Neuroinvasion by Chandipura virus

Phylogenetic Analysis of Chandipura virus: Insights from a Preliminary Genomic Study

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an arthropod-borne virus linked to encephalitis in humans, primarily in India. Its evolutionary dynamics and transmission pathways remain poorly understood due to limited genomic data. This study analyzed 23 publicly available CHPV genomes, including isolates from humans, sandflies, and a hedgehog, retrieved from GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to explore host-specific and geographic evolutionary patterns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct evolutionary lineages. Human-derived genomes collected in India between 2003 and 2024 formed a well-supported monophyletic clade, suggesting a unique evolutionary lineage. In contrast, sandfly-derived genomes exhibited diverse clustering patterns. Notably, Kenyan sandfly isolates from 2016-2017 were phylogenetically closer to human-derived sequences, suggesting possible shared evolutionary pressures. These findings provide preliminary insights into CHPV evolution and emphasize the need for enhanced genomic surveillance in both human and non-human populations. Expanding genomic data is essential to validate these observations and inform public health strategies.

A real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection and quantification of Vesiculovirus

Vesiculoviruses (VSV) are zoonotic viruses that cause vesicular stomatitis disease in cattle, horses and pigs, as well as sporadic human cases of acute febrile illness. Therefore, diagnosis of VSV infections by reliable laboratory techniques is important to allow a proper case management and implementation of strategies for the containment of virus spread. We show here a sensitive and reproducible real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection and quantification of VSV. The assay was evaluated with arthropods and serum samples obtained from horses, cattle and patients with acute febrile disease. The real-time RT-PCR amplified the Piry, Carajas, Alagoas and Indiana Vesiculovirus at a melting temperature 81.02 ± 0.8ºC, and the sensitivity of assay was estimated in 10 RNA copies/mL to the Piry Vesiculovirus. The viral genome has been detected in samples of horses and cattle, but not detected in human sera or arthropods. Thus, this assay allows a preliminary differential diagnosis of VSV infections.