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Published on: July 10, 2019
Human Infection With IsrRAPXV: A Novel Zoonotic Bat-Derived Poxvirus
Yael Paran1,2, Dan David3, Nir Rudoler3
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.
Background:
Bats are recognized as the natural reservoir of several zoonotic viruses that pose a threat to public health worldwide. In our recent reports, we describe the identification of a novel poxvirus, IsrRAPXV, in Egyptian fruit bats. This poxvirus is associated with high morbidity and mortality in bats.
Methods:
Herein, we describe the identification of a poxvirus in a female patient hospitalized with systemic symptoms and severe painful skin lesions on her hands. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction, whole genome sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis to identify and characterize this poxvirus as the etiologic agent.
Results:
The patient interacted with wounded and sick bats as a volunteer in a bat shelter run by an Israel bat sanctuary organization. Samples collected from the patient's skin lesions were positive for the presence of IsrRAPXV by polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis showed that this virus is identical to IsrRAPXV, originally described by us as the causative agent of skin lesions in fruit bats.
Conclusions:
Our finding suggest that IsrRAPXV is zoonotic; therefore, veterinarians and volunteers working in bat shelters should meticulously follow the guidelines of working with bats and use required personal protective equipment.
Insights
A novel poxvirus, IsrRAPXV, found in Egyptian fruit bats has been identified in a human patient. This discovery highlights the zoonotic potential of bat viruses and the need for protective measures.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Bats are natural reservoirs for zoonotic viruses with global public health implications.
- A novel poxvirus, IsrRAPXV, was previously identified in Egyptian fruit bats, causing significant bat morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a poxvirus detected in a human patient presenting with systemic symptoms and severe hand lesions.
- To determine the etiological agent responsible for the patient's illness and its relationship to known bat viruses.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for viral detection.
- Whole genome sequencing for viral characterization.
- Phylogenetic analysis to establish viral relatedness.
Main Results:
- A poxvirus was identified in skin lesions of a female patient who volunteered at a bat shelter.
- The identified virus was confirmed as IsrRAPXV through qPCR and phylogenetic analysis, showing identity to the bat-derived strain.
- The patient had direct contact with sick and injured bats prior to symptom onset.
Conclusions:
- IsrRAPXV is confirmed as a zoonotic virus, capable of transmission from bats to humans.
- Veterinarians and bat shelter volunteers must adhere to strict safety protocols and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling bats.
