scholarly journals Molecular Characterisation of a Rare Reassortant Porcine-Like G5P[6] Rotavirus Strain Detected in an Unvaccinated Child in Kasama, Zambia

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 663
Author(s):  
Wairimu M. Maringa ◽  
Peter N. Mwangi ◽  
Julia Simwaka ◽  
Evans M. Mpabalwani ◽  
Jason M. Mwenda ◽  
...  

A human-porcine reassortant strain, RVA/Human-wt/ZMB/UFS-NGS-MRC-DPRU4723/2014/G5P[6], was identified in a sample collected in 2014 from an unvaccinated 12 month old male hospitalised for gastroenteritis in Zambia. We sequenced and characterised the complete genome of this strain which presented the constellation: G5-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1. The genotype A8 is often observed in porcine strains. Phylogenetic analyses showed that VP6, VP7, NSP2, NSP4, and NSP5 genes were closely related to cognate gene sequences of porcine strains (e.g., RVA/Pig-wt/CHN/DZ-2/2013/G5P[X] for VP7) from the NCBI database, while VP1, VP3, VP4, and NSP3 were closely related to porcine-like human strains (e.g., RVA/Human-wt/CHN/E931/2008/G4P[6] for VP1, and VP3). On the other hand, the origin of the VP2 was not clear from our analyses, as it was not only close to both porcine (e.g., RVA/Pig-tc/CHN/SWU-1C/2018/G9P[13]) and porcine-like human strains (e.g., RVA/Human-wt/LKA/R1207/2009/G4P[6]) but also to three human strains (e.g., RVA/Human-wt/USA/1476/1974/G1P[8]). The VP7 gene was located in lineage II that comprised only porcine strains, which suggests the occurrence of independent porcine-to-human reassortment events. The study strain may have collectively been derived through interspecies transmission, or through reassortment event(s) involving strains of porcine and porcine-like human origin. The results of this study underline the importance of whole-genome characterisation of rotavirus strains and provide insights into interspecies transmissions from porcine to humans.

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-165
Author(s):  
Soichiro Asuke ◽  
Masaki Tanaka ◽  
Gang-Su Hyon ◽  
Yoshihiro Inoue ◽  
Trinh Thi Phuong Vy ◽  
...  

Eleusine isolates (members of the Eleusine pathotype) of Pyricularia oryzae are divided into two subgroups, EC-I and EC-II, differentiated by molecular markers. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis revealed that these subgroups are very close to Eragrostis isolates. EC-II and Eragrostis isolates were exclusively virulent on finger millet and weeping lovegrass, respectively, while EC-I isolates were virulent on both. The avirulence of EC-II on weeping lovegrass was conditioned by an avirulence gene, PWL1. All EC-II isolates shared a peculiar structure (P structure) that was considered to be produced by an insertion (or translocation) of a DNA fragment carrying PWL1. On the other hand, all EC-I and Eragrostis isolates were noncarriers of PWL1 and shared a gene structure that should have predated the insertion of the PWL1-containing fragment. These results, together with phylogenetic analyses using whole-genome sequences, suggest that the Eleusine-specific subgroup (EC-II) evolved through a loss of pathogenicity on weeping lovegrass caused by a gain of PWL1.


