Prevalence of novel, emerging hepatitis viruses in wild white suckers and their association with liver tumors in the Great Lakes region Active
Prevalence of novel, emerging hepatitis viruses in wild white suckers and their association with liver tumors in the Great Lakes region
Previously unknown viruses have been identified that infect the white sucker (Catostomus commersoni). Some of these viruses infect the liver, and related viruses are known to cause hepatitis and liver cancer in other animals. It is not clear if this virus has a significant role in disease. The white sucker is commonly used as a bioindicator species for environmental heath assessments associated with aquatic habitats impaired by contaminants. Here we develop molecular tools to better understand the disease ecology of these novel viruses and investigate their associated with liver disease. In addition, this work assesses the host response to viral infection.
OBJECTIVES:
- Develop complete genome sequencing methods for the identification and evaluation of genotypes of the WSHBV
- Develop quantitative PCR methods to screen for the presence of hepatitis viruses in plasma.
- Evaluate the host-immune molecular response using novel nCounter SPRINT digital gene expression technology.
- Analysis of virus prevalence, genotype, and tumor frequency to determine the association of hepatitis viruses and liver tumors
New Hepatitis B Virus Discovered in White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii)
Genome sequences of 26 white sucker hepatitis B virus isolates from white sucker, catostomus commersonii, inhabiting transboundary waters from Alberta, Canada, to the Great Lakes, USA
Phylogeographic genetic diversity in the white sucker hepatitis B Virus across the Great Lakes Region and Alberta, Canada
Characterization of a novel hepadnavirus in the white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) from the Great Lakes Region of the USA
News articles related to this study.
Click below to read the Washington Post article titled "Scientists might have just discovered the true origin of Hepatitis B — in a fish"
- Overview
Prevalence of novel, emerging hepatitis viruses in wild white suckers and their association with liver tumors in the Great Lakes region
Previously unknown viruses have been identified that infect the white sucker (Catostomus commersoni). Some of these viruses infect the liver, and related viruses are known to cause hepatitis and liver cancer in other animals. It is not clear if this virus has a significant role in disease. The white sucker is commonly used as a bioindicator species for environmental heath assessments associated with aquatic habitats impaired by contaminants. Here we develop molecular tools to better understand the disease ecology of these novel viruses and investigate their associated with liver disease. In addition, this work assesses the host response to viral infection.
OBJECTIVES:
- Develop complete genome sequencing methods for the identification and evaluation of genotypes of the WSHBV
- Develop quantitative PCR methods to screen for the presence of hepatitis viruses in plasma.
- Evaluate the host-immune molecular response using novel nCounter SPRINT digital gene expression technology.
- Analysis of virus prevalence, genotype, and tumor frequency to determine the association of hepatitis viruses and liver tumors
- Science
New Hepatitis B Virus Discovered in White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii)
The first known hepatitis B virus to infect fish (white sucker; Catostomus commersonii ) has been discovered by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists. - Publications
Genome sequences of 26 white sucker hepatitis B virus isolates from white sucker, catostomus commersonii, inhabiting transboundary waters from Alberta, Canada, to the Great Lakes, USA
We report 26 genomes of the white sucker hepatitis B virus (WSHBV) from the white sucker, Catostomus commersonii. Genome length ranged from 3541 to 3543 bp and nucleotide identity was 96.7% or greater across genomes. This work suggests a geographical range of this virus that minimally extends from the Athabasca River, Alberta, Canada to the Great Lakes, USA.AuthorsCynthia R. Adams, Vicki S. Blazer, Jim Sherry, Robert S. Cornman, Luke R. IwanowiczPhylogeographic genetic diversity in the white sucker hepatitis B Virus across the Great Lakes Region and Alberta, Canada
Hepatitis B viruses belong to a family of circular, double-stranded DNA viruses that infect a range of organisms, with host responses that vary from mild infection to chronic infection and cancer. The white sucker hepatitis B virus (WSHBV) was first described in the white sucker (Catostomus commersonii), a freshwater teleost, and belongs to the genus Parahepadnavirus. At present, the host range ofAuthorsCynthia R Adams, Vicki S. Blazer, Jim Sherry, Robert S. Cornman, Luke R. IwanowiczCharacterization of a novel hepadnavirus in the white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) from the Great Lakes Region of the USA
The white sucker Catostomus commersonii is a freshwater teleost often utilized as a resident sentinel. Here, we sequenced the full genome of a hepatitis B-like virus that infects white suckers from the Great Lakes Region of the USA. Dideoxysequencing confirmed the white sucker hepatitis B virus (WSHBV) has a circular genome (3542 bp) with the prototypical codon organization of hepadnaviruses. ElecAuthorsCassidy M. Hahn, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Robert S. Cornman, Carla M. Conway, James R. Winton, Vicki S. Blazer - News
News articles related to this study.
Click below to read the Washington Post article titled "Scientists might have just discovered the true origin of Hepatitis B — in a fish"