Genomic characterisation of Trubanaman and Gan Gan viruses, two bunyaviruses with potential significance to public health in Australia

Abstract

Trubanaman (TRUV) and Gan Gan (GGV) viruses are members of the tentatively assigned Mapputta group of the genus Orthobunyavirus within the family Bunyaviridae. Despite reported associations with an acute polyarthritis-like illness in Australia, TRUV and GGV have remained genetically uncharacterised. Here we report the complete genome sequences of TRUV and GGV which were originally isolated from mosquitoes in 1966 and 1970, respectively. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicate close relationships to other characterised viruses within the Mapputta group. These viruses exhibit the same characteristic features observed in other viruses in the group including the absence of the NSs (non-structural) ORF and an apparent absence of glycosylation sites on the Gn protein of GGV. We comment on the distribution of these viruses based on the available seroprevalence data and vector feeding preferences. The significance of this group of viruses to public health, in terms of unidentified polyarthritic disease, warrants further investigation.