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Picobirnaviruses in animals: a review.
Mareddy Vineetha Reddy1, Vandana Gupta2, Anju Nayak1
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, M.P, India.
Molecular Biology Reports
|December 3, 2022
Summary
Picobirnaviruses (PBVs), RNA viruses found in many animals, remain poorly understood regarding their hosts and disease roles. Further research is crucial due to their potential as zoonotic agents and reassortment risks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) are small, non-enveloped viruses with segmented dsRNA, detected in diverse vertebrates and sewage since 1988.
- Their true hosts, pathogenic role (primary, opportunistic, or innocuous), and transmission routes remain largely unknown.
- PBVs have been linked to gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in pigs, highlighting the need for tropism studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Picobirnaviruses (PBVs).
- To describe the current status of PBVs in animal populations.
- To emphasize the importance of epidemiological and surveillance studies for emerging RNA viruses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on Picobirnaviruses.
- Analysis of reported findings on PBV detection in various animal hosts and environments.
- Synthesis of current understanding regarding PBV characteristics and implications.
Main Results:
- PBVs are widespread in vertebrates, with their ecological role and pathogenicity unclear.
- Detection in both symptomatic and asymptomatic hosts complicates understanding of their disease contribution.
- Evidence suggests potential for zoonotic transmission and genetic reassortment, posing public health concerns.
Conclusions:
- Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding PBV host range, pathogenicity, and transmission.
- Epidemiological surveillance is vital due to the potential public health threat from PBVs.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the biology and impact of these emerging RNA viruses.
Keywords:
Bi-segmented RNAEmerging virusesOpportunisticPicobirnavirusProkaryotic virusZoonotic potentialMore Related Videos
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