Discovery, Diversity and Evolution of Emerging Jingmenviruses

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Arthropod-borne viruses
• Emerging infectious diseases

Background:

• Jingmenviruses are a growing group of emerging arboviruses discovered in arthropods, mammals, and humans over the last decade.
• Their biodiversity has expanded significantly with new discoveries.
• These viruses possess a flexible packaging mechanism for their four or five genomic RNA segments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the discovery, diversity, and evolution of emerging jingmenviruses.
• To highlight the potential risks associated with these viruses, including human transmission.
• To emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance and etiological investigation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on jingmenviruses.
• Analysis of genomic data and phylogenetic relationships.
• Summary of epidemiological findings and disease associations.

Main Results:

• Jingmenviruses form a monophyletic group within the Flaviviridae family, divided into tick/vertebrate-associated and insect-associated groups.
• Two genomic segments of jingmenviruses originate from unsegmented orthoflaviviruses.
• Several tick- and vertebrate-associated jingmenviruses have been implicated in human diseases.

Conclusions:

• Jingmenviruses represent a significant emerging viral threat with diverse hosts and genomic characteristics.
• The potential for human transmission and associated diseases underscores the importance of ongoing research and surveillance.
• Further etiological investigations are crucial for understanding and mitigating the risks posed by jingmenviruses.