Genetic and phylodynamics diversity of emerging and re-emerging arboviruses (DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV) in the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil, 2014-2016

Abstract

Viruses transmitted by arthropods (arboviruses) are responsible for emerging and reemerging infectious diseases in different areas of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Among these viruses, we could highlight those belonging to the Flaviviridae and Togaviridae families, which may cause clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infection, acute febrile to disease viral haemorrhagic fever and encephalitis. In Brazil, the virus that stand out are the Dengue virus (DENV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), the last two first identified in 2014 and 2015 respectively, causing severe Public Health problems, especially in the Northeast region of Brazil. However, the processes that shape patterns of transmission in urban scales are unknown for these viruses, particularly the impact of factors such as the movement of the human population and urbanization. Elucidating the spread of emerging and reemerging arboviruses in Brazil in time and space is central to understanding of its epidemiology. In this context, this study aims to understand the dynamics of urban spread of emerging and re-emerging arbovirus (DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV) in the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil (states of Sergipe and São Paulo), and identify the demographics and socioeconomic factors associated with the dynamics of viral movement that can provide new opportunities for control and intervention strategies.