"Near-complete genome sequence of a type-A deformed wing virus discovered from Solenopsis invicta in Mississippi, USA"

Authors: Liu, Xiaofen; Miles, Godfrey; Zhu, Yu Cheng; Grodowitz, Michael; ESMAEIL, AMIRI - Mississippi State University; Scheffler, Brian; Chen, Jian

Submitted to: Microbiology Resource Announcements
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2024
Publication Date: 1/14/2025
Citation: Liu, X.F., Miles, G.P., Zhu, Y., Grodowitz, M.J., Esmaeil, A., Scheffler, B.E., Chen, J. 2025. "Near-complete genome sequence of a type-A deformed wing virus discovered from Solenopsis invicta in Mississippi, USA". Microbiology Resource Announcements. February 2025 Volume 14 Issue 2.

Interpretive Summary: Honey bee's deformed wing virus was recently discovered in red imported fire ants, and its replication in ants was confirmed. In this study, USDA-ARS scientists and collaborators from Mississippi State University completed whole-genome sequencing of this virus in red imported fire ants. These results are significant for research on the spread of this virus among insects and its pathogenicity to ants. Moreover, the identification of fire ants as an alternative host for this virus underscores the importance of understanding the role of alternative hosts in disease transmission dynamics and pathogenicity, providing valuable insights for disease management and control strategies in honey bee populations.

Technical Abstract: The presence and replication of the honey bee’s deformed wing virus variant A (DWV-A) were recently confirmed in the red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Reported here is the complete genome sequence data of this virus from S. invicta, which is valuable for future research on the DWV.