Hepaciviruses represent a group of viruses that pose a significant threat to the health of humans and animals. During the last decade, new members of the genus Hepacivirus have been identified in various host species worldwide, indicating the widespread distribution of genetically diversified hepaciviruses among animals. By applying unbiased high-throughput sequencing, a novel hepacivirus, provisionally designated Hepacivirus Q, was discovered in duck liver samples collected in Guangdong province of China. Genetic analysis revealed that the complete polyprotein of Hepacivirus Q shares 23.9–46.6% amino acid identity with other representatives of the genus Hepacivirus. Considering the species demarcation criteria for hepaciviruses, Hepacivirus Q should be regarded as a novel hepacivirus species of the genus Hepacivirus within the family Flaviviridae. Phylogenetic analyses also indicate the large genetic distance between Hepacivirus Q and other known hepaciviruses. Molecular detection of this novel hepacivirus showed an overall prevalence of 15.9% in duck populations in partial areas of Guangdong province. These results expand knowledge about the genetic diversity and evolution of hepaciviruses and indicate that genetically divergent hepaciviruses are circulating in duck populations in China.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Bartonella spp. are gram-negative bacteria that can infect a wide spectrum of mammals. Rodents are considered to be the natural reservoir of many Bartonella species that are transmitted by various blood-sucking arthropods. The close contact between rodents and humans in urban areas increased the chance of transmitting rodent-borne Bartonella to humans. Investigation of the epidemiological characteristics of Bartonella infection in rodents is of great significance for the prevention and control of human Bartonellosis. In this study, rodents were captured to monitor the prevalence of Bartonella in urban areas of Guangzhou city. Six official or candidate species of Bartonella, including two confirmed zoonotic species, were detected with an overall prevalence of 6.4% in rodents captured herein. In addition, Rattus norvegicus was the predominant host species for Bartonella infection, and B. queenslandensis was the dominant species circulating in rodents in these areas. These results provide insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella species circulating in rodents in the urban areas of Guangzhou, and also urged the surveillance of rodent-associated Bartonella species in these areas.

No abstract