Novel polyomaviruses in shrews (Soricidae) with close similarity to human polyomavirus 12

Abstract

Shrews (family Soricidae) have already been reported to host microorganisms pathogenic for humans. In an effort to search for additional infectious agents with zoonotic potential, we detected polyomaviruses (PyVs) in common shrew, crowned shrew, and pygmy shrew (Sorex araneus, S. coronatus and S. minutus). From these, 11 full circular genomes were determined. Phylogenetic analysis based on large T protein sequences showed that these novel PyVs form a separate clade within the genus Alphapolyomavirus. Within this clade, the phylogenetic relationships suggest host-virus co-divergence. Surprisingly, one PyV from common shrew showed a genomic sequence nearly identical to that of the human polyomavirus 12 (HPyV12). This indicated that HPyV12 is a variant of a non-human PyV that naturally infects shrews. Whether HPyV12 is a bona fide human-tropic polyomavirus arising from a recent shrew-to-human transmission event or instead reflects a technical artefact, such as consumable contamination with shrew material, needs further investigation.

Seroprevalence of fourteen human polyomaviruses determined in blood donors

“…In contrast to our data, a very recent study reported 90% seroprevalence for HPyV12, in an Italian adult population [36]. This percentage is considerably higher than our finding and the 20% seroprevalence obtained previously for HPyV12 by Ehlers and co-workers using recombinant VP1 and VP1-based VLP ELISA [34,37]. Since HPyV VP1-based and VLP based assays generally obtain comparable results, as we have recently demonstrated for BKPyV [19], we have no explanation thus far for this large discrepancy except differences in cut-off value determination and striking geographic differences in virus exposure.…”

“…Therefore, we believe the observed low seroprevalence of these polyomaviruses to be genuine, and we consider the possibility that these polyomaviruses do not frequently circulate in humans, and perhaps do not represent human polyomaviruses at all. For HPyV12, this would fit with recent observations suggesting that HPyV12 represents a shrew rather than a human polyomavirus [34]. For NJPyV it could very well be that the only published patient was infected from an animal reservoir under exceptional circumstances, when fleeing from flooding during hurricane Sandy [35].…”

Prevalence of DNA of fourteen human polyomaviruses determined in blood donors

“…For HPyV12, in all 10 PCR‐positive samples human genomic DNA was detected, which is probably amplified in a non‐specific manner, because of the absence of specific DNA template. Furthermore, the finding of a PyV similar to HPyV12 in shrews combined with a reported low seroprevalence suggests little circulation of this virus in humans.…”

Search for polyoma-, herpes-, and bornaviruses in squirrels of the family Sciuridae

“…In members of some mammalian orders (e.g. primates, artiodactyls or rodents) many PyVs and HVs have been identified, some of which are well studied [29][30][31][32][33]. Despite this knowledge, information on PyVs and HVs is still scarce for many mammalian families.…”