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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
18:10

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

Published on: June 16, 2011

Population dynamics and rates of molecular evolution of a recently emerged paramyxovirus, avian metapneumovirus

Abinash Padhi1, Mary Poss

  • 1Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, USA.

Journal of Virology
|December 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Two avian metapneumovirus (MPV) subtype C sublineages were identified, impacting turkey farms. This globally distributed virus, related to human MPV, emerged between 1991-1996.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Animal Health

Background:

  • Avian metapneumovirus (MPV) subtype C causes significant economic losses in US commercial turkey farms.
  • MPV subtype C is closely related to human MPV and infects various avian species globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of avian MPV subtype C.
  • To identify distinct sublineages within MPV subtype C.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of viral gene sequences.
  • Estimation of evolutionary rates and divergence times using coalescent methods.

Main Results:

  • Discovery of two distinct sublineages within avian MPV subtype C.
  • Estimated evolutionary rates between 1.3 x 10^-3 and 7 x 10^-3 substitutions per site per year.
  • Coalescent estimates suggest MPV subtype C emerged between 1991 and 1996.

Conclusions:

  • Avian MPV subtype C exhibits distinct evolutionary pathways.
  • The virus has undergone rapid population growth since its emergence.
  • Understanding these sublineages is crucial for managing avian metapneumovirus in poultry.

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