Sequence-based evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses of circulating non-polio enteroviruses reveal temporal and geographic differences in circulation, gaps in sequence coverage, and recombination.
The review highlights temporal and geographic differences in enterovirus circulation, gaps in sequence coverage, and evidence for recombination as a mechanism of genomic diversification.
Enteroviruses (EVs) are positive-sense RNA viruses, with over 50,000 nucleotide sequences publicly available. While most human infections are typically associated with mild respiratory symptoms, several different EV types have also been associated with severe human disease, especially acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), particularly with endemic members of the EV-B species and two pandemic types-EV-A71 and EV-D68-that appear to be responsible for recent widespread outbreaks. Here we review the recent literature on the prevalence, characteristics, and circulation dynamics of different enterovirus types and combine this with an analysis of the sequence coverage of different EV types in public databases (e.g., the Virus Pathogen Resource). This evaluation reveals temporal and geographic differences in EV circulation and sequence distribution, highlighting recent EV outbreaks and revealing gaps in sequence coverage. Phylogenetic analysis of the EV genus shows the relatedness of different EV types. Recombination analysis of the EV-A species provides evidence for recombination as a mechanism of genomic diversification. The absence of broadly protective vaccines and effective antivirals makes human enteroviruses important pathogens of public health concern.
Brown et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Non-Polio Enterovirus Infection. Sequence-based evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses of circulating non-polio enteroviruses reveal temporal and geographic differences in circulation, gaps in sequence coverage, and recombination.