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Published on: June 9, 2011
Phylogenetic analysis of eastern equine encephalitis virus isolates from Florida
Gregory S White1, Brett E Pickett, Elliot J Lefkowitz
1Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program, Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA. gwhite@cvmvcd.org
Summary
Florida is a hotspot for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), with year-round transmission. Genetic analysis suggests Florida may be a reservoir, periodically introducing EEEV to the northeastern United States.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Florida exhibits the highest endemicity and year-round transmission of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in the U.S.
- Understanding EEEV population dynamics in Florida is crucial for public health.
- EEEV poses a significant threat, causing severe neurological disease in humans and animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic diversity of EEEV isolates from Florida.
- To identify polymorphic regions within the EEEV genome specific to Florida strains.
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of Florida EEEV isolates over time and geography.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of six EEEV isolates from central Florida to identify polymorphic regions.
- Sequencing of these polymorphic regions in 18 additional Florida isolates across four regions and a 20-year period.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence data to infer viral population structure and relationships.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analyses revealed a general temporal association among Florida EEEV isolates.
- No distinct clustering was observed based on geographic region or isolate source within Florida.
- A notable clustering of some northeastern U.S. isolates with Florida isolates was identified.
Conclusions:
- Florida EEEV isolates exhibit genetic diversity that can be tracked over time.
- The findings support the hypothesis that Florida acts as a reservoir for EEEV.
- Florida may be a source for the reintroduction of EEEV into the northeastern U.S.
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