Complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of a novel orthonairovirus from ticks in China

Abstract The complete genome sequence of a novel tick carried orthonairovirus, Meihua Mountain virus (MHMV), is presented for the first time. With unbiased high-throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing, a novel Nairobi sheep disease (NSD) genogroup orthonairovirus, MHMV, was identified in bloodsucking ticks collected from cattle and wild boar in Fujian province, Southeastern China. Genomic architecture of MHMV shares typical features with orthonairoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that MHMV is closely related to Hazara virus and is clustered into the NSD genogroup of the genus Orthonairovirus. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), glycoprotein precursor (GPC), and nucleoprotein (N) of MHMV share 62.3–83.5%, 37.1–66.1%, and 53.4–77.3% amino acid identity with other NSD genogroup viruses, respectively, representing a novel species. The overall pooled prevalence of MHMV in ticks was 2.54% (22/134 tick pools). This study presented the first report of tick-carried orthonairovirus in Fujian province and highlighted the broad geographic distribution and high genetic diversity of orthonairoviruses in China.