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[Kama, a new virus (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus, Tiulenii antigenic group), isolated from Ixodes lividus ticks]
Abstract:
Three identical strains of a new virus Kama (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus, Tyuleny antigenic group) were isolated from Ixodes lividus Roch, obligate parasites of Riparia riparia L. The ticks were collected in June, 1990 in Tatarstan on the islands in the basin of the Kama river. The strains were examined under electron microscope and by serological tests (neutralization, complement fixation, hemagglutination inhibition, and indirect immunofluorescence). The virus is antigenically related but not identical to Tyuleny virus. Hence, the Tyuleny antigenic group at present includes viruses Tyuleny, Meaban, Gadgest Gally, Saumares Reef, and Kama. All these viruses are associated with an ecosystem including ixodide ticks, obligate parasites of colonial birds.
Insights
A new virus, Kama, was identified in ticks from the Kama River region. This Flavivirus is antigenically related to the Tyuleny virus, expanding the known Tyuleny antigenic group.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Arthropod-borne viruses
- Flaviviridae family
Context:
- Ixodes lividus ticks, parasites of the sand martin (Riparia riparia), were collected in Tatarstan in 1990.
- Three identical virus strains were isolated from these ticks.
Purpose:
- To characterize a newly isolated virus from Ixodes lividus ticks.
- To determine the antigenic relationship of the new virus to known Flaviviruses.
Summary:
- Electron microscopy and serological tests (neutralization, complement fixation, hemagglutination inhibition, indirect immunofluorescence) were used for characterization.
- The new virus, named Kama, is antigenically related but not identical to Tyuleny virus.
- Kama virus expands the Tyuleny antigenic group, which now includes Tyuleny, Meaban, Gadgest Gally, Saumares Reef, and Kama viruses.
Impact:
- Establishes Kama virus as a new member of the Flavivirus genus.
- Highlights the association of the Tyuleny antigenic group viruses with an ecosystem involving ixodid ticks and colonial birds.
- Contributes to understanding the diversity and evolution of tick-borne Flaviviruses.