Viral metagenomics, genetic and evolutionary characteristics of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus in humans, Kosovo

• Published in: Infection, genetics and evolution Vol. 65; pp. 6 - 11
• Main Authors: Emmerich, Petra, Jakupi, Xhevat, von Possel, Ronald, Berisha, Lindita, Halili, Bahrije, Günther, Stephan, Cadar, Daniel, Ahmeti, Salih, Schmidt-Chanasit, Jonas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-11-2018
• Subjects: CCHFV; Evolution; Jingmenvirus; Kosovo; NGS; Evolution; NGS; Kosovo; Jingmenvirus; CCHFV
• ISSN: 1567-1348; 1567-7257
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.07.010

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus which causes severe disease in humans with fatality cases up to 30%. We investigated the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of CCHFV in Kosovo, in particular in humans and found that different virus variants of genotype V circulate, with Turkey as a possible origin for the progenitor of southern European CCHF outbreaks. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed a single introduction event and in situ evolution of CCHFV in this country. The viral metagenomics revealed a more abundant virome in the fatal CCHF cases and the presence of a novel tick-borne segmented RNA virus belonging to the recently discovered Jingmenvirus group which raises questions about the potential pathogenic effect of this novel virus on human and animal health.
•Different CCHFV variants circulate IN Kosovo, with Turkey as a possible origin.•Phylogenies indicated a single introduction event of CCHFV to Kosovo.•Separate clustering pattern of the virus variants in CCHF cases and those from ticks•Presence of a novel segmented RNA virus called Jingmen tick virus in CCHF cases.