Bhanja virus

Bhanja virus is a virus that belongs to the Bunyaviridae family and the Phlebovirus genus. It was first isolated in India in 1954 from a tick species known as Hyalomma marginatum. The virus is named after the location of its discovery, Bhanjanagar, in the Indian state of Odisha.

History

The Bhanja virus was first discovered in 1954 during a study on the arboviruses present in the Indian tick population. The virus was isolated from a Hyalomma marginatum tick in Bhanjanagar, Odisha. Since its discovery, the virus has been isolated in various parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Virology

Bhanja virus is a member of the Bunyaviridae family, which is a large family of enveloped, RNA viruses. It belongs to the Phlebovirus genus, which includes other tick-borne viruses. The virus is spherical in shape and has a diameter of approximately 100 nanometers.

The virus has a tripartite, single-stranded RNA genome. The three segments are known as the Large (L), Medium (M), and Small (S) segments. The L segment encodes the RNA polymerase, the M segment encodes the glycoproteins, and the S segment encodes the nucleocapsid protein.

Transmission and Epidemiology

Bhanja virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, particularly Hyalomma marginatum. The virus has been found in various tick species across the world, indicating a wide geographic distribution.

Humans can become infected with Bhanja virus through the bite of an infected tick. However, human infections are rare and usually result in a mild, self-limiting illness. Symptoms can include fever, headache, and muscle pain.

Research

Research into Bhanja virus is ongoing, with scientists working to understand its transmission, epidemiology, and potential impact on human health. Despite its wide geographic distribution, the virus is not considered a major public health threat due to its low pathogenicity in humans.

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