Molecular characterization of Korean rabies virus isolates

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Rabies remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding the genetic diversity and origin of rabies virus (RABV) is crucial for effective control strategies.
• Previous studies have characterized RABV in various regions, but specific data on Korean isolates is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform molecular and phylogenetic analyses of Korean rabies virus (RABV) isolates.
• To determine the genetic relationships and origins of these isolates.
• To assess potential implications for pathogenicity and host range.

Main Methods:

• Nucleotide sequencing of the nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes from 11 Korean RABV isolates (2008-2009).
• Molecular and phylogenetic analyses to determine genetic similarities and relationships.
• Comparison with international RABV strains.

Main Results:

• Korean RABV isolates showed high nucleotide sequence similarity (N gene: 98.1-99.8%; G gene: 97.9-99.3%).
• All isolates were confirmed as Lyssavirus genotype I and classified into four distinct subgroups.
• Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship to strains from Eastern China and Russia, suggesting a Northeastern Asian origin.

Conclusions:

• The Korean RABV isolates likely originated from rabid raccoon dogs in Northeastern Asia.
• The circulating RABV strains in Korea belong to Lyssavirus genotype I.
• Absence of substitutions at key antigenic sites suggests potential pathogenicity across multiple hosts.