Genetic diversity of Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus in Western Asia

Abstract

Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever, caused by Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (ALKV), is an arboviral infection which is further expanding in tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Asia. A number of Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (ALKV) strains have been isolated from clinical cases representing Saudi Arabia and Egypt; however, the phylogenetic relationship of these particular isolates to those reported previously elsewhere in the world remains elusive. Based on the analysis of the envelope (E), and non-structural gene (NS3 and NS5), the phylogenetic and PASC analysis revealed the circulation of three sub-lineages (I-III) suggesting a continuous evolution. Also, the comparative genome analysis revealed the envelope gene to be a reliable genetic marker to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of discrete strains of ALKV.

Keywords: Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus; Genetic diversity; Kyasanur forest disease virus; Molecular epidemiology; Phylogenetic analysis.