Tahyna virus: an emerging threat to public health

Abstract

Tahyna virus (TAHV), a member of the California serogroup of the genus Orthobunyavirus, is an arbovirus that is capable of causing a range of symptoms from mild febrile illnesses to severe neuroinvasive disease. It was first isolated in Europe and has a holarctic distribution, spanning Central Europe, Asia, and Africa. Central Europe has reported the highest reported human seropositivity rate, reaching 30%. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed a close relationship between TAHV and Lumbo virus (LUMV), with 94% amino acid sequence identity in their N proteins. TAHV is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, and its vertebrate hosts include hares, rabbits, hedgehogs, and rodents. Flooding during the summer months due to climate change may be a catalyst for the spread of the virus. Despite the enormous potential threat of TAHV and its potential to cause meningitis, there is a notable dearth of information regarding its actual prevalence, the number of symptomatic cases, and its clinical manifestations in humans and animals. To date, no deaths have been attributed to TAHV, which might contribute to an underestimation of its public health significance. Given the anticipated future changes in climatic conditions, TAHV could pose a health threat in Europe and elsewhere. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in TAHV research, highlighting the need for enhanced research and resource allocation for its prevention and control.