Florida Cat Sniffs Out New Virus – Scientists Investigating
Table of Contents
A recent study by University of Florida researchers has identified a previously unknown strain of orthoreovirus in a shrew, underscoring the dynamic nature of viral evolution and the importance of ongoing surveillance. The discovery, made during an examination into mule deerpox virus transmission, sheds light on the potential for these viruses to infect a range of mammals, including humans.
Uncovering a Novel Virus in an Unexpected host
The investigation began when a researcher, identified only as ”Pepper,” collected a dead Everglades short-tailed shrew. The specimen was brought to the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions for analysis by virologist Dr. Christian Lednicky. Dr. Lednicky, a research professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health and a member of UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute, was initially focused on understanding mule deerpox virus transmission.
However, laboratory testing of the shrew revealed the presence of a previously unidentified strain of orthoreovirus. Viruses within the orthoreovirus genus are known to infect a variety of mammals, including humans, white-tailed deer, and bats. While the full impact of orthoreoviruses on human health is still being understood, there have been isolated reports linking them to encephalitis, meningitis, and gastroenteritis in children.
The Meaning of Orthoreovirus Discovery
“The bottom line is we need to pay attention to orthoreoviruses, and know how to rapidly detect them,” stated Dr.Lednicky. The UF team has as published the complete genomic coding sequences for this newly identified virus, which they have named “Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1,” in the journal Microbiology Resource Announcements.Emily DeRuyter, the paper’s lead author and a UF Ph.D. candidate in One Health, emphasized that while there are many diffrent mammalian orthoreoviruses, not enough is currently known about this specific strain to warrant immediate concern.”mammalian orthoreoviruses were originally considered to be ’orphan’ viruses, present in mammals including humans, but not associated with diseases,” DeRuyter explained. “More recently, they have been implicated in respiratory, central nervous system and gastrointestinal diseases.”
This discovery of a novel orthoreovirus follows closely on the heels of the Lednicky lab’s identification of two other new viruses found in farmed white-tailed deer. Dr. Lednicky attributes these findings to the constant evolution of viruses and the sophistication of their laboratory techniques.
“I’m not the first one to say this, but essentially, if you look, you’ll find, and that’s why we keep finding all these new viruses,” Dr. Lednicky commented. He further elaborated on the potential for viral reassortment, similar to influenza viruses, where two different orthoreovirus types can infect the same host cell, leading to the mixing of their genetic material and the creation of entirely new viruses.
Global connections and Unanswered Questions
The Lednicky lab’s previous work in 2019 isolated the first orthoreovirus found in a deer. Intriguingly, that strain’s genetic makeup was nearly identical to an orthoreovirus found in farmed mink in China and a critically ill lion in Japan. This global distribution raised questions within the scientific community about potential transmission pathways, with some experts speculating about shared components in animal feed.
With numerous unanswered questions surrounding orthoreoviruses, including their modes of transmission, prevalence in human and animal populations, and the severity of illnesses they can cause, further research is deemed essential by both DeRuyter and Lednicky.
Future Research and Public Health Implications
The next steps for the UF team will involve serology and immunology studies to assess the potential threat posed by Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1 to humans, wildlife, and pets.
For those concerned about the shrew’s collector, “Pepper,” it is reassuring to know that he has shown no signs of illness from his outdoor explorations and is expected to continue contributing to scientific discovery through his specimen collection efforts.
“this was an opportunistic study,” Dr. Lednicky concluded. “If you come across a dead animal, why not test it instead of just burying it? There is a lot of information that can be gained.” This approach highlights the value of utilizing all available opportunities for scientific inquiry, particularly in the ever-evolving field of virology.