Genomic characterization of Sebokele virus 1 (SEBV1) reveals a new candidate species among the genus Parechovirus.

We determined the genomic features and the taxonomic classification of Sebokele virus 1 (SEBV1), a previously unclassified arbovirus isolated in 1972 from rodents collected in Botambi, Central African Republic. The complete genome sequence was obtained using a deep sequencing approach (Illumina technology) and dedicated bioinformatics workflows for data analysis. Molecular analysis identified SEBV1 as a picornavirus, most closely related to Ljungan viruses of the genus Parechovirus. The genome has a typical Ljungan virus-like organization, including the presence of two unrelated 2A protein motifs. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that SEBV1 belongs to the parechovirus phylogroup and was most closely related to the Ljungan virus species. However, it appeared clearly distinct from all members of this phylogroup, suggesting that it represents a novel species of the genus Parechovirus.