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Differences in Genetic Diversity between Early Isolates of Yellow Fever Virus Genotypes
Madison E Lee1, Clairissa A Hansen1, Jill K Thompson2
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
Emerging Microbes & Infections
|December 15, 2025
Summary
Yellow fever virus (YFV) genetic diversity varies by genotype. Genotype-specific amino acids (GSaas) in YFV proteins suggest selection pressures from different hosts and geographic areas.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a significant arbovirus causing yellow fever.
- YFV is classified into seven distinct genotypes based on phylogenetic analysis.
- Understanding YFV genetic diversity is crucial for disease control and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the genetic diversity of the seven YFV genotypes.
- To identify genotype-specific amino acids (GSaas) across different YFV strains.
- To explore the impact of selection pressures on YFV genetic variation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for genetic analysis.
- Examined early isolated YFV strains with known passage history.
- Analyzed genetic diversity and identified genotype-specific amino acids in viral proteins.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in genetic diversity was observed among the seven YFV genotypes.
- The East and Central Africa (ECA) genotype exhibited higher genetic diversity than East Africa (EA) and West Africa I (WAI) genotypes.
- Genotype-specific amino acids (GSaas) were identified, with most found in non-structural proteins; EA and ECA genotypes had the fewest GSaas.
Conclusions:
- Genetic diversity and GSaas patterns in YFV genotypes are not random and are likely influenced by host-specific selection pressures.
- Different primate and mosquito hosts in various geographic regions contribute to YFV evolution.
- Further research on recent strains and outbreak-associated viruses is needed to understand temporal genetic diversity and inform interventions.
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