Evolutionary origins of hepatitis A virus in small mammals
Abstract
The origins of human hepatitis A virus (HAV) are unknown. We conducted a targeted search for HAV-related viruses in small mammals sampled globally and discovered highly diversified viruses in bats, rodents, hedgehogs, and shrews. We demonstrate that these viruses share unique biological features with HAV, including structural, genomic, antigenic, and pathogenic properties. We found evidence of major shifts of HAV-related viruses between mammalian hosts in the past, suggesting both an origin of this viral genus in small mammals and a zoonotic origin of human HAV. Our data show that risk assessments for emerging viruses can benefit greatly from the analysis of viral infection patterns that evolved within animal reservoirs.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- December 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1516992112
- Bibcode:
- 2015PNAS..11215190D