Partial genetic characterization of Sedlec virus (Orthobunyavirus, Bunyaviridae)

- Sedlec virus (SEDV) is genetically related to Simbu group orthobunyaviruses.
- SEDV is genetically distinct from Schmallenberg virus.
- Unclassified Leanyer, I612045 and Oyo viruses are the closest relatives of SEDV.
- These four viruses might represent a novel serogroup of the Orthobunyavirus genus.

Sedlec virus (SEDV) was isolated from the blood of a reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) in July 1984 in South Moravia, Czech Republic. In this study first genetic data of SEDV are presented which allow an estimate on its phylogenetic and taxonomic positioning within the genus Orthobunyavirus. The phylogenetic analysis of a 369 nt long stretch within the S segment (nucleocapsid protein gene and non-structural S protein gene) indicates genetic relatedness of SEDV to Leanyer virus and Simbu group viruses, while the phylogenetic tree based on 1796 nt long sequences of the L segment (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene) demonstrates genetic relationship of SEDV to two yet unclassified orthobunyaviruses: I612045 virus (isolated in India in 1961) and Oyo virus (isolated in Nigeria in 1964). Considering the genetic distances and the phylogenetic analyses, SEDV might represent a novel serogroup of the Orthobunyavirus genus.