A novel coronavirus first broke out in Wuhan, China in December, 2019 has been declared a pandemic by WHO on March, 2020. This work aimed to search for probable ancestor of the virus, phylogeny of 2019-nCoVs and similar SL-CoVs based on the whole genome, M, N, ORF1ab, orf3a, and S gene sequences (n=84) obtained from GenBank using BLASTn software in the NCBI was done. Nucleotides of ORF3a and S-genes among 2019-nCoVs are identical, whereas its similar on the whole genome (99.9-100%), M-gene (99.7-100%), N-gene (99.9-100%) and ORF1ab-gene (99.7-100%). nCoVs are similar to bat CoV/RaTG13 on the whole genome (96.2%), M-gene (95.0%), N-gene (97%), ORF1ab-gene (95.3%), ORF3a-gene (99.1%) and S-gene (90.7%). Likewise, nCoVs exhibited homology to bat-CoVZXC21 on M-gene (93.2%), N-gene (91.5%), ORF1ab-gene (93.1%) and ORF3a-gene (94.4%). The emergent viruses shared identity to bat-CoVZC45 on N-gene (91.3%), ORF1ab-gene (92.8%) and ORF3a-gene (94.0%). In addition, pangolin-CoV/MP789 exhibited common sequences on M-gene (91.0%), N-gene (96.3%) and ORF3a-gene (93.3%) to nCoV. Furthermore, pangolin-CoV/MP789 is analogous to bat CoV/RaTG13 (91.3%) and bat-SL-CoVZXC21 (92.2%) on M-gene and to bat CoV/RaTG13 (94.8%) on N-gene. Nevertheless, nCoVs are distinct from the previously identified SL-CoVs of human origin. The present analysis indicates that nCoVs may have transmitted from bats, pangolin and/or unidentified hosts.


2021 ◽  
Vol 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Neov ◽  
G.P. Vasileva ◽  
G. Radoslavov ◽  
P. Hristov ◽  
D.T.J. Littlewood ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of the study is to test a hypothesis for the phylogenetic relationships among mammalian hymenolepidid tapeworms, based on partial (D1–D3) nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, by estimating new molecular phylogenies for the group based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and nuclear 18S rRNA genes, as well as a combined analysis using all three genes. New sequences of COI and 18S rRNA genes were obtained for Coronacanthus integrus, C. magnihamatus, C. omissus, C. vassilevi, Ditestolepis diaphana, Lineolepis scutigera, Spasskylepis ovaluteri, Staphylocystis tiara, S. furcata, S. uncinata, Vaucherilepis trichophorus and Neoskrjabinolepis sp. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed the major clades identified by Haukisalmi et al. (Zoologica Scripta 39: 631–641, 2010): Ditestolepis clade, Hymenolepis clade, Rodentolepis clade and Arostrilepis clade. While the Ditestolepis clade is associated with soricids, the structure of the other three clades suggests multiple evolutionary events of host switching between shrews and rodents. Two of the present analyses (18S rRNA and COI genes) show that the basal relationships of the four mammalian clades are branching at the same polytomy with several hymenolepidids from birds (both terrestrial and aquatic). This may indicate a rapid radiation of the group, with multiple events of colonizations of mammalian hosts by avian parasites.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1017
Author(s):  
Hirohisa Mekata ◽  
Tomohiro Okagawa ◽  
Satoru Konnai ◽  
Takayuki Miyazawa

Bovine foamy virus (BFV) is a member of the foamy virus family in cattle. Information on the epidemiology, transmission routes, and whole-genome sequences of BFV is still limited. To understand the characteristics of BFV, this study included a molecular survey in Japan and the determination of the whole-genome sequences of 30 BFV isolates. A total of 30 (3.4%, 30/884) cattle were infected with BFV according to PCR analysis. Cattle less than 48 months old were scarcely infected with this virus, and older animals had a significantly higher rate of infection. To reveal the possibility of vertical transmission, we additionally surveyed 77 pairs of dams and 3-month-old calves in a farm already confirmed to have BFV. We confirmed that one of the calves born from a dam with BFV was infected. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that a novel genotype was spread in Japan. In conclusion, the prevalence of BFV in Japan is relatively low and three genotypes, including a novel genotype, are spread in Japan.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Stefania Leopardi ◽  
Pamela Priori ◽  
Barbara Zecchin ◽  
Gianpiero Zamperin ◽  
Adelaide Milani ◽  
...  

