title: Genomic diversity and evolution of the lyssaviruses.
abstract: Lyssaviruses are RNA viruses with single-strand, negative-sense genomes responsible for rabies-like diseases in mammals. To date, genomic and evolutionary studies have most often utilized partial genome sequences, particularly of the nucleoprotein and glycoprotein genes, with little consideration of genome-scale evolution. Herein, we report the first genomic and evolutionary analysis using complete genome sequences of all recognised lyssavirus genotypes, including 14 new complete genomes of field isolates from 6 genotypes and one genotype that is completely sequenced for the first time. In doing so we significantly increase the extent of genome sequence data available for these important viruses. Our analysis of these genome sequence data reveals that all lyssaviruses have the same genomic organization. A phylogenetic analysis reveals strong geographical structuring, with the greatest genetic diversity in Africa, and an independent origin for the two known genotypes that infect European bats. We also suggest that multiple genotypes may exist within the diversity of viruses currently classified as 'Lagos Bat'. In sum, we show that rigorous phylogenetic techniques based on full length genome sequence provide the best discriminatory power for genotype classification within the lyssaviruses.
authors.affiliation: Institut Pasteur, UPRE Lyssavirus Dynamics and Host Adaptation, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Delmas
authors.forename: Edward C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: Chiraz
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Talbi
authors.forename: Florence
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Larrous
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dacheux
authors.forename: Christiane
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bouchier
authors.forename: Hervé
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bourhy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001482:Base Composition / Q000235:genetics; D001483:Base Sequence; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016679:Genome, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D018114:Lyssavirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016366:Open Reading Frames / Q000235:genetics; D010802:Phylogeny; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid