An insect nidovirus emerging from a primary tropical rainforest.

ABSTRACT: Tropical rainforests show the highest level of terrestrial biodiversity and may be an important contributor to microbial diversity. Exploitation of these ecosystems may foster the emergence of novel pathogens. We report the discovery of the first insect-associated nidovirus, tentatively named Cavally virus (CAVV). CAVV was found with a prevalence of 9.3% during a survey of mosquito-associated viruses along an anthropogenic disturbance gradient in Côte d'Ivoire. Analysis of habitat-specific virus diversity and ancestral state reconstruction demonstrated an origin of CAVV in a pristine rainforest with subsequent spread into agriculture and human settlements. Virus extension from the forest was associated with a decrease in virus diversity (P<0.01) and an increase in virus prevalence (P<0.000

SUBMITTER: Zirkel F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3111606 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature