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

TL;DR

A new parahenipavirus was discovered in shrews in South Korea, highlighting potential zoonotic risks and the need for surveillance.

Contribution

Identification of a novel parahenipavirus, Parahenipavirus_GH, with distinct genomic features in shrews from South Korea.

Findings

75 out of 285 rodents and shrews tested positive for Henipavirus or Parahenipavirus.

A novel Parahenipavirus, PHNV-GH, was identified with unique genomic features.

Ixodes granulatus ticks were found on the host shrew, suggesting potential transmission routes.

Abstract

Highly pathogenic henipaviruses (Nipah and Hendra viruses) and parahenipaviruses (Langya virus) have demonstrated significant zoonotic potential. We aimed to identify Henipavirus or Parahenipavirus species 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 for Henipavirus and Parahenipavirus using 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 Apodemus agrarius, Crocidura lasiura, and Crocidura shantungensis. A kidney sample from C. shantungensis that exhibited the lowest Ct value was further analyzed using PCR, Sanger sequencing, and metagenomic analysis, yielding a near-complete genome of a novel Parahenipavirus, designated Parahenipavirus_GH (PHNV-GH), which is phylogenetically related to DARV and Jingmen virus but exhibits distinct genomic features. Ixodes granulatus 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.

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