Novel paramyxoviruses in Australian flying-fox populations support host-virus co-evolution

Vidgen, Miranda E., de Jong, Carol, Rose, Karrie, Hall, Jane, Field, Hume E., and Smith, Craig S. (2015) Novel paramyxoviruses in Australian flying-fox populations support host-virus co-evolution. Journal of General Virology, 96. pp. 1619-1625.

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Abstract

Understanding the diversity of henipaviruses and related viruses is important in determining the viral ecology within flying-fox populations and assessing the potential threat posed by these agents. This study sought to identify the abundance and diversity of previously unknown paramyxoviruses (UPVs) in Australian flying-fox species (Pteropus alecto, Pteropus scapulatus, Pteropus poliocephalus and Pteropus conspicillatus) and in the Christmas Island species Pteropus melanotus natalis. Using a degenerative reverse transcription-PCR specific for the L gene of known species of the genus Henipavirus and two closely related paramyxovirus genera Respirovirus and Morbillivirus, we identified an abundance and diversity of previously UPVs, with a representative 31 UPVs clustering in eight distinct groups (100 UPVs/495 samples). No new henipaviruses were identified. The findings were consistent with a hypothesis of co-evolution of paramyxoviruses and their flying-fox hosts. Quantification of the degree of co-speciation between host and virus (beyond the scope of this study) would strengthen this hypothesis.

Item ID: 41915
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1465-2099
Funders: Christmas Island National Park, Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), State of Queensland, State of New South Wales, Commonwealth of Australia (CA)
Projects and Grants: CA National Hendra Virus Research Program
Date Deposited: 08 Dec 2015 15:26
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1108 Medical Microbiology > 110804 Medical Virology @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920109 Infectious Diseases @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920120 Zoonoses @ 50%
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