Evolutionary dynamics and molecular epidemiology of West Nile virus in New York State: 1999-2015.

ABSTRACT: Following its introduction into New York State (NYS) in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV; Flavivirus, Flaviviridae) underwent a rapid expansion throughout the USA and into Canada and Latin America. WNV has been characterized as being evolutionarily stable, with weak geographic structure, a dominance of purifying selection and limited adaptive change. We analyzed all available full-genome WNV sequences, focusing on the 543 available sequences from NYS, which included 495 newly sequenced 2000-15 isolates. In addition, we analyzed deep-sequencing data from 317 of these isolates. While our data are generally in agreement with the limited pace of evolutionary change and broad geographic and temporal mixing identified in other studies, we have identified some important exceptions.

SUBMITTER: Bialosuknia SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6642743 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature