Aino and Peaton viruses (AINOV and PEAV) are arthropod-borne (arbo-) viruses transmitted by Culicoides biting midges and cause fetal abnormalities in ruminants. The genome of these viruses comprises 3 segments, designated on the basis of their distinctive size, S (Small), M (Medium), and L (Large). Phylogenetic analysis of their field isolates indicates that the Australian strain B7974 is a reassortant with the M RNA segment derived from AINOV and the S and L segments derived from PEAV. This finding suggests that a reassortant is generated during co-infections of a ruminant host or a vector insect with these two different viruses in the field. The genetic reassortment probably produces a new virus whose antigenicity and virulence are different from those of its parental viruses. An advanced diagnostic system is necessary to detect newly emerged viruses, and preventive measures should be developed to counter their threats.
(Research Team for Environmental/Enzootic Diseases)
References:
Yanase T. et al. (2010) Virus Res. 153: 1-7
