Complete genome sequence of Xishuangbanna flavivirus, a novel mosquito-specific flavivirus from China

A new flavivirus, Xishuangbanna flavivirus (XFV), infecting Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Yunnan Province, China, was isolated and sequenced. The single-stranded RNA genome of 10,884 nt contained two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding the polyprotein and FIFO. The genome had a maximum nucleotide sequence identity of 65 % to Parramatta River virus with coverage of only 27 %. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this virus is most closely related to recognized classical insect-specific flaviviruses (cISF) and most likely has a similar host range. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that XFV is a new member of the genus Flavivirus.