Whole genome characteristics of hedgehog coronaviruses from Poland and analysis of the evolution of the Spike protein for its interspecies transmission potential
Type
Journal article
Language
English
Date issued
2024
Author
Domanska-Blicharz, Katarzyna
Lisowska, Anna
Opolska, Justyna
Faculty
Wydział Medycyny Weterynaryjnej i Nauk o Zwierzętach
PBN discipline
veterinary science
Journal
BMC Veterinary Research
ISSN
1746-6148
Volume
20
Pages from-to
art. 424
Abstract (EN)
Background The hedgehogs have been recently identified as possible reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome
coronavirus like (MERS-CoV-like). These viruses were classified as a distinct Betacoronavirus erinacei (BCoV-Eri) species
within the MerBCoV-Eriirus subgenus. As coronaviruses are known for their ability to jump between different hosts,
including humans, this can pose a particular threat to people in direct contact with hedgehogs, such as those
working at animal asylums. Our previous studies have shown the presence of BCoV-Eri strains in animals collected
in the wildlife rehabilitation centre. This study aimed to investigate the presence of CoV in subsequent hedgehogs
collected from the urban area of Poland and their molecular characteristics.
Results Monitoring for the presence of coronavirus infection in hedgehogs revealed five positive individuals. The
presence of BCoV-Eri was found in a total of 20% of animals tested. Our analyses revealed no correlation between
CoVs positivity and animal health conditions but a higher probability of such infection in juveniles and females.
The whole genome of two Polish Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains were sequenced and compared with available
counterparts from European and Asian countries. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both CoV strains formed
common cluster with other similar MerBCoV-Eriirus, but they were also found to be genetically variable and most
changes in the S protein were identified. Our analysis revealed that some S protein sites of the Hedgehog coronavirus 1
strains evolved under positive selection pressure and of five such sites, three are in the S1 region while the other two
in the S2 region of the Spike.
Conclusions BCoV-Eri is to some extent prevalent in wildlife asylums in Poland. Given that the S protein of BCoVsEri is highly variable and that some sites of this protein evolve under positive selection pressure, these strains could
potentially acquire a favourable feature for cross-species transmission. Consequently, the threat to humans working
in such asylums is particularly high. Adequate biosecurity safeguards, but also human awareness of such risks, are
therefore essential.
coronavirus like (MERS-CoV-like). These viruses were classified as a distinct Betacoronavirus erinacei (BCoV-Eri) species
within the MerBCoV-Eriirus subgenus. As coronaviruses are known for their ability to jump between different hosts,
including humans, this can pose a particular threat to people in direct contact with hedgehogs, such as those
working at animal asylums. Our previous studies have shown the presence of BCoV-Eri strains in animals collected
in the wildlife rehabilitation centre. This study aimed to investigate the presence of CoV in subsequent hedgehogs
collected from the urban area of Poland and their molecular characteristics.
Results Monitoring for the presence of coronavirus infection in hedgehogs revealed five positive individuals. The
presence of BCoV-Eri was found in a total of 20% of animals tested. Our analyses revealed no correlation between
CoVs positivity and animal health conditions but a higher probability of such infection in juveniles and females.
The whole genome of two Polish Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains were sequenced and compared with available
counterparts from European and Asian countries. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both CoV strains formed
common cluster with other similar MerBCoV-Eriirus, but they were also found to be genetically variable and most
changes in the S protein were identified. Our analysis revealed that some S protein sites of the Hedgehog coronavirus 1
strains evolved under positive selection pressure and of five such sites, three are in the S1 region while the other two
in the S2 region of the Spike.
Conclusions BCoV-Eri is to some extent prevalent in wildlife asylums in Poland. Given that the S protein of BCoVsEri is highly variable and that some sites of this protein evolve under positive selection pressure, these strains could
potentially acquire a favourable feature for cross-species transmission. Consequently, the threat to humans working
in such asylums is particularly high. Adequate biosecurity safeguards, but also human awareness of such risks, are
therefore essential.
Keywords (EN)
License
CC-BY - Attribution
CC-BY - Attribution Open access date
September 21, 2024