Viral metagenomics, genetic and evolutionary characteristics of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus in humans, Kosovo

Infect Genet Evol. 2018 Nov:65:6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.07.010. Epub 2018 Jul 11.

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus which causes severe disease in humans with fatality cases up to 30%. We investigated the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of CCHFV in Kosovo, in particular in humans and found that different virus variants of genotype V circulate, with Turkey as a possible origin for the progenitor of southern European CCHF outbreaks. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed a single introduction event and in situ evolution of CCHFV in this country. The viral metagenomics revealed a more abundant virome in the fatal CCHF cases and the presence of a novel tick-borne segmented RNA virus belonging to the recently discovered Jingmenvirus group which raises questions about the potential pathogenic effect of this novel virus on human and animal health.

Keywords: CCHFV; Evolution; Jingmenvirus; Kosovo; NGS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Female
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Genotype
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / classification*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / genetics*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean / epidemiology*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean / transmission
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean / virology*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Kosovo / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Metagenomics* / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Phylogeny
  • Phylogeography
  • RNA, Viral
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • RNA, Viral