Extensive nucleotide changes and deletions within the envelope glycoprotein gene of Euro-African West Nile viruses

摘要: We compared the sequence of an envelope protein gene fragment from 21 temporally distinct West Nile (WN) virus strains, isolated in nine African countries and France. Alignment nucleotide sequences defined two groups viruses which diverged by up to 29%. The first group subtypes is composed WN strains France Africa. Austral-Asian Kunjin was classified as a subtype this group. second includes 12 Africa Madagascar. Four harboured in-frame deletion. loss corresponding four amino acids resulted potential glycosylation site present several strains. distribution into lineages did not correlate with host preference or geographical origin. isolation closely related distant consistent being disseminated migrating birds.