Novel paramyxoviruses in Australian flying-fox populations support host–virus co-evolutionExport / Share PlumX View Altmetrics View AltmetricsVidgen, M. E., Smith, C. S., Rose, K., Hall, J., Field, H. E. and de Jong, C. (2015) Novel paramyxoviruses in Australian flying-fox populations support host–virus co-evolution. Journal of General Virology, 96 (7). pp. 1619-1625. ISSN 0022-1317 Full text not currently attached. Access may be available via the Publisher's website or OpenAccess link. Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.000099 AbstractUnderstanding the diversity of henipaviruses and related viruses is important in determining the viral ecology within flying-fox populations and assessing the potential threat posed by these agents. This study sought to identify the abundance and diversity of previously unknown paramyxoviruses (UPVs) in Australian flying-fox species (Pteropus alecto, Pteropus scapulatus, Pteropus poliocephalus and Pteropus conspicillatus) and in the Christmas Island species Pteropus melanotus natalis. Using a degenerative reverse transcription-PCR specific for the L gene of known species of the genus Henipavirus and two closely related paramyxovirus genera Respirovirus and Morbillivirus, we identified an abundance and diversity of previously UPVs, with a representative 31 UPVs clustering in eight distinct groups (100 UPVs/495 samples). No new henipaviruses were identified. The findings were consistent with a hypothesis of co-evolution of paramyxoviruses and their flying-fox hosts. Quantification of the degree of co-speciation between host and virus (beyond the scope of this study) would strengthen this hypothesis.
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