Novel herpesvirus potentially associated with oral lesions in a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus)

Abstract

The superorder Xenarthra comprises anteaters, sloths and armadillos, all endemic of the Americas. Despite their distinctive evolutionary history, information regarding viruses affecting this group remains scarce. Herein, we report a gammaherpesvirus infection in a two-toed sloth ( Choloepus didactylus ) under human care that presented recurrent oral vesicular lesions and oral candidiasis. The gammaherpesvirus identified in oral swab sample likely represents a novel species, due to the large genetic divergence when compared to the closest sequences available on public databases, and its identification in a novel host species. This finding broadens the herpesvirus host range in Xenarthra, representing the third description in this taxonomic group. Future studies should elucidate the pathogenicity of this novel herpesvirus.

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