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Identification and genetic analysis of Panama-genotype Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus subtype ID in Peru
M S Oberste1, S C Weaver, D M Watts
1Virology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21702-5011, USA.
Abstract:
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus was isolated in 1993, 1994, and 1995 from human cases of acute, undifferentiated, febrile illness in the Peruvian Amazon Basin. Two virus isolates were recovered in 1994 from Peruvian soldiers at a jungle outpost near Pantoja in northern Peru, and 10 isolates were obtained from military personnel and civilians in 1993-1995 in Iquitos, an urban center in northeastern Peru. The genetic relationship of these isolates to other VEE virus strains was determined by sequencing 856-867 nucleotide reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction fragments derived from the PE2 glycoprotein gene. The sequences were compared with those of other VEE virus strains, including representatives of the IAB, IC, ID, IE, II, and IIIC subtypes. The two Pantoja isolates were most closely related to subtype IC and ID viruses previously isolated in Colombia and Venezuela, and to the ID viruses isolated during the 1970s in Iquitos. All of the recent Iquitos isolates were similar to one another, but they were more closely related to Panamanian ID strains than to isolates previously obtained in Iquitos, Peru, or in Colombia and Venezuela. The recent Iquitos VEE viral isolates were the first Panama-genotype VEE ID virus strains identified outside of the Republic of Panama.
Insights
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus caused febrile illness in Peru. Genetic analysis revealed new VEE virus strains in Iquitos, Peru, related to Panamanian strains, indicating wider VEE virus circulation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus causes significant febrile illness in humans.
- Previous VEE virus outbreaks have been documented in South America.
- Understanding VEE virus genetic diversity is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize VEE virus isolates from human cases in the Peruvian Amazon Basin.
- To determine the phylogenetic relationships of these isolates to known VEE virus strains.
- To identify the origins and spread of VEE virus in the region.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of VEE virus from human clinical samples.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for genetic amplification.
- Nucleotide sequencing of the PE2 glycoprotein gene.
- Phylogenetic analysis comparing sequence data with reference VEE virus strains.
Main Results:
- VEE virus was isolated from human cases in Pantoja and Iquitos, Peru, between 1993 and 1995.
- Pantoja isolates were closely related to VEE virus subtypes IC and ID from Colombia and Venezuela.
- Iquitos isolates were genetically similar to Panamanian ID strains, representing the first identification of Panama-genotype VEE ID outside Panama.
Conclusions:
- The genetic analysis of VEE virus isolates from Peru provides insights into regional viral diversity.
- The identification of Panama-genotype VEE ID strains in Iquitos suggests a potential link to transmission events originating from Panama.
- These findings highlight the importance of ongoing molecular surveillance for VEE virus in the Amazon Basin.