Global phylodynamics of Echovirus 30 revealed differential behavior among viral lineages

Abstract

Echovirus 30 (E30) is an important causative agent of aseptic meningitis worldwide. Despite this, the global and regional dispersion patterns, especially in South America, are still largely unknown. We performed an in-depth analysis of global E30 population dynamics, by using the VP1 sequences of 79 strains isolated in Argentina, between 1998 and 2012, and 856 sequences from GenBank. Furthermore, the 3Dpol regions of 329 sequences were analyzed to study potential recombination events. E30 evolution was characterized by co-circulation and continuous replacement of lineages over time, where four lineages appear to circulate at present and another four lineages appear to have stopped circulating. Five lineages showed a global distribution, whereas three other lineages had a more restricted circulation pattern. Strains isolated in South America belong to lineages E and F. Analysis of the 3Dpol region of Argentinean strains indicated that recombination events occurred in both lineages.