Thogoto Like Viruses (TVVs) are a group of arthropod-borne viruses that belong to the genus Thogotovirus within the family Orthomyxoviridae. These viruses are named after the town of Thogoto in Kenya, where the first virus of this group was isolated in 1956. TVVs are primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, although certain mosquito species have also been implicated as potential vectors.
TVVs are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that possess segmented genomes. They are characterized by their spherical shape and a diameter ranging between 70 and 120 nm. These viruses are classified into different serotypes based on antigenic differences in the viral envelope. They have been found to infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans, livestock, rodents, and birds.
Infection with TVVs in humans often results in a febrile illness, with symptoms such as headache, malaise, muscle pain, and sometimes gastrointestinal disturbances. While most cases are mild and self-limiting, severe manifestations, such as encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever, have also been reported, albeit rarely.
Due to their zoonotic potential and ability to cause disease in humans, Thogoto Like Viruses are of public health concern. Research efforts are focused on understanding their ecology, transmission dynamics, and the development of effective control strategies to prevent human infections.
