Characterization of an alphavirus isolated from a stranded harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from Alaska.

摘要: The family Togaviridae comprises several significant human and veterinary mosquito-borne pathogens. Two togaviruses (genus Alphavirus) have been previously identified in association with marine mammals, the southern elephant seal virus (SESV) Eastern equine encephalitis (EEEV) from a fatal captive harbor infection. Herein we report ultrastructural phylogenomic characterization of novel togavirus, first isolated cetacean, an Alaskan porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) displaying ulcerative dermatitis. A skin sample was processed for isolation on Vero.DogSLAMtag cells cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed primary approximately 20 days post-infection. Transmission electron microscopy infected revealed typical alphavirus particles budding both plasma vacuolar membranes cells. next-generation sequencing approach used to determine near complete genome (AHPV). Phylogenetic analysis supported AHPV as sister species SESV, forming mammal clade separate recognized antigenic complexes. Genetic comparison protein coding sequence other alphaviruses demonstrated amino acid identities ranging 42.1-67.1%, highest identity SESV. Based its genetic divergence, propose represents species, pending formal proposal ratification by International Committee Taxonomy Viruses. ecological characteristics SESV also suggest they represent complex within genus Alphavirus, which be named Marine Mammal Virus Complex. role associated cutaneous pathology, if any, remains unclear. Further research is needed AHPV's route(s) transmission potential vectors, host range, prevalence, pathogenicity cetaceans including harbour porpoises.