Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Taxonomy, Genomics, and Evolution

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) primarily maintained in an enzootic cycle between Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) and passerine birds. EEEV, which has the highest reported case- fatality rate among arbovirus in the Americas, is responsible for sporadic outbreaks in the Eastern and Midwest United States. Infection is associated with severe neurologic disease and mortality in horses, humans, and other vertebrate hosts. Here, we review what is known about EEEV taxonomy, functional genomics, and evolution, and identify gaps in knowledge regarding the role of EEEV genetic diversity in transmission and disease.

Automated summary

EEEV, an arthropod-borne virus with the highest case-fatality rate among arbovirus in the Americas, primarily maintained between Culiseta melanura and passerine birds, is responsible for sporadic outbreaks in the Eastern and Midwest United States. It is associated with severe neurologic disease and mortality in horses, humans, and other vertebrate hosts. This review discusses EEEV taxonomy, functional genomics, evolution, and gaps in knowledge regarding its genetic diversity in transmission and disease.