Researchers at the Vector State Scientific Center for Virology and Biotechnology, part of Rospotrebnadzor, identified a newly described Haseki virus that appears to be transmitted through tick bites in Russia’s Asian region. This finding was shared with socialbites.ca via the project office of the National Science and Universities initiative, highlighting ongoing work to map emerging tick-borne pathogens in the area.
Analyses indicate that the virus is closely related to the tick-borne Bole 4 virus, which has been detected across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Both viruses are viewed as potential members of a newly defined genus within the flavivirus family. Flaviviruses are typically spread by arthropods such as ticks and mosquitoes and include well-known diseases like dengue, West Nile virus fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and yellow fever. The emergence of Haseki alongside Bole 4 underscores the evolving landscape of tick-borne infections and the need for enhanced surveillance in diverse ecosystems.
The first infections with an unknown virus in this region were recorded in Vladivostok during 2011 and 2012 following tick bites. Affected individuals experienced acute respiratory symptoms and fever lasting three to five days, while tests for established viruses returned negative results, prompting researchers to explore novel pathogens. Over the years, the research team assembled a repository of archival serum samples from patients in Vladivostok who had tick bites and from adult ticks and human sera collected in Novosibirsk to support comparative analyses.
In a recent genetic study, scientists conducted detailed sequencing and comparative analysis to determine the relationship between the new Haseki virus and other tick-borne viruses. The team concluded that the Haseki virus can be transmitted from ticks to humans and can occur as a standalone infection or in conjunction with other tick-borne pathogens. Dr. Mikhail Kartashov, a candidate of biological sciences and a senior researcher at the Vector Center, explained that the virus is not confined to a single region but shows a broader geographic distribution. The implications point to a wider, evolving distribution pattern across Russia and neighboring territories, reinforcing the importance of molecular surveillance and cross-regional collaboration. [Citation: Vector Center; Gazeta.ru]