Characterization of a new bunyavirus and its derived small RNAs in the brown citrus aphid, Aphis citricidus

AbstractHigh-throughput sequencing is widely used for virus discovery, and many RNA viruses have been discovered and identified. A new negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus was identified in the brown citrus aphid and namedAphis citricidus bunyavirus. The genome consists of large (7037  nt), medium (3462 nt), and small (1163 nt) segments. Phylogenetic analysis and amino acid sequences identities of this virus with other bunyaviruses suggest that it is a new species belonging to the familyPhenuiviridae. The small interfering RNA pathway could be involved against the infection of this virus in brown citrus aphid as supported by the viral derived small RNAs. The discovery of this virus illustrates the diversity of RNA viruses and contributes to the classification of bunyaviruses.

Source: Virus Genes - May 10, 2019 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research