Detection of a novel and highly divergent coronavirus from asian leopard cats and Chinese ferret badgers in Southern China.

ABSTRACT: Since an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was averted in 2004, many novel coronaviruses have been recognized from different species, including humans. Bats have provided the most diverse assemblages of coronaviruses, suggesting that they may be the natural reservoir. Continued virological surveillance has proven to be the best way to avert this infectious disease at the source. Here we provide the first description of a previously unidentified coronavirus lineage detected from wild Asian leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) and Chinese ferret badgers (Melogale moschata) during virological surveillance in southern China. Partial genome analysis revealed a typical coronavirus genome but with a unique putative accessory gene organization. Phylogenetic analyses revealed

SUBMITTER: Dong BQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1933311 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature