Genetic analysis of hantaviruses and their rodent hosts in central-south China

Hantaan virus (HTNV) and Seoul virus (SEOV) are two major zoonotic pathogens of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Asia. Hubei province, which is located in the central-south China, had been one of the most severe epidemic areas of HFRS. To investigate phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity and geographic distribution of HTNV and SEOV in their reservoir hosts, a total of 687 rodents were trapped in this area between 2000 and 2009. Sequences of partial S- and M-segments of hantaviruses and mitochondrial D-loop gene from 30 positive samples were determined. Our data indicated that SEOV and HTNV were co-circulating in Hubei. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial S- and M-segment sequences revealed two and three previously undefined lineages of SEOV, and a novel genetic lineage of HTNV, respectively. Four inter-lineage reassortment SEOVs carried by Rattus norvegicus and Apodemus agrarius were observed. It suggests that SEOV may cause spillover infections to A. agrarius naturally. The abundance of the phylogenetic lineages of SEOV suggested that central-south China was a radiation center for SEOVs.

► The phylogenetics of HTNV and SEOV in central-south China from 2000 to 2009 was studied. ► Multiple phylogenetic lineages of SEOVs co-circulated in rodents. ► It suggested that central-south China was a radiation center for SEOVs. ► Four inter-lineage reassortment SEOVs carried by R. norvegicus and Apodemus agrarius were observed. ► SEOV may cause spillover infections to A. agrarius naturally.