The Mengla virus (Filoviridae: Dianlovirus)

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Bat-borne viruses
• Emerging infectious diseases

Background:

• Filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg viruses, are associated with pteropodid bats and cause hemorrhagic fevers.
• Recent discoveries of novel filoviruses in South and Southeast Asian bats necessitate investigation into their genetic diversity and pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic diversity and pathogenic potential of newly discovered filoviruses associated with bats in South and Southeast Asia.
• To review existing literature data on filovirus discovery, characterization, and biological properties.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on filovirus detection and molecular characterization in pteropodid bats.
• Analysis of data on virus discovery, genome organization, taxonomy, and experimental assessment of biological properties.

Main Results:

• Several novel filoviruses were identified in pteropodid bats from South and Southeast Asia using metagenomic sequencing.
• Mengla virus, detected in China, represents a new genus, Dianlovirus, within the Filoviridae family due to significant genetic divergence.
• Experimental studies suggest Mengla virus may infect various vertebrate hosts, including humans.

Conclusions:

• Filoviridae family members are geographically widespread in South and Southeast Asia, carried by pteropodid bats.
• The potential for cross-species transmission of newly discovered filoviruses, like Mengla virus, poses a risk for novel infections in endemic regions.
• While human disease from these novel viruses is undocumented, continued surveillance is crucial.