Genome of a novel Fangshan bunya-like virus identified in mosquitoes from Shandong Province, China

Mosquitoes are important vectors of a wide range of viruses and serve as pivotal vectors with complex ecological functions that facilitate the transmission of these pathogens between hosts, such as humans, through biting behavior. In the mosquito surveillance conducted in Weifang and Yantai cities of Shandong Province, genetic material of a novel virus, temporarily named Fangshan bunya-like virus, was detected. From 3013 female mosquitoes, genetic material was detected in 9 pools (infection rate: 0.30%) using qRT-PCR and nested PCR. Analysis of the distances between pairs revealed a significant level of nucleotide similarity among these amplified sequences. Phylogenetic analysis placed Fangshan bunya-like virus within the Mobuvirus genus, Phenuiviridae family, clustering with Pyongtaek Culex Bunyavirus and indicating a common ancestor. The genomic characteristics and phylogenetic classification of Fangshan bunya-like virus offered valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of Phenuiviridae among mosquito populations, despite the challenge of not having isolated the live virus.