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Global distribution of rubella virus genotypes
Du-Ping Zheng1, Teryl K Frey, Joseph Icenogle
1Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 15, 2004
Summary
Phylogenetic analysis reveals distinct rubella virus genotypes and subgenotypes, with shifts in global distribution and the emergence of new international strains. Rubella genotype II exhibits greater genetic diversity than genotype I.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rubella virus circulates globally, causing congenital rubella syndrome.
- Understanding rubella virus genetic diversity is crucial for surveillance and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the phylogenetic diversity of rubella virus E1 gene sequences.
- To identify rubella virus genotypes and subgenotypes and track their global distribution.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of 103 rubella virus E1 gene sequences.
- Sequences were collected from 17 countries between 1961 and 2000.
Main Results:
- Confirmed at least two rubella virus genotypes: Rubella genotype I (RGI) and Rubella genotype II (RGII).
- RGI isolates showed segregation into discrete subgenotypes, with a shift from international to geographically restricted strains after 1980.
- Emergence of a new international RGI subgenotype starting in 1997, spreading from Asia to Europe and North America.
- RGII exhibited greater genetic diversity than RGI and was limited to Asia and Europe.
Conclusions:
- Rubella virus exhibits significant genetic diversity and evolving geographic distribution patterns.
- The emergence of new international subgenotypes highlights the need for ongoing molecular surveillance.
- RGII may represent multiple genotypes, warranting further investigation.