Evolutionary dynamics of Usutu virus: Worldwide dispersal patterns and transmission dynamics in Europe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging mosquito-borne Flavivirus, with birds as the main zoonotic reservoir. Humans are accidental hosts and mostly develop mild or even asymptomatic infections, although severe complications such as encephalitis can also arise. Detailed characterization of the pathogen's phylogenetics may offer valuable insights into the prediction and prevention of potential epidemics; however, lack of uniformity and the number of available USUV sequences worldwide hamper comprehensive investigation.

Aim

The study aimed to investigate USUV spatio-temporal dispersal inter- and intracontinentally and to estimate the dynamics of viral spread within Europe.

Methods

Phylogeographic and phylodynamic analyses were done using advanced phylogenetic metho

SUBMITTER: Siljic M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10076808 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature