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Isolation and characterization of tick-borne encephalitis virus from Ixodes persulcatus in Mongolia in 2012
Memi Muto1, Boldbaatar Bazartseren2, Bazartseren Tsevel2
1Laboratory of Public Health, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan.
Abstract:
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a zoonotic virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, in the family Flaviviridae. The virus, which is endemic in Europe and northern parts of Asia, causes severe encephalitis. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been reported in Mongolia since the 1980s, but details about the biological characteristics of the endemic virus are lacking. In this study, 680 ticks (Ixodes persulcatus) were collected in Selenge aimag, northern Mongolia, in 2012. Nine Mongolian TBEV strains were isolated from tick homogenates. A sequence analysis of the envelope protein gene revealed that all isolates belonged to the Siberian subtype of TBEV. Two strains showed similar growth properties in cultured cells, but their virulence in mice differed. Whole genome sequencing revealed only thirteen amino acid differences between these Mongolian TBEV strains. Our results suggest that these naturally occurring amino acid mutations affected the pathogenicity of Mongolian TBEV. Our results may be an important platform for monitoring TBEV to evaluate the epidemiological risk in TBE endemic areas of Mongolia.
Insights
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Mongolia causes severe neurological illness. Researchers found specific mutations in Mongolian TBEV strains may alter their disease-causing potential, aiding future risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant cause of viral encephalitis in Europe and Asia.
- TBE has been endemic in Mongolia since the 1980s, yet its specific viral characteristics remain understudied.
- Understanding TBEV strains is crucial for assessing public health risks in endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize TBEV strains from ticks in Mongolia.
- To investigate the genetic and pathogenic differences between Mongolian TBEV isolates.
- To identify potential viral factors influencing TBEV pathogenicity in Mongolia.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 680 Ixodes persulcatus ticks from northern Mongolia.
- Isolation of nine TBEV strains from tick homogenates.
- Sequence analysis of the envelope protein gene and whole-genome sequencing.
- Comparative analysis of viral growth in cell culture and virulence in mouse models.
Main Results:
- Nine Mongolian TBEV strains were successfully isolated, all identified as the Siberian subtype.
- Two strains exhibited distinct virulence profiles in mice despite minimal whole-genome differences (13 amino acid variations).
- Sequence analysis revealed specific amino acid mutations potentially linked to pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Naturally occurring amino acid mutations in Mongolian TBEV strains may influence their pathogenicity.
- These findings provide a basis for monitoring TBEV and evaluating epidemiological risks in Mongolia.
- Further research into TBEV genetic diversity is essential for effective disease control.
