Genetic Variability of West Nile Virus in US Blood Donors, 2002–2005
Author Information
Author(s): Grinev Andriyan, Daniel Sylvester, Stramer Susan, Rossmann Susan, Caglioti Sally, Rios Maria
Primary Institution: Food and Drug Administration
Hypothesis
How has the genetic variability of West Nile Virus changed in US blood donors from 2002 to 2005?
Conclusion
The study found that West Nile Virus has continued to diverge from precursor isolates as its geographic distribution has expanded, with a small increase in genetic diversity over the years.
Supporting Evidence
- West Nile virus was first detected in the US in 1999 and has become endemic.
- Transfusion transmission of WNV was documented in 2002.
- Genetic diversity in WNV isolates was observed from different geographic regions.
- Nucleotide divergence of structural genes increased from 0.18% in 2002 to 0.37% in 2005.
- 80% of nucleotide changes in structural regions were transitions and 75% were silent mutations.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at blood samples from people infected with West Nile Virus and found that the virus is changing a little bit over time as it spreads across the country.
Methodology
The study analyzed complete genomic sequences of 8 isolates and structural gene sequences from 22 additional isolates obtained from 30 infected blood donors.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small number of fully sequenced isolates and the potential for mutations during viral isolation.
Participant Demographics
Blood donors from 13 states in the continental United States.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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