Molecular inferences suggest multiple host shifts of rabies viruses from bats to mesocarnivores in Arizona during 2001-2009.

摘要: In nature, rabies virus (RABV; genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) represents an assemblage of phylogenetic lineages, associated with specific mammalian host species. Although it is generally accepted that RABV evolved originally in bats and further shifted to carnivores, mechanisms such shifts are poorly understood, examples rarely present surveillance data. Outbreaks carnivores caused by a variant, big brown bats, occurred repeatedly during 2001–2009 the Flagstaff area Arizona. After each outbreak, extensive control campaigns were undertaken, no reports cases for next several years. However, questions remained whether all outbreaks single introduction perpetuation bat carnivore populations, or outbreak was independent virus. Another question concern related adaptive changes genome shifts. To address these questions, we sequenced analyzed 66 complete 20 nearly genomes, including those from other similar RABVs, representatives major lineages circulating North America worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated into populations carnivores. Positive selection confirmed absence post-shift genes. contrast, convergent evolution amino acids N, P, G L proteins, which might be significant pre-adaptation viruses cause effective infection The substitution S/T242 viral glycoprotein particular merit, as suggested pathogenicity Nishigahara strain. Roles acid changes, detected our study, require additional investigations, using reverse genetics approaches.