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Updated: Jul 22, 2025
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Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
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Emerging reoviruses: the next pandemic?
Virologie (Montrouge, France)
|July 21, 2023
Summary
Pathogenic reoviruses, ubiquitous viruses found worldwide, pose a potential pandemic threat through zoonotic transmission. Understanding their properties and transmission is crucial for global health preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 highlights the risk of novel viral pandemics.
- Reoviruses, a family of ubiquitous viruses, are found globally in various animal species.
- While initially termed 'orphan' viruses, some reoviruses are pathogenic and have been linked to zoonotic transmission.
Approach:
- This manuscript reviews the pertinent properties of reoviruses.
- It examines available evidence for zoonotic transmission of pathogenic reoviruses to humans.
- The review discusses future research needs for preparedness.
Key Points:
- Reoviruses are widespread viruses with diverse hosts, including mammals and vertebrates.
- Zoonotic transmission of pathogenic reoviruses, particularly from bats to humans, has been reported.
- Understanding reovirus characteristics is vital for assessing pandemic potential.
Conclusions:
- Reoviruses represent a potential threat for future zoonotic disease emergence.
- Further research into reovirus properties and transmission pathways is essential for pandemic preparedness.
- Proactive surveillance and study are necessary to mitigate risks associated with pathogenic reoviruses.
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