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Microbial Genomics logo Microbial Genomics

Volume 10, Issue 8

Detection of novel orthoparamyxoviruses, orthonairoviruses and an orthohepevirus in European white-toothed shrews Open Access

Graphical Abstract

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

While the viromes and immune systems of bats and rodents have been extensively studied, comprehensive data are lacking for insectivores (order Eulipotyphla) despite their wide geographic distribution. Anthropogenic land use and outdoor recreational activities, as well as changes in the range of shrews, may lead to an expansion of the human–shrew interface with the risk of spillover infections, as reported for Borna disease virus 1. We investigated the virome of 45 individuals of 4 white-toothed shrew species present in Europe, using metagenomic RNA sequencing of tissue and intestine pools. Moderate to high abundances of sequences related to the families , , and were detected. Whole genomes were determined for novel orthoparamyxoviruses (=3), orthonairoviruses (=2) and an orthohepevirus. The novel paramyxovirus, tentatively named Hasua virus, was phylogenetically related to the zoonotic Langya virus and Mòjiāng virus. The novel orthonairoviruses, along with the potentially zoonotic Erve virus, fall within the shrew-borne Thiafora virus genogroup. The highest viral RNA loads of orthoparamyxoviruses were detected in the kidneys, in well-perfused organs for orthonairoviruses and in the liver and intestine for orthohepevirus, indicating potential transmission routes. Notably, several shrews were found to be coinfected with viruses from different families. Our study highlights the virus diversity present in shrews, not only in biodiversity-rich regions but also in areas influenced by human activity. This study warrants further research to characterize and assess the clinical implications and risk of these viruses and the importance of shrews as reservoirs in European ecosystems.

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  • Accepted:
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Keyword(s): Crocidura , insectivores , metagenome , reservoir , virome and white-toothed shrews
Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, Bau und Reaktorsicherheit (Award 3716 48 431 0)
    • Principle Award Recipient: JensJacob
  • Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, Bau und Reaktorsicherheit (Award 3718 484 250)
    • Principle Award Recipient: JensJacob
  • Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, Bau und Reaktorsicherheit (Award 3714 67 407 0)
    • Principle Award Recipient: JensJacob
  • Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Award 01KI2002)
    • Principle Award Recipient: JensJacob
  • Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (Award 874735)
    • Principle Award Recipient: MartinBeer
  • Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Award 01KI1722A)
    • Principle Award Recipient: MartinBeer
  • Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Award 01KI1903B)
    • Principle Award Recipient: RainerG. Ulrich
© 2024 The Authors
  • This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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2024-08-01
2025-06-18
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Detection of novel orthoparamyxoviruses, orthonairoviruses and an orthohepevirus in European white-toothed shrews
M Gen 10, 001275 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1099/mgen.0.001275
/content/journal/mgen/10.1099/mgen.0.001275
/content/journal/mgen/10.1099/mgen.0.001275
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