Phylogenetic Analysis of North American West Nile Virus Isolates, 2001–2004: Evidence for the Emergence of a Dominant Genotype

Authors

• C. Todd Davis, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX
• Gregory D. Ebel, The University at Albany, State University of New York, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY
• Robert S. Lanciotti, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Services, US Department of Health and Human Services, PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
• Aaron C. Brault, University of California, Davis, CA
• Hilda Guzman, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX
• Marina Siirin, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX
• Amy Lambert, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Services, US Department of Health and Human Services, PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
• Ray E. Parsons, Mosquito Control Division, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Bldg. D, Houston, TX
• David W.C. Beasley, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX
• Robert J. Novak, Illinois Natural History Survey, Champagne, IL
• Darwin Elizondo-Quiroga, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de Los Garza, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
• Emily N. Green, University of California, Davis, CA
• David S. Young, The University at Albany, State University of New York, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY
• Lillian M. Stark, Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories-Tampa, 3602 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
• Michael A. Drebot, Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Harvey Artsob, Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Robert B. Tesh, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX
• Laura D. Kramer, The University at Albany, State University of New York, 5668 State Farm Road, Slingerlands, NY
• Alan D.T. Barrett, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX

Date of this Version

2005

Comments

Published in Virology 342 (2005) 252 – 265.

Abstract

The distribution of West Nile virus has expanded in the past 6 years to include the 48 contiguous United States and seven Canadian provinces, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and Colombia. The suggestion of the emergence of a dominant genetic variant has led to an intensive analysis of isolates made across North America. We have sequenced the premembrane and envelope genes of 74 isolates and the complete genomes of 25 isolates in order to determine if a dominant genotype has arisen and to better understand how the virus has evolved as its distribution has expanded. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the continued presence of genetic variants that group in a temporally and geographically dependent manner and provide evidence that a dominant variant has emerged across much of North America. The implications of these findings are discussed as they relate to transmission and spread of the virus in the Western Hemisphere.