Molecular pathogenesis, global epidemiological trends, and treatment strategies for pteropine orthoreoviruses: a narrative review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pteropine orthoreoviruses are emerging bat-borne zoonotic viruses of the genus Orthoreovirus (family Reoviridae), increasingly recognized as causes of acute respiratory disease in humans. Originally grouped with the largely non-pathogenic mammalian orthoreoviruses, they have challenged that view through their association with severe influenza-like illness, evidence of human-to-human transmission, and a broad geographic range across the Old World. Maintained primarily in fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae, they are now linked to neurological as well as respiratory disease. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge of their molecular pathogenesis, zoonotic ecology, and global epidemiology, integrating recent advances in phylogeography, reassortment-driven evolution, spillover dynamics, and translational biomedical applications within a unified One Health framework. Genomic diversity, reassortment potential, and the unique fusion-associated small transmembrane proteins together underpin viral adaptability and pathogenicity. Major gaps nonetheless remain in transmission dynamics, host adaptation, shedding ecology, and pandemic potential. Future priorities should include integrated genomic surveillance, improved diagnostic strategies, validated experimental models, and interdisciplinary One Health approaches to strengthen outbreak preparedness and prevention.