Korea University Medical School Research Team Discovers 'Hantavirus' in Ulleungdo for the First Time

[Financial News] A domestic research team has confirmed for the first time in the world a new hantavirus, 'Ulleung virus', from the Uldo shrew inhabiting Ulleungdo. Korea University College of Medicine announced on the 11th that the research team of Professor Song Jinwon of the Department of Microbiology (Dr. Park Kyungmin, Researcher Lee Jaeyeon, Researcher Kim Jongwoo) confirmed a new hantavirus species derived from the endemic 'Uldo shrew (Crocidura utsuryoensis)' of Ulleungdo and named it 'Ulleung virus'.
Hantavirus is a pathogen that spreads between animals and humans, causing Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). It shows symptoms such as fever, bleeding, and renal failure upon infection, and the domestic fatality rate is known to be about 1%.
The research team conducted reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on 62 Uldo shrew specimens collected from Ulleungdo in 2009 and confirmed Ulleung virus infection in 40 specimens (64.5%). Additionally, using next-generation sequencing (NGS), they identified the full genome sequence of the Ulleung virus for the first time in the world.
Through additional geographical lineage and genome analysis, it was revealed that Ulleung virus is a new genotype that is genetically distinct from the 'Jeju virus (Orthohantavirus jejuense)' confirmed in Jeju Island and the Korean Peninsula mainland.
Professor Song stated, “Through this study, we discovered a new hantavirus distinct from the Jeju virus and systematically identified its genetic characteristics and lineage.” He also emphasized, “Further pathogenic research and epidemiological and molecular surveillance are needed to assess the potential pathogenicity and infection possibility of Ulleung virus.”
Meanwhile, the results of this study were published in the July issue of 'Scientific Reports' under the title 'Discovery and genomic characterization of Ulleung virus harbored by Crocidura utsuryoensis on Ulleung Island in Republic of Korea'.

vrdw88@fnnews.com Kang Jungmo Reporter