The causes and consequences of genetic variation in dengue virus.
Despite the fact that dengue is one of the most prevalent viral infections of humans, the mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis remain uncertain. Evolutionary studies of dengue virus have revealed that its genetic diversity is increasing. This, coupled with evidence that viral strains could naturally differ in virulence, suggests that in the future we might be exposed to viruses with an expanded range of pathogenic properties.
Holmes
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Dept of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK. edward.holmes@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Burch
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D003715:Dengue / Q000821:virology*; D003716:Dengue Virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D014774:Virulence