Toyo virus, a novel member of the Kaisodi group in the genus Uukuvirus (family Phenuiviridae) found in Haemaphysalis formosensis ticks in Japan

Ticks are important vector arthropods that transmit various pathogens to humans and other animals. Tick-borne viruses are of particular concern to public health as these are major agents of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The Phenuiviridae family of tick-borne viruses is one of the most diverse groups and includes important human pathogenic viruses such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus. Phenuivirus-like sequences were detected during the surveillance of tick-borne viruses using RNA virome analysis from a pooled sample of Haemaphysalis formosensis ticks collected in Ehime, Japan. RT-PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing revealed the nearly complete viral genome sequence of all three segments. Comparisons of the viral amino acid sequences among phenuiviruses indicated that the detected virus shared 46%-70% sequence identity with known members of the Kaisodi group in the genus Uukuvirus. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the viral proteins showed that the virus formed a cluster with the Kaisodi group viruses, suggesting that this was a novel virus, which was designated Toyo virus (TOYOV). Further investigation of TOYOV is needed, and it will contribute to understanding the natural history and the etiological importance of the Kaisodi group viruses.

Automated summary

Ticks are important vectors that transmit various pathogens, with tick-borne viruses being major agents of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. A novel virus, Toyo virus (TOYOV), was discovered during virome analysis of ticks in Japan, belonging to the Kaisodi group within the Uukuvirus genus. Further research on TOYOV will help in understanding its biological characteristics and etiological importance.