The Purr-fect Virus Hunter: Black Cat Uncovers New Jeilongvirus in the US

University of Florida Researchers Discover Novel Virus with Potential Public Health Implications

This Halloween, a curious black cat named Pepper has brought more than treats to his owner, Dr. John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida. A dead mouse Pepper caught led to the discovery of a new virus, Gainesville rodent jeilong virus 1, marking the first time a jeilongvirus has been detected in the US.

Key Findings:

The virus was discovered in a common cotton mouse brought home by Pepper.
Gainesville rodent jeilong virus 1 is a unique strain, distinct from other jeilongviruses.
The virus can infect multiple species, including humans, rodents, and nonhuman primates.
Jeilongviruses are associated with respiratory infections and can cause serious illness in humans.

The Research:

Lednicky and his team, including doctoral candidate Emily DeRuyter, identified the virus through laboratory testing. The study’s findings were published in the journal Pathogens.

Implications:

Potential public health concern due to virus’s ability to infect multiple species.
Highlights the importance of ongoing wildlife surveillance and viral research.
Emphasizes the need for caution when interacting with wild animals or their waste.

Expert Insights:

“We were not anticipating a virus of this sort, and the discovery reflects the realization that many viruses that we don’t know about circulate in animals that live in close proximity to humans.” – Dr. John Lednicky

Future Directions:

Animal studies to determine the virus’s effects on rodents and other small animals.
Investigating potential human cases in Gainesville and Florida.
Continuing surveillance and research to identify emerging viral pathogens.

Reference:

“Discovery of a Novel Jeilongvirus in the United States” by Emily DeRuyter et al., Pathogens.

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