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Published on: June 7, 2017
Sequences of Zika Virus Genomes from a Pediatric Cohort in Nicaragua
Lauren M Oldfield1, Nadia Fedorova1, Vinita Puri1
1J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
Insights
This study sequenced the whole genomes of 11 Zika virus (ZIKV) samples from Nicaraguan children. The ZIKV genomes were highly similar, showing over 99% identity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) poses a significant threat to global public health, particularly to pediatric populations.
- Understanding ZIKV genetic diversity is crucial for developing effective diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform whole-genome sequencing of ZIKV samples from pediatric patients in Nicaragua.
- To analyze the genetic relatedness of ZIKV strains circulating in this region.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of 11 ZIKV samples from six pediatric patients.
- ZIKV isolation from serum samples followed by sequencing of both serum and virus isolates.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained whole-genome sequences for 11 ZIKV samples.
- The consensus ZIKV genomes exhibited high sequence identity, exceeding 99% among all samples.
Conclusions:
- The ZIKV strains circulating in Nicaragua among pediatric patients are highly conserved genetically.
- This genetic homogeneity suggests a recent common ancestor or limited viral evolution during the observed transmission period.
Abstract:
We report here the whole-genome sequence of 11 Zika virus (ZIKV) samples from six pediatric patients in Nicaragua. Serum samples were collected, and ZIKV was isolated in tissue culture. Both serum and virus isolates were sequenced. The consensus ZIKV genomes are greater than 99% identical to each other.
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