Diversity and Evolution of the Envelope Gene of Dengue Virus Type 1

Abstract

The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of a collection of strains of dengue virus type 1 (DV-1), isolated from different parts of the world, were investigated. Phylogenetic trees derived from the complete sequence of the E gene of 44 strains suggested the existence of five genetic types defined by a maximum nucleotide divergence within each group of 6%. The 22 strains from America were classified into a single genetic type that included strains associated either with classical dengue or hemorrhagic dengue episodes. Using a maximum likelihood procedure based on a single rate with dated tips model and substitution rates calculated at the third codon position, evolution of the five DV-1 genotypes was shown to conform to a molecular clock. The average rate of evolution was estimated to be approximately 16.2 x 10(-4) substitutions/third codon position site/year. Using this estimate, divergence among the DV-1 genotypes was calculated to have occurred approximately 100 years ago. Very low average value of the ratio of nonsynonymous-to-synonymous nucleotide substitutions, relative to the respective sites (0.046), indicated that the evolution of the E gene of the DV-1 is subject mostly to purifying selection.

Population dynamics of DENV-1 genotype V in Brazil is characterized by co-circulation and strain/lineage replacement

“…According to Gonçalvez et al [16], the phylogenetic trees reconstructed using full and partial genome sequences indicate that all Brazilian DENV-1 isolates belong to genotype V; however, they do not form a monophyletic group. In our phylogenetic trees, one main cluster containing the majority of the isolates from Latin America was observed, as has been demonstrated previously [13,19,32], although some of the Brazilian isolates were located outside this cluster.…”

“…Within the DENV-1 serotype, five genotypes have previously been reported, based on analysis of the envelope (E) gene [16,17]. Earlier phylogenetic studies of Brazilian and American DENV-1 isolates demonstrated that Brazilian DENV-1 isolates belong to genotype V, lineage I, suggesting that only one significant event of DENV-1 introduction has occurred in the country [18,19].…”

Genetic diversity of dengue virus serotypes 1 and 2 in the State of Paraná, Brazil, based on a fragment of the capsid/premembrane junction region

“…The 2 strains identified clustered with other genotype V sequences, the only genotype circulating in Brazil thus far 22 . In 2001, Santos et al 23 also sequenced a third stain in the State of Paraná, besides the 2 strains found by us, totaling 3 strains in that state.…”

Molecular epidemiology of type 1 and 2 dengue viruses in Brazil from 1988 to 2001

“…Epidemiological studies in Latin America have demonstrated that sequential infections and co-circulation of different serotypes in a population at risk are not sufficient for DHF/ DSS occurrence and other factors related to virus, host, vector, and environment must be involved (2,(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39).…”