Exploiting the legacy of the arbovirus hunters

Nikos Vasilakis, Robert B. Tesh, Vsevolod L. Popov, Steve G. Widen, Thomas G. Wood, Naomi L. Forrester, Jean Paul Gonzalez, Jean Francois Saluzzo, Sergey Alkhovsky, Sai Kit Lam, John S. Mackenzie, Peter J. Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

In recent years, it has become evident that a generational gap has developed in the community of arbovirus research. This apparent gap is due to the dis-investment of training for the next generation of arbovirologists, which threatens to derail the rich history of virus discovery, field epidemiology, and understanding of the richness of diversity that surrounds us. On the other hand, new technologies have resulted in an explosion of virus discovery that is constantly redefining the virosphere and the evolutionary relationships between viruses. This paradox presents new challenges that may have immediate and disastrous consequences for public health when yet to be discovered arboviruses emerge. In this review we endeavor to bridge this gap by providing a historical context for the work being conducted today and provide continuity between the generations. To this end, we will provide a narrative of the thrill of scientific discovery and excitement and the challenges lying ahead.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number471
JournalViruses
Volume11
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2019

Keywords

  • Arbovirus discovery
  • Arbovirus history
  • Electron microscopy
  • Metagenomics
  • Next generation sequencing
  • Taxonomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

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