Genetic Analysis of Hantaviruses in Buryatia Rodents
Author Information
Author(s): Plyusnina Angelina, Laakkonen Juha, Niemimaa Jukka, Nemirov Kirill, Muruyeva Galina, Pohodiev Boshikto, Lundkvist Åke, Vaheri Antti, Henttonen Heikki, Vapalahti Olli, Plyusnin Alexander
Primary Institution: Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland
Hypothesis
What are the genetic characteristics of hantaviruses carried by Myodes and Microtus rodents in Buryatia?
Conclusion
This study identifies Hokkaido virus and Vladivostok virus strains in rodents from Buryatia, confirming their roles as natural hosts.
Supporting Evidence
- Hantavirus genome sequences were recovered from tissue samples of captured rodents.
- Myodes-associated strains belong to Hokkaido virus type while Microtus-associated strains belong to Vladivostok virus type.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of Buryatian strains with those from Japan, China, and Far-East Russia.
Takeaway
Scientists studied rodents in Buryatia to find out what types of hantaviruses they carry, and they discovered two new strains.
Methodology
Rodents were trapped, and their tissues were screened for hantaviruses using immunofluorescence and RT-PCR.
Limitations
The study's phylogenetic analysis was limited by the small number of available sequences for HOKV and VLAV.
Participant Demographics
Rodents captured in Buryatia, Russian Federation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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