Detection of novel sequences related to african Swine Fever virus in human serum and sewage

J Virol. 2009 Dec;83(24):13019-25. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00638-09. Epub 2009 Oct 7.

Abstract

The family Asfarviridae contains only a single virus species, African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASFV is a viral agent with significant economic impact due to its devastating effects on populations of domesticated pigs during outbreaks but has not been reported to infect humans. We report here the discovery of novel viral sequences in human serum and sewage which are clearly related to the asfarvirus family but highly divergent from ASFV. Detection of these sequences suggests that greater genetic diversity may exist among asfarviruses than previously thought and raises the possibility that human infection by asfarviruses may occur.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • African Swine Fever Virus / isolation & purification*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Serum / virology*
  • Sewage / virology*

Substances

  • Sewage