Jatobal virus is a reassortant containing the small RNA of Oropouche virus

Jatobal (JAT) virus was isolated in 1985 from a carnivore (Nasua nasua) in Tucurui, Para state, Brazil and was classified as a distinct member of the Simbu serogroup of the Bunyavirus genus, family Bunyaviridae on the basis o r neutralization tests. On the basis of nucleotide sequencing, we have foun d that the small (S) RNA of JAT virus is very similar ( > 95% identity) to that of Oropouche (ORO) virus, in particular. the Peruvian genotype of ORO virus. In comparison, limited nucleotide sequencing of the G2 protein gene, encoded by the middle (M) RNA, of JAT and ORO viruses, revealed relatively little identity ( < 66%) between these two viruses. Neutralization tests c onfirmed the lack of cross-reactivity between the viruses. These results su ggest that JAT virus is a reassortant containing the S RNA of ORO virus. JA T virus was attenuated in hamsters compared to ORO virus suggesting that th e S RNA of ORO virus is not directly involved in hamster virulence. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.