Unravelling the genomic epidemiology and antigenic evolution of Chandipura virus: A genetically constrained neurotropic threat
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pntd.0014565
- PMID
- —
- PMCID
- —
- OpenAlex
- W7172251242
- Study type
- Genomic study
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
Antigenic variations identified in key viral proteins indicate possible challenges for existing diagnostic assays and immunization platforms, reinforcing the value of continuous genomic tracking for health planning.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
How does the genomic architecture and geographical distribution of Chandipura virus evolve over time, and what are the implications for its neurotropic pathogenicity?
Study design
A retrospective genomic investigation analyzing twenty-three complete viral sequences collected over sixty years, utilizing phylogenetic mapping and molecular selection pressure evaluations.
Population and setting
Sequences originated from human patients in India, sandflies in Senegal and Kenya, and a hedgehog in Nigeria, contextualized with Indian district-level encephalitis records and local vector distributions.
Main findings
Regional phylogenetic clustering separates Indian and African viral lineages while maintaining low overall genetic variation. Adaptive mutations concentrate in structural proteins, particularly within predicted immune recognition zones, whereas the phosphoprotein shows elevated variability under predominant purifying selection.
Public-health relevance
Antigenic variations identified in key viral proteins indicate possible challenges for existing diagnostic assays and immunization platforms, reinforcing the value of continuous genomic tracking for health planning.
Important limitations
Evaluating diversity differences between Indian human samples and African insect-derived samples is hindered by mismatched geographic locations, collection periods, and host types.
GIDS interpretation
The retrospective sequencing effort establishes a historical baseline for viral diversity and antigenic positioning, offering contextual reference points for future monitoring initiatives rather than reflecting current outbreak dynamics.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 10 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.