[TULA HANTAVIRUS IN CRIMEA].

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genetics
• Ecology

Context:

• Tula virus (TULV) is a hantavirus known to circulate in rodent populations.
• Previous studies have identified TULV in various regions of Russia.
• The Crimea region's specific viral landscape remained less explored.

Purpose:

• To genetically characterize Tula virus (TULV) isolates from the Crimea region.
• To determine the phylogenetic relationship of Crimean TULV strains to other known TULV lineages.
• To investigate the potential role of Altai voles (Microtus obscurus) as reservoirs for TULV.

Summary:

• Four RNA isolates of TULV were identified in Altai voles from Crimea using reverse transcription PCR.
• Phylogenetic analysis of S, M, and L segments revealed a distinct genetic lineage, designated Russia IV.
• The Crimean TULV strains showed closest relation to TULV lineage Russia I found in common voles from the Tula region.

Impact:

• Establishes the presence of TULV in the Crimea region, expanding its known geographical distribution.
• Identifies a new genetic lineage (Russia IV) of TULV, contributing to our understanding of hantavirus evolution.
• Highlights Altai voles as potential hosts for TULV, informing future epidemiological surveillance and risk assessment.