Adaptive Evolution of New Variants of Dengue Virus Serotype 1 Genotype V Circulating in the Brazilian Amazon

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne viral pathogen that plagues many tropical-climate nations around the world, including Brazil. Molecular epidemiology is a growing and increasingly invaluable tool for understanding the dispersal, persistence, and diversity of this impactful virus. In this study, plasma samples (n = 824) from individuals with symptoms consistent with an arboviral febrile illness were analyzed to identity the molecular epidemiological dynamics of DENV circulating in the Brazilian state of Amapa. Twelve DENV type 1 (DENV-1) genomes were identified, which were phylogenetically related to the BR4 lineage of genotype V. Phylodynamics analysis suggested that DENV-1 BR-4 was introduced into Amapa around early 2010, possibly from other states in northern Brazil. We also found unique amino acids substitutions in the DENV-1 envelope and NS5 protein sequences in the Amapa isolates. Characterization of the DENV-1 BR-4 sequences highlights the potential of this new lineage to drive outbreaks of dengue in the Amazon region.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the molecular epidemiological dynamics of DENV circulating in the Brazilian state of Amapa, identifying DENV-1 BR4 lineage introduced possibly from other states in northern Brazil around early 2010. Unique amino acid substitutions were found in the DENV-1 isolates from Amapa, indicating the potential of this new lineage to drive outbreaks of dengue in the Amazon region.