Genetic analyses of Seoul hantavirus genome recovered from rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the Netherlands unveils diverse routes of spread into Europe. Issue 5 (15th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ling, Jiaxin; Verner‐Carlsson, Jenny; Eriksson, Per; Plyusnina, Angelina; Löhmus, Mare; Järhult, Josef D.; van de Goot, Frank; Plyusnin, Alexander; Lundkvist, Åke; Sironen, Tarja
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical virology. Volume 91:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 724
• Page End: 730
• Publication Date: 2019-01-15
• Subjects: hantavirus -- hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome -- phylogenetic analysis -- Seoul virus; Virology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-6615

Abstract

Abstract : Seoul virus (SEOV) is the etiologic agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. It is carried by brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus ), a commensal rodent that closely cohabitates with humans in urban environments. SEOV has a worldwide distribution, and in Europe, it has been found in rats in UK, France, Sweden, and Belgium, and human cases of SEOV infection have been reported in Germany, UK, France, and Belgium. In the search of hantaviruses in brown rats from the Netherlands, we found both serological and genetic evidence for the presence of SEOV in the local wild rat population. To further decipher the relationship with other SEOV variants globally, the complete genome of SEOV in the Netherlands was recovered. SEOV sequences obtained from three positive rats (captured at close trapping locations at the same time) were found highly similar. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that two lineages of SEOV circulate in Europe. Strains from the Netherlands and UK, together with the Baxter strain from US, constitute one of these two, while the second includes strains from Europe and Asia. Our results support a hypothesis of diverse routes of SEOV spread into Europe. These findings, combined with other indications on the expansion of the spatial European range of SEOV, suggest an increased risk of this virus for the public health, highlighting the need for increased surveillance. Highlights: Full Seoul hantavirus genome recovered from rats in the Netherlands. Two lineages of SEOV circulate in Europe supporting a hypothesis of diverse routes of SEOV spread into Europe. The finding of SEOV from Dutch rats confirms a potential threat for the Public Health.