A Novel Squirrel Respirovirus with Putative Zoonotic Potential.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Comparative Genomics

Background:

• Emerging pathogens pose a growing global threat, particularly those with unknown zoonotic potential.
• The Sri Lankan Giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) is native to South Asia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a novel respirovirus isolated from a deceased Sri Lankan Giant squirrel.
• To assess the potential zoonotic implications of this newly identified virus.

Main Methods:

• Full-genome sequencing and characterization of the novel respirovirus.
• Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.
• Development and application of a specific real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay.

Main Results:

• A novel respirovirus, Giant squirrel respirovirus (GSqRV), was isolated and fully characterized.
• GSqRV shares genetic similarities with murine and human respiroviruses but possesses unique features, including genome length and an accessory protein.
• Phylogenetic analysis places GSqRV between murine and human respiroviruses, suggesting potential zoonotic capacity.
• High viral loads were detected in the lung and brain of the infected squirrel.
• A pilot study found no additional cases in squirrels in Germany.

Conclusions:

• GSqRV represents a novel viral pathogen with potential zoonotic implications.
• Further investigation is required to determine the geographic range, host spectrum, and actual zoonotic risk of GSqRV.