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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
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Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes
Published on: July 27, 2018
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Molecular evolution of emerging Banna virus
Hong Liu1, Xiao-Yan Gao2, Shi-Hong Fu2
1School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Banna virus (BAV) emerged in the early 20th century and rapidly evolves, showing no species barrier. Genetic differences correlate with geographic spread, necessitating global surveillance of this emerging viral encephalitis threat.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Banna virus (BAV) is an emerging pathogen causing human viral encephalitis.
- BAV has been isolated from insects and mammals, primarily in Asia.
- Systematic studies on BAV origin and evolution are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and evolutionary patterns of Banna virus (BAV).
- To analyze the phylogenetic relationships of BAV strains globally.
- To assess the evolutionary rate and geographic distribution of BAV.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of BAV isolates from diverse vectors and hosts worldwide.
- Estimation of viral substitution rates using molecular clock methods.
- Correlation analysis between genetic divergence and geographic distribution.
Main Results:
- BAV emerged in the early 20th century with a mean substitution rate of 2.467×10-2 substitutions/site/year.
- BAV does not exhibit a species barrier.
- High-latitude BAV lineages show higher substitution rates and recent emergence compared to low-latitude lineages.
- Genetic differences among BAV strains correlate positively with geographic distance and latitudinal variation.
Conclusions:
- BAV is an emerging virus characterized by rapid evolution and potential for inter-regional spread.
- The findings highlight the importance of enhanced global surveillance for BAV.
- Understanding BAV evolution is crucial for predicting and mitigating future outbreaks.
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