SCOTLAND’S infamous midges carry previously unknown viruses, according to new research.
The newly-identified viruses were found to be sufficiently different from known species to be categorised as novel. However, there is currently no evidence they pose a threat to humans.
The research was carried out by scientists at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), using DNA sequencing to study, for the first time, the total collection of viruses in the biting midge.
The researchers say that despite their prevalence in Scotland, midges are currently understudied.
Yet midges are carriers of arboviruses (viral infections transmitted to humans from a group of insects). They were responsible for the emergence and spread of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Europe in 2011, and are likely to be involved in the emergence of other arboviruses in Europe.
The Glasgow team discovered several new viruses in the “virome’ of the midges, including an alphanodavirus, two rhabdo-like viruses and a chuvirus. These viruses are mainly found in insects and other invertebrates, but some members of the alphanodaviruses naturally infect pigs and herons, sometimes causing death.
Lead author Sejal Modha said: “What we found is important. Although midges are not currently a public health concern in Scotland – and we stress there is nothing for the public to be concerned about – our research gives us a better understanding of midges and the viruses they may carry, helping us prepare for any possible future emerging risks through improved surveillance and knowledge.”
Co-author Joseph Hughes added: “What we found is the tip of the iceberg. There are likely to be several million more insect viruses to be discovered globally.”
Funded by the Medical Research Council, the study is published in Viruses.
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