Genetic Diversity of the Junin Virus in Argentina: Geographic and Temporal Patterns

Abstract

RNA was purified from 39 strains of cell-cultured Junin virus (JUN) from central Argentina, which included both human- and rodent-derived isolates (a total of 26 and 13, respectively), as well as from 2 laboratory JUN strains, XJ Cl3 and XJ #44. JUN-specific primers were used to amplify a 511-nucleotide (nt) fragment of the nucleocapsid protein gene and a 495-nt fragment of the glycoprotein 1 (GP1) gene. Genetic diversity among JUN strains studied was up to 13% at the nt level and up to 9% at the amino acid (aa) level for the GP1 gene and up to 9% (nt) and 4% (aa) for the NP gene. Phylogenetic analyses of both genes revealed three distinct clades. The first clade was composed of the JUN strains from the center of the endemic area and included the majority of JUN strains analyzed in the current study. The second clade contained 4 JUN strains isolated between 1963 and 1971 from Cordoba Province, the western-most edge of the known endemic area. The third clade contained 4 JUN strains that originated from Calomys musculinus trapped in Zarate, the northeastern edge of the known endemic area. Certain JUN sequences, which were obtained from GenBank and identified as XJ, XJ #44, and Candid #1 strains, appeared to form a separate clade. Over 400 nt of the GP1 and GP2 genes were additionally sequenced for 7 JUN strains derived from patients with different clinical presentations and outcomes of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Analysis of the corresponding aa sequences did not allow us to attribute any particular genetic marker to the changing severity or clinical form of the human disease.

Host Range and Genetic Diversity of Arenaviruses in Rodents, United Kingdom

“…Genetic heterogeneity was present within and between sites (Figure), as seen in previous studies of arenaviruses (13,14). Sequences from animals in the captive colony and a nearby farm (MF) clustered and were different from those from a more distant farm (BHF).…”

Natural host relationships and genetic diversity of Whitewater Arroyo virus in southern Texas.

“…5,[13][14][15] For example, the nucleotide sequences of a fragment of the 5Ј half of the NP gene of WWA virus strain AV 96010025 from a bushy-tailed woodrat in Utah and strain AV A0400174 from a southern plains woodrat in southern Texas were 25.3% different. The present work provides the first evidence for extensive genetic diversity among contemporary strains of the same virus isolated from conspecific rodents captured in the same microhabitat.…”

Convergent immunological solutions to Argentine hemorrhagic fever virus neutralization

“…These viruses are endemic to rodent populations in rural areas of Argentina, Bolivia, and Venezuela, respectively, and viral spillover into human populations can result in severe hemorrhagic fever (HF) (3). Novel pathogenic NW arenaviruses continue to be identified (4-6), underscoring a wide-scale need for effective vaccines and therapeutics.JUNV, the etiological agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), constitutes one of the most dangerous NW arenaviruses, putting an estimated 5 million people at risk (7,8). JUNV infection typically exhibits a rapid onset of disease (7-14 d) and high mortality rates (15-30%) (7, 9, 10).…”

“…JUNV, the etiological agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), constitutes one of the most dangerous NW arenaviruses, putting an estimated 5 million people at risk (7,8). JUNV infection typically exhibits a rapid onset of disease (7-14 d) and high mortality rates (15-30%) (7, 9, 10).…”

“…JUNV infection typically exhibits a rapid onset of disease (7-14 d) and high mortality rates (15-30%) (7,9,10). There are no internationally approved drugs for preventing or treating NW arenavirus HF.…”