Prevalence and genome features of lake sinai virus isolated from Apis mellifera in the Republic of Korea

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299558
• Publication Date: 2024-03-19T17:24:52Z
• Authors: Thi-Thu Nguyen; Mi-Sun Yoo; A-Tai Truong; So Youn Youn; Dong-Ho Kim; Se-Ji Lee; Soon-Seek Yoon; Yun Sang Cho
• Keywords: Apiary

Lake Sinai Virus (LSV) is an emerging pathogen known to affect the honeybee ( Apis mellifera ). However, its prevalence and genomic characteristics in Republic of Korea (ROK) remain unexplored. This study aimed assess analyze LSVs by examining 266 samples from ROK. Our findings revealed that LSV exhibited highest infection rate among pathogens observed Korean apiaries, particularly during reported period severe winter loss (SWL) A . apiaries 2022. Three genotypes– 2, 3, 4 –were identified using RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene analysis. Importantly, rates LSV2 (65.2%) LSV3 (73.3%) were significantly higher colonies experiencing SWL than those normal (NWL) p < 0.03). Furthermore, this provides first near-complete genome sequences LSV2, LSV3, LSV4 strains, comprising 5,759, 6,040, 5,985 nt, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on these demonstrated a close relationship between ROK China. The high heightened mortality suggests might contribute Moreover, characteristic information holds immense potential for epidemiological selection specific genes suitable preventing treating LSV, including promising utilization interference medicine future.