Bats are often claimed to be a major source for future viral epidemics, as they are associated with several viruses with zoonotic potential. Here we describe the presence and biodiversity of bats associated with intensive pig farms devoted to the production of heavy pigs in northern Italy. Since chiropters or signs of their presence were not found within animal shelters in our study area, we suggest that fecal viruses with high environmental resistance have the highest likelihood for spillover through indirect transmission. In turn, we investigated the circulation of mammalian orthoreoviruses (MRVs), coronaviruses (CoVs) and astroviruses (AstVs) in pigs and bats sharing the same environment. Results of our preliminary study did not show any bat virus in pigs suggesting that spillover from these animals is rare. However, several AstVs, CoVs and MRVs circulated undetected in pigs. Among those, one MRV was a reassortant strain carrying viral genes likely acquired from bats. On the other hand, we found a swine AstV and a MRV strain carrying swine genes in bat guano, indicating that viral exchange at the bat–pig interface might occur more frequently from pigs to bats rather than the other way around. Considering the indoor farming system as the most common system in the European Union (EU), preventive measures should focus on biosecurity rather than displacement of bats, which are protected throughout the EU and provide critical ecosystem services for rural settings.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Zoltán László ◽  
Péter Pankovics ◽  
Gábor Reuter ◽  
Attila Cságola ◽  
Ádám Bálint ◽  
...  

Most picornaviruses of the family Picornaviridae are relatively well known, but there are certain “neglected” genera like Bopivirus, containing a single uncharacterised sequence (bopivirus A1, KM589358) with very limited background information. In this study, three novel picornaviruses provisionally called ovipi-, gopi- and bopivirus/Hun (MW298057-MW298059) from enteric samples of asymptomatic ovine, caprine and bovine respectively, were determined using RT-PCR and dye-terminator sequencing techniques. These monophyletic viruses share the same type II-like IRES, NPGP-type 2A, similar genome layout (4-3-4) and cre-localisations. Culture attempts of the study viruses, using six different cell lines, yielded no evidence of viral growth in vitro. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses show that bopivirus/Hun of bovine belongs to the species Bopivirus A, while the closely related ovine-origin ovipi- and caprine-origin gopivirus could belong to a novel species “Bopivirus B” in the genus Bopivirus. Epidemiological investigation of N = 269 faecal samples of livestock (ovine, caprine, bovine, swine and rabbit) from different farms in Hungary showed that bopiviruses were most prevalent among <12-month-old ovine, caprine and bovine, but undetectable in swine and rabbit. VP1 capsid-based phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of multiple lineages/genotypes, including closely related ovine/caprine strains, suggesting the possibility of ovine–caprine interspecies transmission of certain bopiviruses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2824-2849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweł Mackiewicz ◽  
Adam Dawid Urantówka ◽  
Aleksandra Kroczak ◽  
Dorota Mackiewicz

Abstract Mitochondrial genes are placed on one molecule, which implies that they should carry consistent phylogenetic information. Following this advantage, we present a well-supported phylogeny based on mitochondrial genomes from almost 300 representatives of Passeriformes, the most numerous and differentiated Aves order. The analyses resolved the phylogenetic position of paraphyletic Basal and Transitional Oscines. Passerida occurred divided into two groups, one containing Paroidea and Sylvioidea, whereas the other, Passeroidea and Muscicapoidea. Analyses of mitogenomes showed four types of rearrangements including a duplicated control region (CR) with adjacent genes. Mapping the presence and absence of duplications onto the phylogenetic tree revealed that the duplication was the ancestral state for passerines and was maintained in early diverged lineages. Next, the duplication could be lost and occurred independently at least four times according to the most parsimonious scenario. In some lineages, two CR copies have been inherited from an ancient duplication and highly diverged, whereas in others, the second copy became similar to the first one due to concerted evolution. The second CR copies accumulated over twice as many substitutions as the first ones. However, the second CRs were not completely eliminated and were retained for a long time, which suggests that both regions can fulfill an important role in mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analyses based on CR sequences subjected to the complex evolution can produce tree topologies inconsistent with real evolutionary relationships between species. Passerines with two CRs showed a higher metabolic rate in relation to their body mass.


2011 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Fuchs ◽  
Neal Larson

Morphologic analyses of a large collection of coleoid cephalopods from the Lebanese Upper Cretaceous yielded a much higher diversity than previously assumed and revealed numerous extraordinarily well-preserved, soft-part characters. An analysis of the Prototeuthidina, a gladius-bearing group with a slender torpedo-shaped body, revealed two species:Dorateuthis syriacaandBoreopeltis smithin. sp. Previously unknown soft-part characters, such as the digestive tract, the gills, and the cephalic cartilage considerably improved our knowledge ofD. syriaca.Since none of the investigated specimens show more than eight arms, similarities with modern squids are regarded as superficial.Boreopeltis smithin. sp. is erected on the basis of its comparatively wideParaplesioteuthis-like gladius. The latter species represents the first unambiguous record of this genus in Upper Cretaceous deposits. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the prototeuthidid clade consists of two lineages. The plesioteuthidid lineage originates from early JurassicParaplesioteuthisand leads toPlesioteuthisandDorateuthis.The other lineage is morphologically more conservative and leads toBoreopeltis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shingo Nishiki ◽  
Kenichi Lee ◽  
Mizue Kanai ◽  
Shu-ichi Nakayama ◽  
Makoto Ohnishi

AbstractJapan has had a substantial increase in syphilis cases since 2013. However, research on the genomic features of the Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (TPA) strains from these cases has been limited. Here, we elucidated the genetic variations and relationships between TPA strains in Japan (detected between 2014 and 2018) and other countries by whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, including syphilis epidemiological surveillance data and information on patient sexual orientation. Seventeen of the 20 strains in Japan were SS14- and the remaining 3 were Nichols-lineage. Sixteen of the 17 SS14-lineage strains were classified into previously reported Sub-lineage 1B. Sub-lineage 1B strains in Japan have formed distinct sub-clusters of strains from heterosexuals and strains from men who have sex with men. These strains were closely related to reported TPA strains in China, forming an East-Asian cluster. However, those strains in these countries evolved independently after diverging from their most recent common ancestor and expanded their genetic diversity during the time of syphilis outbreak in each country. The genetic difference between the TPA strains in these countries was characterized by single-nucleotide-polymorphism analyses of their penicillin binding protein genes. Taken together, our results elucidated the detailed phylogenetic features and transmission networks of syphilis.


Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Golender ◽  
Avi Eldar ◽  
Marcelo Ehrlich ◽  
Yevgeny Khinich ◽  
Gabriel Kenigswald ◽  
...  

Reassortment contributes to the evolution of RNA viruses with segmented genomes, including Bluetongue virus (BTV). Recently, co-circulation of natural and vaccine BTV variants in Europe, and their ensuing reassortment, were proposed to promote appearance of novel European BTV strains, with potential implications for pathogenicity, spread and vaccination policies. Similarly, the geographical features of the Mediterranean basin, which spans over portions of three continents, may facilitate the appearance of clinically relevant reassortants via co-circulation of BTV strains of African, Asian and European origins. In August–October 2017, BTV serotype 6 (BTV-6) was identified in young animals exhibiting classical clinical signs of Bluetongue (BT) at Israeli sheep and cattle farms. Sequencing and pairwise analysis of this Israeli BTV-6 isolate revealed the closest sequence homology of its serotype-defining Segment 2 was with that of South African reference BTV-6 strain 5011 (93.88% identity). In contrast, the other viral segments showed highest homology (97.0%–99.47% identity) with BTV-3, -4 and -9 of Mediterranean and African origins. Specifically, four viral segments were nearly identical (99.13%–99.47%), with Tunisian and Italian BTV-3 strains (TUN2016 and SAD2018, correspondingly). Together, our data suggest that Mediterranean co-circulation and reassortment of BTV-3 and BTV-6 drove the emergence of a novel and virulent BTV-6 strain


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