Molecular evolution of two asymptomatic echovirus 6 strains that constitute a novel branch of recently epidemic

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Hao Sun1,2, Xiaoqin Huang1,2, Keqin Lin1,2

  • 1The Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), 935 Jiao Ling Road, Kunming, 650118, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.

Virology Journal
|July 27, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Asymptomatic Echovirus 6 (E6) strains in healthy children may originate from a recombinant strain linked to an AFP outbreak. Specific mutations in E6 genes might influence disease presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Evolution
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Echovirus 6 (E6) infections can cause aseptic meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), but often present asymptomatically.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying E6 virulence and varied clinical manifestations remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular evolution of asymptomatic Echovirus 6 (E6) strains.
  • To understand the genetic basis for differential E6 pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of two E6 strains isolated from healthy children in Yunnan, China.
  • Analysis of molecular evolution and selection pressures on E6 genes.

Main Results:

  • The two asymptomatic E6 strains may have evolved from strains predominant in AFP patients in Shandong in 2011.
  • Accelerated evolution was observed, with 11 exclusive mutations in 2C, 3AB, and 3C genes showing significant changes in selection force.

Conclusions:

  • Asymptomatic E6 strains in Yunnan may be linked to a recombinant strain associated with an AFP outbreak.
  • Novel mutations in 2C, 3AB, and 3C genes of these asymptomatic strains, potentially under natural selection, could explain varying clinical outcomes.
Keywords:
Echovirus 6EnterovirusNatural selectionPolygenetic treeRecombination

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