Dengue Virus Type 4 Phylogenetics in Brazil 2011: Looking beyond the Veil

Abstract

Dengue Fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever are diseases affecting approximately 100 million people/year and are a major concern in developing countries. In the present study, the phylogenetic relationship of six strains of the first autochthonous cases of DENV-4 infection occurred in Sao Paulo State, Parana State and Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, 2011 were studied. Nucleotide sequences of the envelope gene were determined and compared with sequences representative of the genotypes I, II, III and Sylvatic for DEN4 retrieved from GenBank. We employed a Bayesian phylogenetic approach to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of Brazilian DENV-4 and we estimated evolutionary rates and dates of divergence for DENV-4 found in Brazil in 2011. All samples sequenced in this study were located in Genotype II. The studied strains are monophyletic and our data suggest that they have been evolving separately for at least 4 to 6 years. Our data suggest that the virus might have been present in the region for some time, without being noticed by Health Surveillance Services due to a low level of circulation and a higher prevalence of DENV-1 and DENV- 2.

Co-Infection of Dengue Virus by Serotypes 1 and 4 in Patient From Medium Sized City From Brazil

“…The virus then spread to different geographic regions of Brazil with cases reported in the northern states (Roraima, Amazonas, Pará) 4 , northeastern states (Bahia, Pernambuco, Piauí) and southeastern states (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo) 32,40 .…”

“…São José do Rio Preto (SJRP), which is located in the northwestern region of São Paulo State, has been presenting an endemic circulation of dengue for 10 years and all four serotypes have been detected in the city 34,40 . In regards to dengue serotypes circulating in the years 2011-2012, 527 samples were examined and 359 (68%) were positive for dengue virus (311 for DENV-1, 23 for DENV-2, 24 for DENV-4, 1 for DENV-1 and DENV-4 (unpublished).…”

“…II, respectively, and it also reflects the genotypes circulating in Brazil at the present moment 11,40 .…”

“…The F49L substitution perceived in DENV-4 C protein and recognized only in other Brazilian isolates 1,9,35,40 can be considered a genetic signature of Brazilian isolates and needs further investigation.…”

Natural transovarial transmission of dengue virus 4 in Aedes aegypti from Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

“…The reintroduction of DENV-4 into the country was fi rst observed in 2008 in Manaus, Amazonas (AM), followed by reports in 2010 in Boa Vista, Roraima (RR), with subsequent dissemination throughout the country (8) (9) . This serotype spread rapidly through the population, most likely due to a lack of immunity; it had not been observed since 1982 in the country (10) .…”