Characterization of the Candiru Antigenic Complex (Bunyaviridae: Phlebovirus), a Highly Diverse and Reassorting Group of Viruses Affecting Humans in Tropical America

Abstract

The genus Phlebovirus of the family Bunyaviridae consists of approximately 70 named viruses, currently assigned to nine serocomplexes (species) based on antigenic similarities. Sixteen other named viruses that show little serologic relationship to the nine recognized groups are also classified as tentative species in the genus. In an effort to develop a more precise classification system for phleboviruses, we are attempting to sequence most of the named viruses in the genus with the goal of clarifying their phylogenetic relationships. In this report, we describe the serologic and phylogenetic relationships of 13 viruses that were found to be members of the Candiru serocomplex; 6 of them cause disease in humans. Analysis of full genome sequences revealed branching inconsistencies that suggest five reassortment events, all involving the M segment, and thus appear to be natural reassortants. This high rate of reassortment illustrates the inaccuracy of a classification system based solely on antigenic relationships.

Characterization of the Uukuniemi Virus Group (Phlebovirus: Bunyaviridae): Evidence for Seven Distinct Species

“…Previously, we demonstrated that the extent of reassortment in the Candiru complex (5 of 13 named viruses) was unprecedented (21). Nonetheless, our analysis of the members of the Uukuniemi virus group does not indicate any reassortment events.…”

“…This is the third in a series of publications describing this work (21,22). The present communication describes the antigenic and phylogenetic relationships among Uukuniemi group viruses and with selected members of the Sandfly fever group, SFTSV, and HRTV.…”

“…Antisera for serologic tests were prepared in adult mice, using 10% crude homogenates of infected newborn mouse brain in phosphate-buffered saline as the immunogens (21). The immunization schedule consisted of four intraperitoneal injections of antigen mixed with Freund's adjuvant, given at weekly intervals.…”

Genetic characterization of Bhanja virus and Palma virus, two tick-borne phleboviruses

“…Phylogenetic analysis of the newly determined L-and M-segment sequences of BHAV and PALV, clades them into a single subtree together with the new tick-borne phlebovirus SFTSV from China and UUKV within the genus Phlebovirus of the Bunyaviridae. The subtree for the S-segment sequences of these tickborne viruses is not as clear cut as it also contains the recently determined sequences of 13 mosquito borne viruses from South America (Candiru virus) [21] which in contrast group into distinct subtrees in the L-and M-segment dendrograms.…”

Optimization of dengue virus genome assembling using GSFLX 454 pyrosequencing data: evaluation of assembling strategies

“…In the past, efforts have been made to use NGS-based approaches, in particular pyrosequencing, for obtaining genetic data from different viral pathogens, such as HIV; avian leukosis virus; lyssaviruses; enteric viruses, and few arboviruses, including DENV-1 and phleboviruses (Victoria et al, 2009;Bimber et al, 2010;Bishop-Lilly et al, 2010;Day et al, 2010;Hedskog et al, 2010;De Wolf et al, 2011;Schinazi et al, 2011;Abbate et al, 2011;De Benedictis et al, 2011;Palacios et al, 2011).…”