The taxonomy of the Issyk-Kul virus (ISKV, Bunyaviridae, Nairovirus), the etiologic agent of the Issyk-Kul fever isolated from bats (Vespertilionidae) and ticks Argas (Carios) vespertilionis (Latreille, 1796)]

The Issyk-Kul virus (etiological agent of the Issyk-Kul fever) was originally isolated from bats (Nyctalus noctula Schreber, 1774 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)) and their parasites ticks (Argas (Carios) vespertilionis Latreille, 1796 (Parasitiformes: Argasidae)) in Kirghizia. Sporadic cases and epidemics of the Issyk-Kul fever are observed in Central Asia since 1979. The ISKV genome was de novo sequenced using the next-generation sequencing technology. According to the molecular-genetic and phylogenetic analysis, the ISKV is a member of a novel group in the genus Nairovirus (Bunyaviridae). Based on the data obtained, molecular-genetic methods can be used for ISKV detection (PCR) for the Issyk-Kul fever monitoring and diagnosis in the endemic areas.