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Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
Morbillivirus: A highly adaptable viral genus
Jane E Libbey1, Robert S Fujinami1
1Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 North Medical Drive East, 1100, EEJMRB, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
Abstract:
Over the course of human history, numerous diseases have been caused by the transmission of viruses from an animal reservoir into the human population. The viruses of the genus Morbillivirus are human and animal pathogens that emerged from a primordial ancestor a millennia ago and have been transmitting to new hosts, adapting, and evolving ever since. Through interaction with susceptible individuals, as yet undiscovered morbilliviruses or existing morbilliviruses in animal hosts could cause future zoonotic diseases in humans.
Insights
Zoonotic diseases emerge when viruses transmit from animals to humans. Morbilliviruses, ancient pathogens, continue to evolve and could cause future human outbreaks through animal interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Human history is marked by zoonotic diseases originating from animal virus transmission.
- Morbilliviruses are ancient pathogens that have evolved over millennia, adapting to new hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential for morbilliviruses to cause future zoonotic diseases in humans.
- To underscore the ongoing evolutionary dynamics of morbilliviruses.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and evolutionary data on morbilliviruses.
- Analysis of host-switching and adaptation mechanisms in viral pathogens.
Main Results:
- Morbilliviruses have a long history of transmission and adaptation.
- Undiscovered or existing morbilliviruses pose a potential threat for future zoonotic spillover events.
Conclusions:
- Continued vigilance and research into morbilliviruses are crucial for pandemic preparedness.
- Understanding viral evolution in animal reservoirs is key to preventing future zoonotic diseases.
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