Discovery of a Novel, Parahenipavirus_GH, in Shrews in South Korea, 2022.

Abstract

Highly pathogenic henipaviruses (Nipah and Hendra viruses) and parahenipaviruses (Langya virus) have demonstrated significant zoonotic potential. We aimed to identifyorspecies in rodents and shrews in South Korea to underline the potential zoonotic transmission risk. Kidney and lung tissues from 285 rodents and shrews were screened forandusing quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) targeting the Gamak virus and Daeryong virus (DARV) sequences. Based on the qRT-PCR results, 75 out of the 285 individuals tested positive, with the highest viral loads in the kidneys of,, and. A kidney sample fromthat exhibited the lowest Ct value was further analyzed using PCR, Sanger sequencing, and metagenomic analysis, yielding a near-complete genome of a novel, designated Parahenipavirus_GH (PHNV-GH), which is phylogenetically related to DARV and Jingmen virus but exhibits distinct genomic features.ticks were also identified on the host shrew. The identification of PHNV-GH in southern South Korea expands the known geographical distribution range of parahenipaviruses and highlights the ongoing risk of zoonotic transmission. Given the uncertain transmission dynamics and pathogenic potential of parahenipaviruses, comprehensive environmental surveillance and characterization of emerging parahenipaviruses are essential for preventing future outbreaks.