Molecular characterization of dengue viruses imported into Taiwan during 2003-2007: geographic distribution and genotype shift.
We presented our surveillance results on imported dengue cases in Taiwan during 2003-2007. A total of 542 imported dengue patients were identified. The travelers were infected in 17 countries in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East African islands, South Pacific islands, and Central America. Most of these imported cases were infected in Southeast Asian countries. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to examine 288 imported dengue virus (DENV) strains introduced from 13 countries. The results provide an updated view on the geographic distribution and dynamic transmission of epidemic DENV stains circulated in Southeast Asian countries. Although the geographic distributions of genotypes of DENV-3 isolated from Southeast Asian countries remain unchanged, the introductions and local expansions of epidemic DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-4 strains into new areas in Asia were observed. These findings highlight the importance to strengthen laboratory-based dengue surveillance for better understanding of transmission dynamics and molecular evolution of DENVs.
Shu
Pei-Yun
PY
Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Su
Chien-Ling
CL
Liao
Tsai-Ling
TL
Yang
Cheng-Fen
CF
Chang
Shu-Fen
SF
Lin
Chien-Chou
CC
Chang
Mei-Chun
MC
Hu
Huai-Chin
HC
Huang
Jyh-Hsiung
JH
D003715:Dengue / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D003716:Dengue Virus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors