Contribution of phylogenetics to understanding the evolution and epidemiology of dengue virus

Abstract

Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most important arboviral pathogens in the tropics and subtropics, and nearly one‐third of the world's population is at risk of infection. The transmission of DENV involves a sylvatic cycle between nonhuman primates (NHP) and Aedes genus mosquitoes, and an endemic cycle between human hosts and predominantly Aedes aegypti. DENV belongs to the genus Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae and consists of four antigenically distinct serotypes (DENV‐1‐4). Phylogenetic analyses of DENV have revealed its origin, epidemiology, and the drivers that determine its molecular evolution in nature. This review discusses how phylogenetic research has improved our understanding of DENV evolution and how it affects viral ecology and improved our ability to analyze and predict future DENV emergence.

Prevalence, Molecular Characteristics and Virulence Identification of Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 in China

“…Understanding the phylogeny of BPIV-3 is an important basis for clarifying its evolution, sources of transmission, and molecular epidemiology, and can improve our ability to analyze and predict disease re-emergence [ 1 , 19 ]. This study found that genotype C strains of BPIV-3 had a lower genetic diversity.…”

Aedes-borne orthoflavivirus infections in neotropical primates – Ecology, susceptibility, and pathogenesis

“…DENV from serotypes 1, 2, and 4 has been identified as belonging to variants involved in urban and in sylvatic cycles. 37,38 Serotypes 1, 2, and 4 have been detected in sylvatic cycles involving Asian NHPs from Macaca and Presbytis genus and Aedes niveus mosquitoes. 35,39,40 In Africa, sylvatic DENV-2 detection has been achieved in Erythrocebus patas monkeys and several arboreal Aedes sp.…”

“…In both cases, there is much concern about the rise of mutations in the genome of Orthoflavivirus species adapted to sylvatic cycles and momentary disappearances of epidemic strains to sylvatic environments that can re-emerge in the future after herd immunity vanishes from human populations. 37,38,47 Regarding DENV pathogenesis, there are many molecules involved in DENV entry into host cells through interaction with the envelope protein of the virus. 48 Heparan sulfate receptors are implicated in the pathogenesis of several orthoflaviviruses enhancing viral entry efficiency into host cells, 49 while C-type lectin receptors (CLR) such as mannose receptors Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin (DC-SIGN), and its homolog, DC-SIGN-related (L-SIGN), and C-type lectin domain family 5 member A (CLE5A) have been associated with DENV entry and propagation under in vitro studies, with strong correlation between polymorphisms in DC-SIGN receptors and occurrence of dengue hemorrhagic syndrome with different patterns of inheritance in different regions of the world.…”

“…In both cases, there is much concern about the rise of mutations in the genome of Orthoflavivirus species adapted to sylvatic cycles and momentary disappearances of epidemic strains to sylvatic environments that can re-emerge in the future after herd immunity vanishes from human populations. 37,38,47…”

Detection of a Multiple Circulation Event of Dengue Virus 2 Strains in the Northern Region of Brazil

“…The cocirculation of multiple serotypes can increase the risk of serious infections due to the risk of coming into contact with more than one serotype [ 9 ]. The genetic information presented in various studies of the evolution and global spread of DENV-2 genotypes highlights the importance of performing additional research into phenotypic variations, host adaptations, and the survival of its strains, which influence the epidemiology of DENV-2 and promote its spread in endemic areas [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In this context, the introduction of different serotypes and their ability to persist in the environment over time may be related to the unpredictability of clinical cases of reinfection with different serotypes [ 9 ].…”