Bourbon virus, a newly discovered zoonotic thogotovirus

Abstract

The recent discovery of Bourbon virus (BRBV) put a new focus on the genus of thogotoviruses as zoonotic, tick-transmitted pathogens within the orthomyxovirus family. Since 2014, BRBV has been linked to several human cases in the Midwest United States with severe acute febrile illness and a history of tick bites. The detection of the virus in the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum, and a high sero-prevalence in wild animals suggest widespread circulation of BRBV. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral RNA genome classified BRBV into the subgroup of Dhori-like thogotoviruses. Strikingly, BRBV is apathogenic in mice, contrasting not only with the fatal disease in affected patients but also with the severe disease in mice caused by other members of the thogotovirus genus. To gain insights into this intriguing discrepancy, we will review the molecular biology and pathology of BRBV and its unique position within the thogotovirus genus. Lastly, we will discuss the zoonotic threat posed by this newly discovered pathogen.