Molecular detection and genomic characterization of Samak Micromys paramyxovirus-1 and –2 in Micromys minutus, Republic of Korea

Paramyxoviruses are well-known as pathogen with wide range host and implied in critical public health threat. The hosts are small and large mammals, including marine species. To date, in Republic of Korea, the natural virus diversity of M. minutus remains unclear. The study is aimed to screen RNA viruses targeted with specific mammal species may help to prepare for future pandemics. A total of 145 M. minutus were trapped and necropsied for various tissues. The species of M. mimutus were classified by field morphological characteristic and sequencing of mtDNA cyt b gene. Molecular detection of paramyxovirus screening was performed using nested PCR reaction, continued by genomic characterization and analysis for N-glycosylation potential at glycoprotein gene, phylogenetic and cophylogenetic analysis. In results, 39.3% of M. minutus isolates tested positive for paramyxovirus with the highest percentages in late-adult male animals. One sample Samak Mycromys paramyxovirus (SMPV1) was 19.911 nt with a GC content of 40.8%. The genome structure of SMPV-1 consisted of eight genes in the order 3’-N-P-M-F-SH-TM-G-L-5’. The other three samples were SMPV-2 with full genome length 18,199 nt with a GC content of 40.18%, 40.15% and 40.19%. The genome structure of SMPV-2 consisted of seven genes in the order 3ʹ-N-P-M-F-TM-G-L-5ʹ. The inclusion of SMPV-1 and − 2 sequences in paramyxoviruses is crucial for the surveillance of emerging infectious diseases and provides insights into the genetic diversity of paramyxoviruses in small wild mammals.   
(INV)