Genomic epidemiology of Chikungunya virus in Colombia reveals genetic variability of strains and multiple geographic introductions in outbreak, 2014

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is considered a public health problem due to its rapid spread and high morbidity. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of CHIKVs in Colombia. A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out using sera of patients infected with Chikungunya during the outbreak in Colombia. The whole genomes of CHIKV (n=16) were sequenced with an Illumina Hi-seq 2500 and were assembled using the Iterative Virus Assembler software. A Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis was carried out with 157 strains of worldwide origin. The Colombian CHIKV sequences were grouped in the Asian genotype; however, three independent phylogenetic subclades were observed, probably the result of three separate introductions from Panama, Nicaragua, and St. Barts. Each subclade showed several different non-synonymous mutations (nsP2-A153V; nsp2-Y543H; nsp2-G720A; nsP3-L458P; Capside R78Q), that may have functional consequences for CHIKV biology and pathogenesis. These same mutations may affect the efficacy of potential CHIKV vaccines.

• Autores: Villero Wolf, Yeneiris Karina; Mattar Velilla, Ameth Salim; Puerta González, Andrés; Arrieta Bernate, Germán Javier; Muskus, Carlos; Hoyos Lopez, Richard Onalbi; Pinzón, Hernando; Peláez Carvajal, Dioselina
• Tipo de recurso: Article of investigation
• Fecha de publicación: 2019
• Institución: Corporación Universitaria del Caribe - CECAR
• Repositorio: Repositorio Digital CECAR
• Idioma: eng
• OAI Identifier: oai:repositorio.cecar.edu.co:cecar/10868
• Acceso en línea: https://repositorio.cecar.edu.co/handle/cecar/10868
• Palabra clave: Chikungunya virus; Morbidity; Public health problem d
• Rights: openAccess
• License: Derechos reservados - Corporación Universitaria de Caribe - CECAR