Genetic Characterization of Sandfly-Borne Viruses in Phlebotomine Sandflies in Iran

Nariman Shahhosseini1, Sarah-Jo Paquette1, Mohammad Hassan Kayedi2

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.

Microorganisms
|November 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study identified sandfly-borne viruses (SBVs) in Iran, including Tehran virus (TEHV), sandfly fever Sicilian viruses (SFSV), and Karimabad viruses (KARV). Findings enhance understanding of SBV molecular epidemiology in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Entomology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Phleboviruses are segmented into sandfly fever and Uukuniemi groups, with Old World sandfly-borne viruses (SBVs) comprising four serocomplexes.
  • Knowledge gaps exist regarding SBVs in Iran, necessitating focused identification and molecular epidemiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize sandfly-borne viruses (SBVs) in Iran.
  • To investigate the molecular epidemiology of SBVs, specifically Tehran virus (TEHV), sandfly fever Sicilian viruses (SFSVs), and Karimabad viruses (KARVs).

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed to detect SBV presence in sandfly DNA/RNA extracts.
  • Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine the evolutionary relationships of identified viral isolates.

Main Results:

  • Five phlebovirus-positive specimens were identified: TEHV in *Ph. sergenti*, SFSV in *Ph. papatasi*, and KARV in *Ph. papatasi* and *Ph. perfiliewi*.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clustering for TEHV, SFSV, and KARV isolates, aligning them with known viral lineages and related viruses in Iran.
  • The study provides new molecular data on TEHV, SFSVs, and KARVs circulating within Iran.

Conclusions:

  • This research significantly contributes to understanding the molecular epidemiology of TEHV, SFSVs, and KARVs in Iran.
  • The findings highlight the presence and genetic diversity of these SBVs in the region, informing future public health surveillance and control strategies.