Identification of a Novel Enterovirus Species in Rhesus Macaque in China

Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 22:6:28526. doi: 10.1038/srep28526.

Abstract

Recent studies of Enterovirus (EV) in nonhuman primates (NHPs), which could act as a source of future emerging human viral diseases, have boosted interest in the search for novel EVs. Here, a highly divergent strain of EV, tentatively named SEV-gx, was identified by viral metagenomic analysis from stool samples of rhesus macaques in China. In total, 27 of 280 (9.6%) faecal samples from rhesus macaques were positive for SEV-gx. Its complete genomic sequence is 7,367 nucleotide (nt). Genomic analyses showed that it has a standard genomic organisation for EVs, being more closely related to EV-J strains (approximately 54.0%, 43.0-44.1%, 52.3-55.2%, 61.1-62.7% and 64.0% amino acids identity in polyprotein, P1, P2 and P3 and combined 2C/3CD regions, respectively). It was also shown to have genome characteristics typical of EVs. Phylogenetic analysis of P1, 2C and 3CD aa indicated that SEV-gx can be classified as a distinct cluster in the EVs. All of this evidence demonstrates SEV-gx is a novel species (tentatively named EV-K) in the EV genus, which contributes to our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of EVs. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential pathogenicity of SEV-gx in NHPs and humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • China
  • Enterovirus / classification*
  • Enterovirus / genetics
  • Enterovirus / isolation & purification
  • Enterovirus Infections / veterinary*
  • Enterovirus Infections / virology
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Feces / virology
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Viral
  • Humans
  • Macaca mulatta / virology*
  • Metagenomics
  • Monkey Diseases / virology*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Viral / chemistry
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Viral Structural Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Structural Proteins