Comparative Study of Ten Thogotovirus Isolates and Their Distinct In Vivo Characteristics

Since their discovery over 60 years ago, 15 genetically distinct members of the thogotovirus genus have been isolated. These arboviruses belong to the Orthomyxovirus family and share many features with influenza viruses. However, numerous of these isolates have not been characterized in depth. In the present study, we comparatively analyzed a collection of 10 different thogotovirus isolates to answer basic questions about their phylogenetic relationships, morphology, and pathogenicity in mice. Our results highlight shared and unique characteristics of this diverse genus. Taken together, these observations provide a framework for the phylogenic classification and phenotypic characterization of newly identified thogotovirus isolates that could potentially cause severe human infections as exemplified by the recently reported, fatal Bourbon virus cases in the United States.