Molecular aspects of Rift Valley fever virus and the emergence of reassortants

Authors: GAUDREAULT, NATASHA - Kansas State University; KIM, IN JOONG - Kansas State University; INDRAN, SABARISH - Kansas State University; Wilson, William - Bill; RICHT, JUERGEN - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Virus Genes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/24/2018
Publication Date: 11/3/2018
Citation: Gaudreault, N., Kim, I., Indran, S., Wilson, W.C., Richt, J. 2018. Molecular aspects of Rift Valley fever virus and the emergence of reassortants. Virus Genes. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11262-018-1611-y.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11262-018-1611-y

Interpretive Summary: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a pathogen endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula transmitted by mosquitoes. RVFV is a threat to both animal and human health, and has costly economic consequences mainly related to livestock production and trade. Mosquitoes that are capable of transmitting RVFV are widespread, existing outside of endemic countries including the United States. Thus, the possibility of RVFV spreading to the United States or other countries worldwide is of significant concern. This review focuses on the molecular aspects of RVFV and genetic diversity of RVFV strains.

Technical Abstract: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-transmitted pathogen endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. RVFV is a threat to both animal and human health, and has costly economic consequences mainly related to livestock production and trade. Competent hosts and vectors for RVFV are widespread, existing outside of endemic countries including the United States. Thus, the possibility of RVFV spreading to the United States or other countries worldwide is of significant concern. RVFV (genus Phlebovirus) is comprised of an enveloped virion containing a three-segmented, negative-stranded RNA genome that is able to undergo genetic reassortment. Reassortment has the potential to produce viruses that are more pathogenic, easily transmissible, and that have wider vector or host range. This is especially concerning because of the wide use of live attenuated vaccine strains throughout endemic countries. This review focuses on the molecular aspects of RVFV, genetic diversity of RVFV strains, and RVFV reassortment.