A novel single-stranded RNA virus in Nesidiocoris tenuis.

Abstract

The complete genome sequence of a novel single-stranded RNA virus in Nesidiocoris tenuis was determined by RNA-seq and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) methodologies and was named N. tenuis virus 1. The genomic RNA was 3970 nucleotides (nt) in length and contained two putative open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encoded a polypeptide with 283 amino acids containing a viral (superfamily 1) RNA helicase (Hel) domain, and ORF2 encoded a polypeptide with 294 amino acids containing an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) domain. Phylogenetic analysis using the deduced amino acid sequences indicated that the N. tenuis virus 1 clustered with Blackford virus; however, the low bootstrap values and unique genomic structure suggested that the virus is a prototype of a new type of unclassified viruses. The prevalence of N. tenuis virus 1 infection in field populations of N. tenuis differed between three locations, with 28.32% of the 113 sampled individuals testing positive for the virus.