Detection of novel orthoparamyxoviruses, orthonairoviruses and an orthohepevirus in European white-toothed shrews

Abstract

=2) and an orthohepevirus. The novel paramyxovirus, tentatively named Hasua virus, was phylogenetically related to the zoonotic Langya virus and Mòjiāng virus. The novel orthonairoviruses, along with the potentially zoonotic Erve virus, fall within the shrew-borne Thiafora virus genogroup. The highest viral RNA loads of orthoparamyxoviruses were detected in the kidneys, in well-perfused organs for orthonairoviruses and in the liver and intestine for orthohepevirus, indicating potential transmission routes. Notably, several shrews were found to be coinfected with viruses from different families. Our study highlights the virus diversity present in shrews, not only in biodiversity-rich regions but also in areas influenced by human activity. This study warrants further research to characterize and assess the clinical implications and risk of these viruses and the importance of shrews as reservoirs in European ecosystems.