West Nile virus population genetics and evolution

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) is transmitted from mosquitoes to birds, but can cause fatal encephalitis in infected humans. Since its introduction into North America in New York in 1999, it has spread throughout the western hemisphere. Multiple outbreaks have also occurred in Europe over the last 20 years. This review highlights recent efforts to understand how host pressures impact viral population genetics, genotypic and phenotypic changes which have occurred in the WNV genome as it adapts to this novel environment, and molecular epidemiology of WNV worldwide. Future research directions are also discussed.

Is Predominant Clonal Evolution a Common Evolutionary Adaptation to Parasitism in Pathogenic Parasitic Protozoa, Fungi, Bacteria, and Viruses?

“…Lineages seem to be associated with specific pathogenic properties (Pesko and Ebel, 2012;Zehender et al, 2011). Lineage I Is subdivided into 1a, 1b and 1c.…”

West Nile Virus Genome with Glycosylated Envelope Protein and Deletion of Alpha Helices 1, 2, and 4 in the Capsid Protein Is Noninfectious and Efficiently Secretes Subviral Particles

“…est Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus of the Japanese encephalitis (JE) serogroup with a historical distribution in Africa, southeast Europe, central and southern Asia, and Australia (as the predominantly avirulent Kunjin [KUNV] subtype) (1). Viruses of the JE serogroup are maintained in the natural environment through a cycle of avian to ornithophilic Culex mosquito infections (2).…”

West Nile virus introduction into the new world

“…Its invasion into North America in 1999 and the subsequent spread throughout the continent has stimulated intense interest in its population genetics and evolution. 1 Moreover, this event and its consequences can be viewed as a metaphor and paradigm that stresses the potential danger of modern transportation as a means of spreading pathogens into novel ecosystems.…”

“…The birds and mosquitoes important for its perpetuation in any given area are diverse and infection has been documented in nearly 60 mosquito and 300 bird species. 1 In contrast, the related dengue virus is mainly driven by single mosquito and host species. 3.…”