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High diversity and ancient common ancestry of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Cesar G Albariño1, Gustavo Palacios, Marina L Khristova

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. calbarino@cdc.gov

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|July 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) genetic diversity is high, with distinct lineages identified. This arenavirus has a long history, suggesting complex global spread from its mouse reservoir.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a significant human pathogen and the prototype arenavirus.
  • LCMV is globally distributed via its house mouse reservoir (Mus musculus).
  • Recent concerns include LCMV infections during pregnancy and fatal cases in transplant recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity and distribution of LCMV variants.
  • To understand the evolutionary history and phylogeography of LCMV.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis of 29 LCMV strains.
  • Bayesian phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

  • LCMV strains exhibit high genetic diversity with multiple distinct lineages.
  • Little correlation was found between lineages and isolation time or geographic location.
  • The most recent common ancestor is estimated to be 1,000-5,000 years old.

Conclusions:

  • LCMV possesses significant genetic diversity, challenging simple geographic or temporal classifications.
  • The virus's long evolutionary history supports complex phylogeographic patterns.
  • Further research into LCMV variant distribution and evolution is warranted.

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