Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook Instagram Threads
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Subscribe
    • Featured News
    • Funding
    • Directory
    • Jobs
    • Events
    Global BiodefenseGlobal Biodefense
    Biosurveillance

    New Virus Discovered in Swiss Ticks

    By Global Biodefense StaffDecember 7, 2022
    Credit: CDC
    Share
    Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email

    Alongshan virus was first discovered in China in 2017. Researchers from the University of Zurich have now detected the new virus in Swiss ticks for the first time. It appears to be at least as common as tick-borne encephalitis virus and results in similar symptoms. The team is currently developing a diagnostic test to clarify the epidemiological situation.

    Ticks can transmit many different pathogens – such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. Of particular importance is tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which can cause inflammation of the brain and meninges, as well as bacteria that can lead to the infectious disease Lyme disease. And the list of pathogens is constantly increasing, also in Switzerland: Researchers at the Institute of Virology at the University of Zurich (UZH) have now detected the so-called Alongshan virus (ALSV) in ticks in Switzerland for the first time.

    Alongshan Virus Found in Numerous Tick Samples

    Like the TBE virus, the ALS virus belongs to the flavivirus family and was first discovered in China in 2017. Several patients suffered from fever and headaches after a tick bite – the typical symptoms at the beginning of an infection with TBE viruses. However, antibodies against the virus or its genetic material could not be detected in any of those affected. Instead, the researchers found a previously unknown RNA virus: the Alongshan virus.

    The researchers found the complete gene sequence of the ALS virus in numerous tick samples collected in several regions of Switzerland in 2021 and 2022. “We were amazed that we were able to detect ALS viruses far more frequently in the tick samples than TBE viruses,” says Cornel Fraefel, Director of the Institute of Virology. Since the symptoms of an infection with ALS viruses are similar to those of infection with TBE viruses, the Alongshan virus could already be relevant to public health in Switzerland – albeit undetected.

    Diagnostic Blood Test is Under Development

    In contrast to the TBE virus, there is currently neither a vaccination nor a detection method for the ALS virus. “After we identified the new virus and published the complete viral genome sequence, our team is now developing a serological test to detect ALS virus infections in patient blood,” says Fraefel. In cooperation with the National Reference Laboratory for Tick-borne Diseases and the Spiez Laboratory, the researchers want to investigate the epidemiological situation of ALS viruses in Switzerland next year.

    Complete Genome Sequence of Alongshan Virus sequenced from Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Switzerland. Zenodo, 6 December 2022.

    Alongshan Virus Flavivirus Tick-Borne Diseases
    Share. Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleNIH Grant Awarded to Study Evolution of Lyme Disease Bacteria in Deer Ticks
    Next Article Why Upper Respiratory Infectious are More Common in Colder Temperatures

    Related Stories

    Human BCG Challenge Model for Assessment of Tuberculosis Immunity

    December 2, 2023

    Needle-Free Vaccine Patch Against Zika Virus

    December 2, 2023

    Black Death Impact on Microbiome May Have Contributed to Modern-Day Chronic Diseases

    November 29, 2023

    COVID Moonshot Consortium Announces Crowd-Sourced Small Molecule Discovery

    November 11, 2023
    News Scan

    Biodefense Headlines – 30 November 2023

    News Scan November 30, 2023

    News highlights on health security threats and countermeasures curated by Global Biodefense This week’s selections include the largest ever outbreak of mpox in the DRC; launch of National Wastewater Surveillance Program dashboard; low uptake of COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines;…

    Upcoming Events

    Dec 5
    10:45 am - 3:00 pm EST

    Meeting the Moment: Biodefense Policy, Procurement, and Public Health

    Dec 6
    Virtual Event Virtual Event
    6:00 am - 7:00 am EST

    AMR One Health Priority Research Agenda: Transmission

    Mar 12
    Virtual Event Hybrid Event
    March 12, 2024 - March 17, 2024

    2024 Fungal Genetics Conference

    Mar 21
    March 21, 2024 - March 23, 2024

    ASPPH 2024 Annual Meeting

    View Calendar

    Subscribe to Global Biodefense

    Get the latest news on pathogens and preparedness

    News on pathogens and preparedness for public health emergencies

    © 2023 Stemar Media Group LLC
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.