Exploring Iguape Virus-A Lesser-Known Orthoflavivirus

Author(s)

Saivish, Marielena V. ; Nogueira, Mauricio L. ; Rossi, Shannan L. ; Vasilakis, Nikos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Viruses-Basel; v. 16, n. 6, p. 14-pg., 2024-06-01.

Abstract

Brazil has earned the moniker "arbovirus hotspot", providing an ideal breeding ground for a multitude of arboviruses thriving in various zoonotic and urban cycles. As the planet warms and vectors expand their habitat range, a nuanced understanding of lesser-known arboviruses and the factors that could drive their emergence becomes imperative. Among these viruses is the Iguape virus (IGUV), a member of the Orthoflavivirus aroaense species, which was first isolated in 1979 from a sentinel mouse in the municipality of Iguape, within the Vale do Ribeira region of S & atilde;o Paulo State. While evidence suggests that IGUV circulates among birds, wild rodents, marsupials, bats, and domestic birds, there is no information available on its pathogenesis in both humans and animals. The existing literature on IGUV spans decades, is outdated, and is often challenging to access. In this review, we have curated information from the known literature, clarifying its elusive nature and investigating the factors that may influence its emergence. As an orthoflavivirus, IGUV poses a potential threat, which demands our attention and vigilance, considering the serious outbreaks that the Zika virus, another neglected orthoflavivirus, has unleashed in the recent past. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/03645-1 - Study of the virus-vector interaction and the mechanisms involved in modulating the dynamics of viral transmission
• Grantee: Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/09590-7 - Development of a diagnostic method for the rocio virus and the use of new compounds as inhibitors of the flavivirus NS2B-NS3 protease-helicase
• Grantee: Marielena Vogel Saivish
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/12875-5 - Development of the diagnostic method for Rocio virus and use of new compounds as inhibitors of flavivirus protease-helicase NS2B-NS3
• Grantee: Marielena Vogel Saivish
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/21719-3 - Epidemiological study of dengue (serotypes1-4) in a cohort of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, during 2014-2018
• Grantee: Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants