For the second time, Pepper, a Florida cat, has helped identify a little-known virus, this time by bringing a dead shrew to its owner. This discovery raises questions about the diversity of pathogens circulating in wildlife.
Domestic animals can sometimes become unwitting actors in scientific research. This is the case for Pepper, whose hunted prey led to the isolation of a novel orthoreovirus. This virus, though poorly documented, could have implications for both human and animal health.
An unwilling hunter in the service of science
The feline brought back an Everglades shrew, analyzed by its owner, virologist John Lednicky. The University of Florida team identified an unknown strain of orthoreovirus, named
Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1.
These viruses, long considered harmless, are now associated with certain human pathologies. Rare cases of encephalitis or digestive disorders have been reported, particularly in children. Their ability to mutate rapidly adds to their still unclear epidemiological profile.
The researchers published the genomic sequencing in
Microbiology Resource Announcements. This step helps enrich viral databases, which are essential for quickly detecting potential outbreaks.
Orthoreovirus: lingering unknowns
Pepper's discovery adds to a series of recent findings, including a jeilongvirus isolated last year. These results highlight the still-unknown viral diversity, even in well-studied regions like Florida. Orthoreoviruses can recombine between strains, creating variants.
Future research will focus on the pathogenesis of this strain and its prevalence in other species. Pepper, meanwhile, remains in good health and continues his expeditions, perhaps offering more subjects for study.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND