Genetic and biological characterization of selected Changuinola viruses (Reoviridae, Orbivirus) from Brazil

Citation

Silva SP, Dilcher M, Weber F, Hufert FT, Weidmann M, Cardoso JF, Carvalho VL, Chang JO, Martins LC, Lima CPS, Silva DEA, Vianez-Junior JLSG, Popov VL, Travassos da Rosa APA, Tesh RB, Vasconcelos PFC & Nunes MRT (2014) Genetic and biological characterization of selected Changuinola viruses (Reoviridae, Orbivirus) from Brazil. Journal of General Virology, 95 (10), pp. 2251-2259. https://doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.064691-0

Abstract
The Orbivirus genus of the family Reoviridae is comprised of 22 virus species including the Changuinola virus (CGLV) serogroup. The complete genome sequences of 13 CGLV serotypes isolated between 1961 and 1988 from distinct geographic areas of the Brazilian Amazon region were obtained. All viral sequences were obtained from single-passaged CGLV strains grown in Vero cells. CGLVs are the only orbiviruses known to be transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Ultrastructure and molecular analyses by electron microscopy and gel electrophoresis, respectively revealed viral particles with typical orbivirus size and morphology, as well as the presence of a segmented genome with 10 segments. Full-length nucleotide sequencing of each of the ten RNA segments of the 13 CGLV serotypes provided basic information regarding the genome organization, encoded proteins and genetic traits. Segment 2 (encoding VP2) of the CGLV is uncommonly larger in comparison to those found in other orbiviruses and shows varying sizes even among different CGLV serotypes. Phylogenetic analyses support previous serologic findings, which indicated that CGLV constitutes a separate serogroup within the genus Orbivirus. In addition, 6 out of 13 analyzed CGLV serotypes show reassortment of their genome segments.

Keywords
Arboviruses; Changuinola virus; Orbivirus; reoviridae

Journal
Journal of General Virology: Volume 95, Issue 10