Hallym University Microbiology Research Team Identifies Novel Viruses for the First Time...Published in International Journal

Simultaneous Discovery of Paramyxovirus and Hepacivirus in Wild Reed Voles
Potential for Zoonotic Transmission Confirmed

The research team led by Professor Kim Wongeun of the Department of Microbiology at Hallym University College of Medicine (President Choi Yanghee) has published a research paper in Veterinary Research (IF 3.5), an international journal ranked in the top 5% of the veterinary field. The paper lists Yang Intae, a third-year medical student at Hallym University (supervised by Professor Kim Wongeun), and Researcher Haryo Seno Pangestu as co-first authors.

Undergraduate student Yang Intae at Hallym University. Provided by Hallym University

Haryo Seno Pangestu, Researcher at Hallym University. Provided by Hallym University

This study focused on rodents, which are attracting attention as potential vectors of zoonotic diseases, particularly the reed vole (Alexandromys fortis), which inhabits grasslands and wetlands in East Asia. Yang Intae played a key role in identifying the diversity of viruses carried by wild reed voles in South Korea and assessing their potential risk of transmission to humans, through collaboration with Professor Kim Wongeun of Hallym University, Professor Song Jinwon of Korea University, and their research teams.

The research team was the first to discover a novel paramyxovirus (PyAPV) in wild reed voles in South Korea. They confirmed that this virus is a completely new member of the Jeilongvirus genus. The virus was named "Pyeongtaek Alexandromys paramyxovirus (PyAPV)" to reflect the location where it was first identified.

In addition, the team discovered a novel Hepacivirus J and obtained the full-length genome sequence of reed vole-derived Hepacivirus, which had not previously been reported. This enabled them to determine that the virus represents an independent genetic lineage.

Notably, this research went beyond simple virus detection by applying a genome-based machine learning prediction model to assess the potential for spillover (cross-species transmission) to humans. The analysis predicted that both viruses have a "medium" level of potential for human infection, highlighting the need for proactive surveillance systems in areas where wild animals and humans interact.

Professor Kim Wongeun stated, "Through metagenome analysis, we confirmed that reed voles serve as a natural reservoir for various novel viruses. The experience of participating in international collaborative research and publishing a paper at the undergraduate level is a very important process in training physician-scientists."

Yang Intae commented, "Through this research, I was able to gain a direct understanding of viral diversity and the emergence of new infectious diseases. I hope to grow into a physician-scientist who bridges medicine and science."

Meanwhile, Hallym University College of Medicine plans to further expand research opportunities for undergraduate students and continue to strengthen the training of creative, interdisciplinary physician-scientists to respond to future infectious disease threats. This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea's protection research support program, Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Novo Nordisk Foundation, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.