Electron microscopic and antigenic studies of uncharacterized viruses. II. Evidence suggesting the placement of viruses in the familyBunyaviridae

Abstract

This is the second of three papers describing the use of electron microscopy and antigenic analyses intended to characterize and place in taxa more than 60 previously unclassified viruses. The first paper of the series describes the viruses we classified as provisional members of the families Arenaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, or Poxviridae; another paper, published separately, discusses the Rhabdoviridae. In this paper we report that electron microscopy provided sufficient evidence to place 17 of these viruses (Belem, Erve, Estero Real, Mojui dos Campos, Nyando, Odrenisrou, Okola, Pacora, Para, Santarem, Tanga, Telok Forest, Termeil, Thiafora, Thottapalayam, Wanowrie, and Yacaaba) in the family Bunyaviridae and to support the observations of others that Yogue and Kasokero viruses are members of this virus family. Subsequent antigenic studies allowed us to place some of these viruses in recognized antigenic groups and to establish new antigenic groups for others.

Genomic Characterization of Yogue, Kasokero, Issyk-Kul, Keterah, Gossas, and Thiafora Viruses: Nairoviruses Naturally Infecting Bats, Shrews, and Ticks

“…TFAV and ERVV have previously been assigned as a single species based on complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescence data. 23 Cross-neutralization tests would be required to confirm these species assignments by current demarcation criteria.…”

“…TFAV was distinct from the other viruses tested here but has previously been shown to be closely related antigenically to ERVV with which it forms the Thiafora serogroup. 23 Examination of the host associations of each clade revealed some structure by both host and vector across the tree (Figure 1). Clade I viruses were each isolated from bats of the suborder Yingochiroptera (Pteropodidae and Hipposideridae) The sequences were assumed to extend from the signal peptidase cleavage site following the second-last transmembrane domain to the C terminus of the M polyprotein.…”

“…Because of the paucity of biochemical data, nairovirus species are currently assigned according to serogroups. 9,10,23 Although serological analysis conducted here was limited by the unavailability of suitable antisera, consideration of cross-reactions in complement-fixation assays and phylogenetic analyses suggests that the groups comprising KKOV, YOGV, and LPHV may be assigned as a single species and that KTRV, IKV, GOSV, and UAV may also constitute a single species. TFAV and ERVV have previously been assigned as a single species based on complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescence data.…”

“…[20][21][22] TFAV and ERVV were previously assigned to the species Thiafora virus. 23 Yogue virus (YOGV) and Kasokero virus (KKOV) are unclassified nairoviruses isolated from Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) in Africa. 20,23,24 KKOV was subsequently isolated from sick laboratory workers with an illness characterized by headache, diarrhea, myalgia, and arthralgia.…”

“…23 Yogue virus (YOGV) and Kasokero virus (KKOV) are unclassified nairoviruses isolated from Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) in Africa. 20,23,24 KKOV was subsequently isolated from sick laboratory workers with an illness characterized by headache, diarrhea, myalgia, and arthralgia. 24 Gossas virus (GOSV) was isolated from a free-tailed bat (Tadarida sp.)…”