Date of Award
Winter 12-18-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biomedical Sciences
First Advisor
T'Keyah Johnson
Abstract
Achimota Virus 2 (AchPV2) is a newly identified bat-derived pathogen belonging to the Pararubulavirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae family. The Pararubulavirus genus includes many emerging zoonotic pathogens such as Sosuga virus, Tioman virus, and Menangle virus. Achimota virus 2 was first isolated from urban bats, Eidolon helvum, in Ghana, West Africa. AchPV2 is capable of infecting a wide range of cell lines and is considered to be a potential zoonotic threat. Supporting this, previous serological evidence has suggested AchPV2 spillover events have already occurred. In this study, I have developed a novel reverse genetics system to generate recombinant AchPV2. The full-length viral genome was reconstituted in a T7 driven rescue system, along with all of the viral proteins necessary for viral replication. I have performed initial characterization of viral tropism, replication kinetics in immortalized cell lines, and sensitivity to known antivirals. The utilization of this system will provide us with an innovative platform to study these emerging zoonotic viruses and assist in the discovery of therapeutic measures to limit and control any future outbreaks.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Tahirah, "Development of a Reverse Genetics System for Achimota Virus 2, a Newly Emerging Rubulavirus." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2024.
https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/biomedical_theses/11