Jingmen tick virus: an emerging arbovirus with a global threat

Zhen Wu1, Ming Zhang1, Yuli Zhang1

  • 1WeiFang Medical University , Weifang, Shandong, China.

Msphere
|September 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is a novel segmented RNA virus found globally. While JMTV causes human illness, its exact disease mechanism remains unknown, necessitating further research and surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Jingmen tick virus (JMTV), a segmented RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family, was first identified in China in 2014.
  • JMTV has a global distribution, detected across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, affecting various arthropods, mammals, and humans.
  • The virus possesses a unique four-segment RNA genome, with two segments related to flaviviruses and two unique segments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the emerging threat of JMTV.
  • To emphasize the need for further investigation into JMTV's pathogenic mechanisms.
  • To underscore the importance of enhanced epidemiological surveillance and laboratory studies for JMTV.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing JMTV data.
  • Genomic analysis of JMTV RNA segments.
  • Clinical and epidemiological data compilation.

Main Results:

  • JMTV has been detected in multiple continents, indicating a wide host range and geographical spread.
  • Human infections with JMTV result in viremia and diverse clinical symptoms.
  • The specific mechanisms by which JMTV causes disease in humans are currently not well understood.

Conclusions:

  • JMTV represents a significant emerging viral pathogen with global reach.
  • Understanding JMTV's pathogenesis is critical for developing effective countermeasures.
  • Continued epidemiological monitoring and in-depth laboratory research are essential for managing JMTV risks.