Open AccessPrevalence and genetic diversity of Shibuyunji virus, a novel tick-borne phlebovirus identified in Zambia
Author(s) -
Edgar Simulundu,
Saidon Mbambara,
Herman Chambaro,
Karen Sichibalo,
Masahiro Kajihara,
King S. Nalubamba,
Hirofumi Sawa,
Ayato Takada,
Katendi Changula,
Simbarashe Chitanga
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
archives of virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.943
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1432-8798
pISSN - 0304-8608
DOI - 10.1007/s00705-020-04924-9
Subject(s) - tick , biology , phlebovirus , virology , rhipicephalus , bunyaviridae , tick borne disease , ixodidae , reassortment , rhipicephalus microplus , virus , infectious disease (medical specialty) , medicine , disease , covid-19 , pathology
Tick-borne pathogens are an emerging public health threat worldwide. However, information on tick-borne viruses is scanty in sub-Saharan Africa. Here, by RT-PCR, 363 ticks (Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus) in the Namwala and Livingstone districts of Zambia were screened for tick-borne phleboviruses (TBPVs). TBPVs (L gene) were detected in 19 (5.2%) Rhipicephalus ticks in Namwala. All the detected TBPVs were Shibuyunji viruses. Phylogenetically, they were closely related to American dog tick phlebovirus. This study highlights the possible role of Rhipicephalus ticks as the main host of Shibuyunji virus and suggests that these viruses may be present outside the area where they were initially discovered.