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"886-84-like" tick-borne encephalitis virus strains: Intraspecific status elucidated by comparative genomics
Renat V Adelshin1, Elena A Sidorova2, Artem N Bondaryuk2
1Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East, Trilisser 78, 664047, Irkutsk, Russia; Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russia.
Abstract:
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) can cause severe meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis. TBEV represents a pathogen of high zoonotic potential and an emerging global threat. There are three known subtypes of TBEV: Far-Eastern, Siberian and European. Since 2001 there have been suggestions that two new subtypes may be distinguished: "178-79" and "886-84". These assumptions are based on the results of the envelope gene fragment sequencing (Zlobin et al., 2001; Kovalev and Mukhacheva, 2017) and genotype-specific probes molecular hybridization (Demina et al., 2010). There is only one full-genome sequence of "178-79" strain and two identical ones of "886-84" strain can be found in GenBank. For clarification of the intraspecific position of the "886-84-like" strains group we completely sequenced six previously unknown "886-84-like" strains isolated in Eastern Siberia. As a result of applying different bioinformatics approaches, we can confirm that "886-84-like" strains group is a distinct subtype of TBEV.
Insights
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes severe neurological illness. Our study confirms "886-84-like" strains represent a distinct TBEV subtype, enhancing understanding of this global threat.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant zoonotic pathogen causing severe neurological diseases like meningitis and encephalitis.
- Existing TBEV classification includes Far-Eastern, Siberian, and European subtypes, with emerging evidence suggesting new subtypes.
- The "178-79" and "886-84" strains have been proposed as potential new subtypes based on limited genetic data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the intraspecific position of "886-84-like" strains within the TBEV species.
- To confirm whether the "886-84-like" strains constitute a distinct subtype of TBEV.
Main Methods:
- Complete genome sequencing of six previously uncharacterized "886-84-like" TBEV strains isolated in Eastern Siberia.
- Application of diverse bioinformatics approaches for sequence analysis and phylogenetic assessment.
- Comparison with existing TBEV sequences available in public databases like GenBank.
Main Results:
- The study successfully sequenced six novel "886-84-like" TBEV strains from Eastern Siberia.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the complete genome sequences provided robust evidence for the distinctness of these strains.
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the "886-84-like" strains form a separate cluster, distinct from known TBEV subtypes.
Conclusions:
- The "886-84-like" strains of TBEV represent a genetically distinct subtype.
- This finding contributes to a more accurate classification of TBEV and aids in understanding its epidemiology and evolution.
- Further research into the geographic distribution and pathogenicity of this newly confirmed subtype is warranted.