Abstract:
We report on the isolation of a novel fusogenic orthoreovirus from bat flies (Eucampsipoda
africana) associated with Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) collected in South Africa. Complete
sequences of the ten dsRNA genome segments of the virus, tentatively named Mahlapitsi virus
(MAHLV), were determined. Phylogenetic analysis places this virus into a distinct clade with Baboon
orthoreovirus, Bush viper reovirus and the bat-associated Broome virus. All genome segments of
MAHLV contain a 5' terminal sequence (5'-GGUCA) that is unique to all currently described viruses
of the genus. The smallest genome segment is bicistronic encoding for a 14 kDa protein similar to p14
membrane fusion protein of Bush viper reovirus and an 18 kDa protein similar to p16 non-structural
protein of Baboon orthoreovirus. This is the first report on isolation of an orthoreovirus from an
arthropod host associated with bats, and phylogenetic and sequence data suggests that MAHLV
constitutes a new species within the Orthoreovirus genus.
