Genome Characterization of a Tailam Virus Discovered in Brown Rats in Yunnan Province, China.

Abstract

is one of the most well known and largest virus families, including some animal and human pathogens, such as the Hendra, Nipah, and Rinderpest viruses, with a high potential for the emergence of human diseases. Based on recent phylogenetic analyses, two new genera (and) have been described. The newly recognized genushas rapidly increased in number and has grown to 15 species from 7 a few years ago. However, little is known about the diversity, host range, or evolution of. As a well-known host reservoir for many pathogens, rodents have always been the focus for characterizing their pathogenic potential. In this study, we isolated a Tailam virus strain (RN-JH-YN-2022-1) belonging to the genusfromin Yunnan Province, China. The virus presented a near-complete genome (19,046 nucleotides). Similar to other members of the genus, the genome of RN-JH-YN-2022-1 contains eight basic genes (3'-N-P/V/C-M-F-SH-TM-G-L-5') with 88.88% sequence identity to Tailam virus (TL8K). Additionally, we discuss the pattern of genusdiversity and the possible route of spread of the Tailam virus, which could provide new clues into the host range, virus diversity, and geographical distribution of the genus.