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Marine Oomycetes of the Genus Halophytophthora Harbor Viruses Related to Bunyaviruses

Summary

This research discovered eight new viruses infecting marine microorganisms called Halophytophthora that live in coastal waters. This is the first time these types of viruses have been found in marine organisms of this group. The study helps us understand the complex relationships between viruses and marine life. Impacts on everyday life: – Improves our understanding of marine ecosystem health and functioning – Provides insights into evolution of viruses in marine environments – May help explain patterns of marine plant diseases – Could lead to better management of coastal habitats – Advances knowledge of virus diversity in ocean environments

Background

Halophytophthora species are fungal-like oomycetes similar to their plant pathogenic sister genus Phytophthora. They live in brackish and salt water habitats and traditionally act as decomposers in mangrove ecosystems, though they may also be pathogenic to marine plants like eelgrass. While virus diversity in marine ecosystems is high, knowledge about viruses infecting marine oomycetes remains limited.

Objective

To investigate the incidence and characterize RNA viruses in a collection of Halophytophthora species isolated from estuarine ecosystems in southern Portugal.

Results

Two dsRNA-banding patterns (~7 and 9 kb) were observed in 7 of 73 isolates tested (9.6%). RNA sequencing revealed eight novel virus species with genomic similarities to members of the order Bunyavirales. The viruses were designated as Halophytophthora RNA virus (HRV) 1-8. Multiple viral infections occurred in both sequenced isolates. Screening showed virus occurrence was limited to one single Halophytophthora species.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence of negative-sense ssRNA viruses in marine oomycetes. Eight novel bunyavirus-like species were identified and characterized from Halophytophthora isolates. The viruses appear to have restricted host range, only infecting one Halophytophthora species despite multiple species being present at sampling sites.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01467
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