This discovery expands the known diversity of bat lyssaviruses.
- Understanding the genetic distinctiveness of Lleida bat lyssavirus is vital for accurate diagnostics and surveillance.
- Further research is needed to assess the potential pathogenicity and transmission dynamics of this new virus.
